10 of the most memorable baseball moments of the 90s
The Nineties aren't likely to go down as the finest decade in baseball history. From expansion to the loss of the 1994 World Series to the looming steroid crisis that closed the decade, the sport absorbed its share of bumps and bruises.
On the field, baseball remained as timeless as ever. Still delivering the incredible drama and unforgettable moments that only the National Pastime can deliver.
Enjoy our ten favorite baseball moments of the 90s.
10. Kerry Wood strikes out 20 Astros
Total and complete domination. Just the second 20 strikeout game in baseball history, the first ever in the senior circuit. Rookie fireballer Kerry Wood mowed down the Astros in spectacular fashion.
On top of the 20Ks, Wood threw a one-hitter with just two walks in a tight game. One of the greatest starts in the long history of the game.
9. Jim Abbott throws a no-hitter
No-hitters might be a little more common these days but there was nothing common about Jim Abbott’s gem as a member of the New York Yankees. The inspirational hurler bested the Cleveland Indians with an unbelievable performance that few, if any, will ever forget.
8. Pedro Martinez emerges from the bullpen, crushes Cleveland
Basketball has Willis Reed and, if there is any justice, this Pedro Martinez relief appearance with the Sox season on the line will occupy the same rare air.
Unable to start, Martinez throws six hitless innings out of the bullpen, holding off one of the greatest offenses in baseball history as Boston reaches the ALCS. With so much on the line, it was the best pitcher of his generation at the absolute peak of his powers.
7. The Nolan Ryan beatdown
Robin Ventura played 16 years in the big leagues. He hit 18 grand slams, more than all but three players in the history of the game. He is currently the manager of the Chicago White Sox.
But his most famous moment in uniform came when he got wooped by a 46-year old man.
6. The Marlins upset Cleveland, claim first World Series title
In 1997, just their fifth season of existence, the Florida Marlins nabbed the Wild Card and dashed to the World Series title in seven games over the heavily-favored Cleveland Indians.
The Marlins famously blew up their roster after this unlikely win but Edgar Renteria’s solid single to center field will last forever.
5. Jack Morris goes 10 innings in Game 7 of the 1991 World Series
The single start upon which an entire Hall of Fame case was built - and for good reason. Game Seven of the World Series, Jack Morris goes TEN shutout innings for the Minnesota Twins, holding off the worst-to-first Braves and handing the Twinkies their second World Series title in a five year span.
4. Jeffrey Maier Saves the Yankees
Where would the Yankees dynasty be without the contributions of a teenager in the right place at the right time? Jeffrey Maier helped a home run over the fence and sent the Orioles in fits of fury. The new replay rules might prevent such an event today but Maier’s catch is an iconic moment from the beginning of Yankees long reign atop the baseball world.
3. Cal Ripken's consective game streak
The hero baseball needed in its time of greatest need. After the acrimony of the strike that cost the 1994 World Series, Cal Ripken’s miraculous streak build on hard work and determination gave the baseball world exactly what it needed - something to cheer about.
2. Joe Carter’s walkoff gives the Blue Jays two straight titles
Every kid's dream - knock a walkoff home run to win your team the World Series. Only two men can say they ended the baseball season with a long ball - Joe Carter is the only one to do it with his team trailing in the game, handing his Blue Jays their second straight World Series title in come-from-behind fashion.
1. McGwire hits 62
If Cal Ripken’s workaday everyman brought baseball back to the national consciousness, it was Mark McGwire’s larger than life persona and assault on the record books that really brought baseball back in the minds of many fans.
The night he broke the record, at home against the Cubs, was a terrific night as it brought two months of friendly rivalry with Sammy Sosa to head, as the other man pursuing Roger Maris’ record was on hand to witness McGwire’s shot down the left field line, over the fence and, into history (briefly.)