How the Greatest Home Run Ever Hit Sparked the 1988 Dodgers to Game One Victory and an Improbable World Series Title

When Los Angeles Dodgers pinch-hitter Kirk Gibson limped to the plate during Game One of the 1988 World Series, one thing was certain: victory depended upon him.

Trailing 4-3 in the bottom of the ninth inning, Gibson was in an impossible situation. His two injured legs had kept him out of the starting lineup, forcing him to soak in ice as the game slipped out of reach. Now, here he was facing one of the greatest pitchers ever, cold to the touch and barely able to swing.

 After six minutes of dueling with Oakland flame thrower Dennis Eckersley, Gibson received the pitch he wanted. Unable to stride forward off his back foot or land on his front foot without pain, he muscled a drive over the right-field fence for the game-winning home run, sending fans into pandemonium. With one swing, the Dodgers won Game One, 5-4, and eventually the World Series, due largely to Gibson’s inspirational blast. As he limped around the bases, one thing was clear: Gibson would not play again.

Game Won is the story of Game One, a thriller that set the tone for a five-game series that saw the weak-hitting Dodgers nearly sweep the powerful Oakland A’s. Featuring interviews with players, managers, coaches, fans, a broadcaster, and the man standing on second base when Gibson homered, Game Won captures the spirit of the Series, one of the great come-from-behind World Series games ever played—and the greatest home run ever hit.

by Steven K Wagner
Page Count: 184
Trim Size: 6 x 9
Publish Date: July 19, 2021
Imprint: Sunbury Press
Genre: History

SPORTS & RECREATION / Baseball / History
BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Sports
HISTORY / United States / State & Local / California