The World Series’ Foulest Balls
A look back at America’s favorite pastime: doing stupid things in and around baseball stadiums.
1920
Brooklyn Dodgers vs. Cleveland Indians
Hall of Fame pitcher Rube Marquard was arrested before Game 4 of the World Series for scalping six tickets for $350. He was slapped with a whopping fine of $3.80! And in case you think he got off easy, that would be $40 in today’s money.
1933
New York Giants vs. Washington Senators
Senators left fielder Heinie Manush ended an argument with umpire Charley Moran by grabbing Moran’s elastic-band bow tie and snapping it back at the ump’s neck. Moran tossed him, but not before Manush responded, “Nyuk, nyuk, nyuk!”
1961
Cincinnati Reds vs.New York Yankees
As it was the height of the Cold War, Pennsylvania Supreme Court justice Michael Musmanno sent a letter to Reds manager Fred Hutchinson pleading with him to change his team’s name, worried what a headline like “Reds Defeat Yanks!” might do to national morale. No worries: The Yanks beat the Commie bastards.
1985
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Kansas City Royals
With the Cards up three games to two and leading in the ninth inning, umpire Don Denkinger botched a call at first base, allowing the Royals to come back and tie the series. Then, in Game 7, Denkinger tossed Cards’ ace Joaquin Andujar for arguing calls. Andujar, per league regulations, destroyed a clubhouse toilet in response.
1990
Cincinnati Reds vs. Oakland A’s
What with the Nazi memorabilia, homophobia, and boozing, Reds owner Marge Schott wasn’t exactly known for her sharp mind. Before Game 2, Schott raised the bar by dedicating the game to U.S. troops in the “Middle West.” Get home safe…from Kansas, brave soldiers.
1992
Atlanta Braves vs. Toronto Blue Jays
With America and Canada facing off for the first time in the fall classic, the U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard made a funny by carrying the Canadian flag upside down. When the series returned to Toronto, maple-syrup-swilling vendors did brisk business selling fans “upside down” versions of old glory. Pretty original, eh?
2000
New York Yankees vs. New York Mets
Like Buffy the Vampire Slayer letting loose on a vampire batter, Yankees ace Roger Clemens hurled a jagged shard of Mike Piazza’s bat at him in a display of what was definitely not a case of ’roid rage. Because the Rocket never juiced. Are we clear on this?
2009
New York Yankees vs. Philadelphia Phillies
In a rousing show of home-team love, The Philadelphia Inquirer ran a full-page ad screaming, “Congratulations, Phillies! Back-to-Back Champs.” Problem was, the Phils lost. Inquirer staffers apparently missed “climax control” condom day at Citizens Bank Park.
