There are seven ways to win a baseball game:
1) Baserunner scores on a batted ball (hit, sacrifice fly, error, etc.)
2) Batter gets a walk with the bases loaded, allowing the runner on
third base to score.
3) Batter gets hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, allowing the
runner on third base to score.
4) Baserunner successfully steals home.
5) Pitcher balks with a runner on third base, allowing the runner to
score.
6) Catcher's interference with the bases loaded sends the batter to
first base, allowing the runner on third base to score.
7) Batter strikes out on a wild pitch or passed ball, and successfully
makes it to first base, while another baserunner scores.
I want to know if the game winning run in a major league baseball game
was ever decided by one of the last two listed scenarios, and if so,
the last time they happened. |
Request for Question Clarification by
justaskscott-ga
on
18 Jul 2002 18:33 PDT
I have received information from an expert on catchers and a member of
SABR that there have been several instances since 1900 where the
winning run (final play) of the game was a bases-loaded passed ball.
I have asked him to look specifically for an instance where this
happened on a strikeout. (I should note that a winning run could
score on a wild pitch or passed ball where the batter does not strike
out. But since you've phrased the question this way, I've asked
specifically about the strikeout. It's a more interesting question
anyway, in light of the infamous Mickey Owen dropped third strike.)
Would the most recent strikeout/passed ball/winning run (or even just
passed ball/winning run) be a satisfactory answer?
|
Clarification of Question by
hailstorm-ga
on
18 Jul 2002 20:47 PDT
I suppose number four should be more accurately stated "Baserunner
successfully steals home, or scores on a passed ball or wild pitch"
In effect, number four is the situation when the baserunner, using his
own judgement, scores on play that involves a "live" ball that is not
batted.
For the strikeout case, I am thinking more along the lines of a
situation where the baserunner is forced into action as a result of
the strikeout. For example, with two outs and the bases loaded in the
ninth, the batter strikes out, but the catcher does not catch the
ball. Therefore, the batter runs to first, and the other baserunners
are forced to run as well, a situation which is different from a
baserunner willfully chosing to come home. However, I will also accept
a baserunner scoring the winning run on the final play on a passed
ball/wild pitch that just happened to be a strikeout as well, since
that situation is rare enough to warrant merit.
That alone is still not a satisfactory answer though, as you must also
answer the case of catcher's interference, by either providing for the
last time it happened, or some sort of proof that it never has
happened.
|
Request for Question Clarification by
justaskscott-ga
on
19 Jul 2002 21:26 PDT
The expert I contacted cannot assure me that he definitely has the
most recent occurrence. But he has found one occurrence of a
strikeout where the catcher allowed a passed ball which allowed the
winning run to score, from second base. The runner was forced into
action, since there were men on first and second at the time. (This
occurred in 1986.)
He also informs me that he has found no instances in his database of a
winning run scoring as a result of catcher's interference. His
database covers 1969 and 1974-2001.
He found 15 game-ending passed balls in his database.
Would you be happy if I answered the question with the details of the
1986 game mentioned above? If not, that's okay.
If you don't want this answer and would prefer to keep the question
open, perhaps you would be satisfied with this answer if no one finds
anything better? Again, if not, I don't mind.
|
Clarification of Question by
hailstorm-ga
on
19 Jul 2002 21:59 PDT
I don't accept that answer because, again, the runner scored on a
passed ball, and not a strikeout. The winning run scored because the
baserunners took matters into their own hands and decided to run, not
because the batter himself was running to first base.
To answer the question to my satisfaction, you must provide the most
recent occurance of the cases of strikeout (not just passed ball or
wild pitch. the strikeout portion is essential) or catcher's
interference, or proof that it has not happened in the 20th (or 21st)
century.
|
