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Hall of Fame baseball writer Hal McCoy has retired from the Dayton Daily News after covering the Cincinnati Reds for 37 years. Hal's blog, though, will continue to be a must-read for Reds fans. He'll share his thoughts on the team this season and will file updates from Great American Ball Park. You also can catch Hal in print every Sunday in his popular Ask Hal columnHome > Blogs > The Real McCoy | Cincinnati Reds baseball news > Archives > 2009 > July > 23 > Entry
My five top baseball moments
Apologies for the lateness of today’s blog. I was traveling all day from Los Angeles (LA fans tried to keep the Reds in town). When I got to Chicago, I started watching the White Sox game and couldn’t quit.
As you know, Mark Buehrle pitched a perfect game. And did you see who made that catch over the wall to preserve Buehrle’s perfect game, no-hitter and shutout? DeWayne Wise - former Reds minor-league outfielder.
I remember covering Tom Browning’s perfect game. Rain delayed the start until 10 p.m. and the quick-working Browning finished off the Dodgers (once upon a time the Reds could beat the Dodgers) in less than two hours and the game finished around midnight, right on my deadline.
I wrote my story in about seven minutes.
Because of the delay, Riverfront Stadium was nearly empty, but Browning said recently, “If everybody who told me they were at the game that night were really at the game there would have been 500,000 people in the stands.”
What most people don’t know is that LA’s Tim Belcher took a no-hitter into the sixth inning. Belcher later pitched for the Reds and is one of my all-time favorites.
A couple of times after he pitched bad games, he was not in the clubhouse after the game. But he left quotes for the writers. On his locker, he taped a sheet of paper with answers to 10 questions he thought we would ask.
Belcher was one of many (well, all of them) Reds who hated it when former owner Marge Schott took her St. Bernard onto the field before games. More often than not, Schottzie left some droppings - once at shortstop and once in right field. When the writers wrote that the players were upset that even though the stuff was scooped up by the grounds crew, it left a smelly spot, Schott banned some of us from the media dining room. Belcher sent a pizza to the pressbox with a note, “For writing the scoop.”
Seeing Buerhle’s perfecto and seeing what Manny Ramirez did Wednesday got me to thinking. What are my Top Five Moments in covering baseball for 37 years?
Ramirez makes the top five. Unbelievable. He didn’t start because his hand was sore from getting hit by a Homer Bailey pitch Tuesday night. (Why didn’t Bailey hit him harder?)
So with the bases loaded and one out in the sixth, tie game, Ramirez comes out of the dugout. I have never heard a louder stadium … ever. Then on the first pitch, he hits a grand slam. I have never heard a louder stadium … ever. The fans went stark-raving bonkers. To add to the drama, it was Manny Ramirez Bobblehead Night.
Did you catch Ramirez when he returned to the dugout? He shook his head back and forth like a bobblehead doll.
So that’s No. 5 on his list.
No. 4 - LA’s Kirk Gibson hitting the dramatic pinch-hit home run in the 1988 World Series off Oakland’s Dennis Eckersley at Dodger Stadium. Gibson did not start because of a bad leg, but Tommy Lasorda sent him up to pinch-hit in the bottom of the ninth with two outs and a runner on second, LA down, 4-3. Gibson homered on a 3-and-2 pitch. When he hit the home run, he dragged his leg around the bases, pumping his fist all the way.
No. 3 - Carlton Fisk’s game-winning home run against the Reds in the 12th inning of Game 6 in the 1975 World Series. That moment is replayed so much that I think a lot of fans believe the Red Sox won the World Series on that swing. Not so. The Reds won Game 7. But the photo of Fisk, standing at home plate motioning the ball to stay fair, is one of baseball’s most famous. The ball hit the Fenway Park foul pole above the Green Monster in left field.
No. 2 - Tom Browning striking out Tracy Woodson on a called strike three to complete his perfect game. Does Browning still have that ball? “Naw, it was sitting on my mantel and my kids took it outside to play with it and lost it down a sewer,” said Browning.
No. 1 - Pete Rose’s hit off San Diego’s Eric Show that passed Ty Cobb to become the all-time hits leader (4,192 at the time). There is no cheering in the pressbox, but everybody in the box that night stood and applauded, me included.
Former Chicago sports writer Jerome Holtzman wrote a fantastic book entitled, “No Cheering in the Pressbox.” There was a day long after the book came out when a writer sat next to Holtzman in the pressbox when he covered the White Sox in the playoffs. Holtzman was outwardly cheering for the Chisox.
The guy seated next to him said, “Jerome, didn’t you write a book called No Cheering in the Pressbox?” Said Holtzman, “Well, the boys need my support.”
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By John
March 14, 2011 4:24 PM | Link to this
Hal, My family are heading to Florida in two weeks and I want to know if the Reds are on XM/Sirius satelitte radio?
By John
March 14, 2011 4:24 PM | Link to this
Hal, My family are heading to Florida in two weeks and I want to know if the Reds are on XM/Sirius satelitte radio?
By MAC
July 26, 2009 8:41 AM | Link to this
5. Attended Johnny Bench day @ Riverfront. #4. 76 WS win & Bench winning MVP. #3. First time I got Bench’s autograph as a kid after a home game. #2. Watching my 7 yr-old get Barry Larkin’s autograph - his first. #1. Taking my son to his 1st Reds game & watching his eyes light up as we walked across the concourse and the field came into view. Prior to the game, he was able to go onto the field, run around the bases and go into the dugout and w/ Marge and Schotzy? The dog could have crapped everywhere; it wouldn’t have bothered me a bit. Right or Wrong, I still love Marge for that!
By steve
July 25, 2009 12:54 PM | Link to this
5 greatest reds memories: the 9th inning of game 5 in 1972 playoffs. Bench homer to tie it and the wild pitch to Hal Macrea to score Foster. the 7th game of the 1975 playoffs, perez taking lee downtown and out of state on a blooper pitch and the win. The 1990 world series the 1976 world series, sweeping the yanks. watching George Foster hitting homeruns what seemed to be every day even though it was just below a 3rd of the season.
By Cait
July 24, 2009 11:56 PM | Link to this
Lots of great moments. I was lucky enough to grow up in the 70s and learned to love baseball and the Reds watching the Big Red Machine. I’ll add two more great memories… I list it because it was one that I was actually in the stadium to witness them: The day the Reds clinched the playoffs in 1990. There was a rain delay, but no one in the stands left. When the result of, I think it was the Dodgers game, was put up on the scoreboard, the stadium and Reds players went crazy. Several players went skidding on the wet tarp across the infield. In the stands we were hugging total strangers! The other was Ryan Freel laying out parallel to the ground to snare a liner into the gap off Albert Puljols’s bat a few years ago. It’s the greatest catch I’ve ever seen. Fans gave him at least a 5 minute standing O. Even Tony LaRussa clapped. Incredible! Thanks for the memories, Hal.
By stlredsfan
July 24, 2009 7:24 PM | Link to this
Chris, great minds think alike. Can’t stand Thom B. Most unbearable announcer I’ve ever listened to. His voice and ridiculous laugh sounds like it is straight out of Anchorman.
By Jack
July 24, 2009 5:54 PM | Link to this
I know I am probably in the great minority, but do not like Mr. Know It All Thom B. either. Jerry-ease up a little. Dumb-a*s is a slang, so any spelling is okay…
By Chris
July 24, 2009 5:00 PM | Link to this
I’ve been a Reds fan for too many years to try and pick out 5 greatest moments. I have one greatest moment for the future though, that is when Thom Brenneman goes back to Arizona. There have been 5 “absolutely crucial” at-bats during todays game. Please go find a college football game to call. Absolutely unlistenable.
By Jerry
July 24, 2009 4:10 PM | Link to this
Hey Goose, “dumbasses”? Well, what would you call some one who doesn’t know “dumb asses” is two words?
By Jack
July 24, 2009 3:40 PM | Link to this
I think Dusty finally figured out Dickerson has to leadoff when he is playing because he is scared s_less when there are men on base. Things Dusty has not figured out, Wily, Dickerson, EE, Gonzo have absolutely no business starting in the major leagues. He has to play the hand he has been dealt, so perhaps the better argument is why has Jocketty not brought up any talent to replace these never beens? Are the Reds actually trying to win? Would they rather be sellers than buyers?
By Mark in Sun Valley
July 24, 2009 2:35 PM | Link to this
Cards get Matt Holiday, Reds get Alex Gonzalez back. Don’t think that will make up the gap.
By joe
July 24, 2009 2:11 PM | Link to this
I think Pokey Reese and Felipe Lopez left a few droppings at shortstop too.
By joe
July 24, 2009 2:10 PM | Link to this
I think Pokey Reese and Felipe Lopez left a few droppings at shortstop too.
By jb
July 24, 2009 2:09 PM | Link to this
I was to young to remember this,but wasn’t there was a brawl Eric Davis and Ray Knight at 3rd base?
By John
July 24, 2009 1:52 PM | Link to this
“Benzinger backing and calling…and the 1990 World Championship belongs to the Cincinnati Reds!” “And it is SWUNG ON AND MISSED! And Tom Browning has pitched a perfect game!” Kirk Gibson’s homer. Chris Sabo pinch running and immediately stealing a base in the 1988 All-Star game at Riverfront. Billy Bates outrunning a cheetah.
By joshuar9476
July 24, 2009 1:09 PM | Link to this
i was at the game whe paul wilson (i think it was wilson) and the cubs pitcher started the brawl on the pitchers mound. it was classic.
By greatest3rdbasemanever
July 24, 2009 12:42 PM | Link to this
My favorite baseball memory was the first game Chris Sabo came trotting out to 3rd base in his Rec Specs…It is a day I shall cherish forever!
By Steve F
July 24, 2009 12:35 PM | Link to this
I was 13 sitting with my dad in section 343 row 18 at the 5th game 72’playoffs. In the ninth Bench hit one foul to left field up in the red seats near where we were. I remember thinking if only he kept it fair. Then he hits a home run to right field…my best Reds moment ever.
By Mark in Sun Valley
July 24, 2009 12:05 PM | Link to this
That 1973 Pete Rose Playoff Home Run was pretty sweet as well. Lets hope for TB and other younger posters’ sake this organization gets it together and starts building some new memorable moments. There’s a lot of work to do and a lot of changes that need to be made.
By rpbanzai
July 24, 2009 12:03 PM | Link to this
Seeing Jeff Branson steal home in the 1995 NLCS is up there in my top 5 Reds moments I’ve witnessed. The stadium went absolutely bonkers. I remember reading an interview with the batter (Thomas Howard I believe), and he said he had no idea Branson was coming home. Fortunately, he didn’t swing, or Jeff could have had his head knocked into Newport, KY.
By Doco
July 24, 2009 11:27 AM | Link to this
That’s good to know about the Fosse thing. I always thought the hit was pretty tame and got a bad rap. I was born in the late 70s and was just starting to really follow sports in the late 80s. Davis’ home run off Stewart is the best Reds moment I’ve ever seen live. All the anticipation and trepidation of the beginning of the World Series, wondering if your team can compeat with the big bad steroid A’s. Still sitting on the edge of your seat, and Davis just punches their baddest pitcher right in the mouth! Still gives me goosebumps.
By max
July 24, 2009 10:58 AM | Link to this
Sorry Hal, that was hitting below the belt. I wanted to tell you I am immersed in a recent book in the American Writers series featuring A.J. Liebling. It has about five of his classics, including “The Sweet Science”. Too bad Liebling didn’t write much on baseball, his specialties being the horses and boxing. It’s great having that much Lieblilng, hard to find books, in one spot. The only drawback being it’s not the most convenient fonts and such, being a bit small for an old guy like me. In my book, Liebling could step in for Shakespeare in the second game of a double header and there would only be a slight drop-off. The book is helping me get through this dreadful month of the Reds collapse, the sense of impending despair that now accompanies the opening of Bengal’s training camp and Watson bogeying the 72nd hole as the ghosts of Ben Hogan and Harry Vardon scurry off into Scottish heath having escaped the ultimate bullet.
By MAX
July 24, 2009 10:51 AM | Link to this
What about Johnny Van Der Meer’s back to back no hitters? Did you have the weekend off?
By Mike
July 24, 2009 10:29 AM | Link to this
Goose and Reggie, thanks. I’m a pretty big Reds fan born after the ‘70 all-star game and I always understood that it had effectively ended Fosse’s career.
By Mark in Sun Valley
July 24, 2009 10:16 AM | Link to this
Great stuff Hal. I was at the game Wednesday in LA, I have to agree, it would certainly be in my top 5. I was at the Rose/Fosse All-Star Collision and the Seaver no-no as well. I’d throw in game 3 of the 75 series and the famous Armbrister bunt, and the final game at Crosley Field. Johnny Bench and Lee May going back to back late to send the old girl out a winner 5-4. But my best moment has to be Opening Day ‘74. I had skipped school to get to the game and was running late. Went through the turnstiles and ran to the railing to watch. I got there just in time to see Hank Aaron’s 714. Fantastic!
By TB
July 24, 2009 9:37 AM | Link to this
Wow some great moments in recent Reds’ history on this blog and comments page. I was born 1988 so most of these are before my time as a Reds’ fan. I hope that in my lifetime the Reds will have a decade where they were as dominant as they were in the 1970s and provide some great memories along the way.
By Mr. Redlegs (Original)
July 24, 2009 9:24 AM | Link to this
My favorite Reds moment was when Marge sold the team. Who was to know Carl Lindner was a bigger cheapskate and the reason the organization is still in its present condition?
By Tim
July 24, 2009 9:02 AM | Link to this
Tony Perez’s home run off Bill Lee in the 7th inning of game 7 against the Red Sox was huge! The Reds were down 3-0 and eventually won the game on Morgan’s hit in the 9th.
By Hank
July 24, 2009 9:00 AM | Link to this
To elaborate on what Reggie J. and the Goose say about Ray Fosse’s career. According to Wikipedia, on June 5, 1974, “he suffered a crushed disk in his neck trying to break up a clubhouse fight between Reggie Jackson and Billy North”. His statistical history, as listed on baseball-reference.com seems to confirm this: between 1970 and 1973, he played in 120, 133, 134, and 143 games. After the incident in 1974, he never played in more than 90 games a season.
By Mike-Cinci
July 24, 2009 8:53 AM | Link to this
Joe Morgan hitting a single to CF in 9th to put Reds ahead of the Red Sox in 7th game of 1975 World Series; Tom Seaver pitches no-hitter for Reds against the Cards at Riverfront; Tony Perez 3-run HR off Randy Moffit before a packed house in first game of a Friday night twi-night DH to beat SF in the bottom of the 9th after rallying for 8 runs in the 8th & 9th innings. The fans stood and cheered for 10 minutes; Pete Rose’s hit # 4192; Eric Davis HR off Dave Stewart in the 1st inning of the 1990 World Series vs the A’s to set the tone for a 4 game sweep and a wire to wire championship. I can still see the HR going into the green seats.
By Beav
July 24, 2009 7:47 AM | Link to this
“Naw, it was sitting on my mantel and my kids took it outside to play with it and lost it down a sewer,” said Browning. I wonder if that’s why he stopped paying child support.
By Reggie J.
July 24, 2009 6:07 AM | Link to this
Regarding Ray Fosse’s career ending injury, it had more to do with a clubhouse brawl several years later. Pete’s collision had little effect on his career. That’s one of the biggest myths the fans and press have perpetuated over the years.
By Tim
July 24, 2009 6:01 AM | Link to this
I haven’t had the good fortune that Hal has of seeing all those great moments but I’ll never forget Johnny Bench’s game tying home run in the bottom of the 9th in the final game of the 1972 NL playoffs. The ensuing wild pitch by Bob Moose that gave the Reds the NL Crown was unreal. Good memories! I’ve tried hard to forget that World Series that year but those memories won’t go away either.
By The Goose Greenville Ohio
July 24, 2009 5:55 AM | Link to this
OK, Let’s get this straight, once and for all, for all the dumbasses that are out there. When Pete Rose “bowled” over Ray Fosse in the 1970 All Star game. This did NOT end Fosse’s career. Fosse’s final year was in 1979 with the Milwaukee Brewers. OK let me do the math for you, that’s 9.5 years after the incident. I’m not to sure of the numbers. But, there are probably a large numbers of players that would give anything to have a 9.5 year career after suffering a “career ending ” injury. For the super dumbasses that want to say that Ray Fosse was never the same after the 1970 all star game, check the facts. Ray Fosse played in the 1971 All Star game and won the 1971 Gold Glove. Pretty amazing for a guy that suffered a “career ending” injury the previous year.
By Jerry, Venice, Fl.
July 24, 2009 3:17 AM | Link to this
All great moments Hal. How ‘bout Pete Rose bowling over, & ending the career of, Ray Fosse.To score the winning run in the 1970 All Star Game, held where else but Cincinnati’s newly opened Riverfront Stadium? The irony? Pete had Fosse to his house for dinner the night before.