Daily blurb
Was Bobby Thompson’s home run the “most famous” in baseball history? It’s certainly in the conversation, and probably helped by being associated with Russ Hodges’ radio call. What other home runs would be in the running? Babe Ruth’s called shot is classic baseball lore, but didn’t really have any particular relevance in the standings. Bill Mazeroski’s walk-off HR to end the 1960 World Series? Hank Aaron’s 715th, perhaps? Kirk Gibson’s game ending HR off of Eckersley in the 1988 World Series is one that I’ll always remember, given that he could barely walk to the plate. Number 62 for Mark McGwire in 1998 was certainly memorable, although McGwire’s subsequent substance subterfuge might submerge that one from the top of the subject list. (Sorry, couldn’t resist.) Other memorable shots for me include Bucky F-in’ Dent in the 1978 playoff game at Fenway, Carlton Fisk’s body-English shot down the left field line in the 1975 World Series, Reggie Jackson’s mammoth blast off the light tower on the Tiger Stadium roof in the 1971 All Star Game, or perhaps his 3-HR game in the 1977 World Series. What others have I forgotten?

Sometimes, when I mention a player in a blurb, I seem to cast a hex on their next outing. Not so with Clay Buchholz, though. After noting his league-leading ERA in my blurb on August 12, he proceeded to go out and throw seven shutout innings last night against the Angels.