Quick hypothetical:

If you had a Time Machine like Guy Pearce and could travel back and see ONE memorable baseball game, what would it be? (and no, you can't change the outcome of the game, no matter how tempting. Sorry Red Sox fans).

[ January 28, 2002: Message edited by: Trojan110 ]

[ January 28, 2002: Message edited by: Trojan110 ]

When did Guy Pearce get a time machine? Sure hope he didn't misplace it a la Memento.

No question about it... Game 5 of the 1984 world series with Gibby and the boys winning it all (with the way Mike Illitch is running the show it very well could be the last time Detroit ever sees the title!)

Obviously, the 1932 Yanks-Cubs World Series game where Ruth called his shot -- or didn't. It'd be the baseball equivalent of finding out how many CIA men on the grassy knoll shot JFK.

Game 6 of the 1991 series when my all-time favorite player, Kirby Puckett, made a catch to keep the Twins in the series and followed it up with a game winning home run to tie the series at 3-3. Thanks to ESPN Classic, I still get to see it on occassion. And the runner-up would be game 7. Jack Morris pitched a 10 inning complete game shutout. I still get goosebumps!

Don Larsen's perfect game for the Yankees in the World Series.

I'm big on offense, so I would have loved to have been there when Cleveland fought back from being down 15-3 or something like that against Seattle to win the game.

Z

Being that I live and die with the Indians, my heart wants me to go and see one of their games, but the only one that really comes to mind is too painful to relive (Game 7 in 1997). If I ever see Jose Mesa in a dark alley....

Mike Hargrove is an idiot, who pulls Mike Jackson after a 1-2-3 8th to put in a shaky closer. 2 outs away and he blows it. Sorry, I'm still a little bitter. Especially since the glory days are over after this winter's fire sale of talent. At least they still have my boys Jimmy and Omar.

Oh yeah, I geuss I should answer the question. Robby Thompson "The Giants win the pennant, OMG, the Giants win the pennant."

Oct 18, 1977, Game Six of the World Series. Reggie Jackson hits three homeruns at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees win. Jackson is finally accepted as a Yankee.

Guy Pearce will star in a new version of H.G. Wells' "The Time Machine" in Feb. Are you a Morlock or an Eloi?

As for me. I'd transport to Spring 1989 Orioles vs. Royals. Not Baltimore and KC, but Little League. That was where I had my first (and sadly only) hit. But I hit a beautiful double. I may not head to the World Series soon, but I'll always be an Oriole!

[quote]As for me. I'd transport to Spring 1989 Orioles vs. Royals. Not Baltimore and KC, but Little League

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Ok, now I feel old. Back in 1989 I was just stepping into my first Gay Bar (I started late)...I think "True Faith" by New Order or "A Different Story" by Peter Schiling was blaring out of the speakers. Aaah...memories.

As for the Time Machine, I would go back to Game 5 of the 1995 Mariner/Yankee playoff series. I still get chills & goosebumps watching the replays on TV.

7th game of the CLASSIC 2001 World Series. (I have it on tape, but it would be fun to experience it again live!) I'd even skip the game if I could go ANYWHERE in a time machine with Guy Pearce.

Well, since we can't change the outcome of the game that certainly limits the choices somewhat....

First, involving events surrounding a game more than the game itself I would choose July 4, 1940 which was Lou Gehrig Day at Yankee Stadium when he gave his famous speech in the pre-game ceremonies.

As for actual game outcome itself, I would probably choose Game 5 of the 1969 World Series at Shea Stadium where the Amazin's completed their miraculous worst-to-first season behind the young arms of Seaver, Koosman, and Ryan.

While I enjoy watching baseball, I have to say that it's a sport I don't think I can watch when I already know the outcome. For me, the game is more about tension, build-up, and second-guessing the manager's strategy than watching the physical occurrences on the field...

Can I act at all, even if I don't change the outcome of a game? Like, can I shoot Jimy Williams after watching the Jays play their last game in 1987?

Aside from my Little League game as an Oriole, I'd want to see the game where Cal broke the Ironman record. Seeing it ov TV was awesome; I can't even begin to imagine being there in person!

Hi, Gamecock - I'm sorry for nitpicking, but Lou Gehrig Day was actually July 4, 1939 rather than 1940. Gehrig made his famous "luckiest man on the face of the Earth" speech, and his #4 uniform became the first uniform number ever retired by a professional sports team.

As far as emotional experiences, I'd have loved to be there on June 13, 1948. That was the 25th anniversary of Yankee Stadium, and it was Babe Ruth Day. The Babe's #3 uniform was retired, and folks were shocked when an emaciated Ruth walked out onto the field at Yankee Stadium for what would be the last time. Ruth did not appear in public again; two months later he died of cancer at age 53.

My first thought was to go back to Game 6 of the 1980 World Series at the Vet, seeing the Phillies beat the Royals to win it all. I was there that night and it would be awesome to re-live it. However, if I understand correctly, isn't there a rule that you can't go back in time and be in the same area as your past self? So instead, I'd go back to Game 5 of the 1980 NLCS against the Astros, since that was in Houston and I only saw it on TV.

No such rule, Joe. I guess you never saw Twelve Monkeys (or its inspiration, La Jetee).

For historical significance, I'd say Jackie Robinson's first game for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, Roger Maris' 61st home run in 1961, and Hank Aaron passing Babe Ruth's HR total in 1974. For sheer joy of the game, the Big Red Machine clinching the World Series in '75 and '76.

I did see 12 Monkeys...but I know somewhere I've seen that rule referred to.

[quote]Originally posted by Bill W:
Obviously, the 1932 Yanks-Cubs World Series game where Ruth called his shot -- or didn't.

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I completely agree with Bill's choice - the reason is that there is film or video of almost every other selection, but to be able to see if Ruth actually did it or not!!

An alternate would be the 1951 Giants/Dodgers game when Bobby Thompson hit the homer off of Branca.

And Dealey Plaza on that fateful day would absolutely be my choice for a non-sports time-trip. My quandry would be, (assuming I couldn't bring cameras), where would I focus my gaze as the exact moments of the shooting? - at the picket fence at the top of the Knoll? The Dal-Tex Building? The sixth floor windor of the TSBD? The triple overpass? (and what exactly WAS Richard Nixon doing in Dallas on 11/22/63)?????

1999 Divisional Playoff Series Game 4 between NYM and AZ D'Backs.

Mets' relief catcher Todd Pratt's 10th-inning homer was very memorable. Succulence beyond sweetness...

The NYM-Braves game after 9/11 was very emotional. I'd love to see that game again.