Today in Baseball History: October 15th

2007 On October 15, 2007, the Colorado Rockies advance to their first World Series. The Rockies sweep the Arizona Diamondbacks with a 6-4 victory in Game Four of the National League Championship Series. The victory is the red-hot Rockies 20th in their previous 21 games. The Rockies become the first team to sweep the first two rounds of the three-round playoff format.

1988 On October 15, 1988, an injured Kirk Gibson hits one of the most dramatic home runs in World Series lore. With two outs in the ninth, and the Los Angeles Dodgers trailing the Oakland A's by a run, Gibson limps to the plate with a strained knee. Gibson smacks a two-run homer against Dennis Eckersley to win Game One.

1986 On October 15, 1986, the New York Mets and Houston Astros play the longest game in post-season history. The Mets rally to tie the game with three runs in the ninth inning on their way to a 7-6 win in 16 innings.

1972 On October 15, 1972, Joe Rudi makes a game-saving catch of Denis Menke's drive to help the Oakland A's defeat the Cincinnati Reds in Game Two of the World Series. Rudi's leaping grab against the left field wall preserves a 2-1 victory for Catfish Hunter.

1970 On October 15, 1970, the Baltimore Orioles defeat the Cincinnati Reds, 9-3, to capture the World Series. Brooks Robinson is named the Most Valuable Player after making a number of great defensive plays and batting .429 with two home runs...

1969 On October 15, 1969, Ron Swoboda makes one of the greatest catches in World Series history. Swoboda's sliding grab of Brooks Robinson's sinking liner helps the New York Mets defeat the Baltimore Orioles, 2-1, in Game Four of the Series.

1964 On October 15, 1964, Bob Gibson of the St. Louis Cardinals allows three home runs but still manages to win the seventh game of the World Series against the New York Yankees. Mickey Mantle, Phil Linz, and Clete Boyer homer for the Yankees, who drop a 7-5 decision.

1946 On October 15, 1946, Enos Slaughter completes his "Mad Dash" toward home plate, helping the St. Louis Cardinals to a 4-3 win over the Boston Red Sox in Game Seven of the World Series. In the bottom of the eighth, Slaughter scores from first base on a double, taking advantage of Johnny Pesky's hesitant relay throw.

1923 On October 15, 1923, the New York Yankees score five runs in the eighth inning to post a comeback win in the sixth and final game of the World Series. Babe Ruth homers in the Yankees' 6-4 win over the rival New York Giants.

1917 On October 15, 1917, the New York Giants leave home plate unattended, allowing Eddie Collins of the Chicago White Sox to score the winning run. The victory gives the Sox the World Championship.