vegasnitro
Nitro Member
100 years ago today, Fred Merkle committed the most famous error in baseball history until the ball rolled thru Buckner's legs. Fred Merkle played for the New York Giants and was a solid player. They were playing the Chicago Cubs. The game was tied at 2 in the bottom of the ninth with 2 outs and Merkle was on first base with a runner on third. A fellow Giant got a base hit and the fans rushed the field thinking the winning run had come in from third but Merkle never touched second base, also thinking the game was over. Legendary Cubs shortstop Johnny Evers (of Tinkers to Evers to Chance fame) noticed this and retrieved the game ball from the outfield and touched second base. Merkle was ruled out, and since it was a force out, it negated the run. Since all of the fans were on the field, the umpires decided the game would end in a tie. The play has been forever known as "The Merkle Boner".
Why is this important? That tie resulted in the Giants and Cubs being tied for the NL Pennant. They played a one game playoff, which the Cubs duly won and went on to win the World Series ... which they have not ever won since. So when the Cubs begin their playoff run in a week or so, and everyone talks up the 100 year anniversary, remember Fred Merkle and his baserunning error was the reason they won that Championship 100 years ago ....
Why is this important? That tie resulted in the Giants and Cubs being tied for the NL Pennant. They played a one game playoff, which the Cubs duly won and went on to win the World Series ... which they have not ever won since. So when the Cubs begin their playoff run in a week or so, and everyone talks up the 100 year anniversary, remember Fred Merkle and his baserunning error was the reason they won that Championship 100 years ago ....
