Today in Baseball History: October 16th

2003 On October 16, 2003, the Yankees defeat the Red Sox in one of the greatest games in baseball history. With the two rivals meeting in Game Seven of the ALCS, the Red Sox hold a 5-2 lead entering the bottom of the eighth inning. Pedro Martinez is in control but wavers in the eighth as the Yankees score three to knot the game. The classic battle goes to the 11th inning, helped by great relief pitching from Mariano Rivera of the Bombers. In the Yanks half of the inning, Aaron Boone hits a Tim Wakefield pitch into the left field stands to give the Yankees a dramatic 6-5 win and a trip to the World Series.

1992 On October 16, 1992, groundbreaking ceremonies are held in Denver for the Colorado Rockies' new ballpark. Coors Field will open in time for the start of the 1995 season.

1985 On October 16, 1985, Jack Clark hits a three-run home run with two outs in the ninth inning, giving the St. Louis Cardinals a 7-5 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series. Clark's blast comes against Dodgers closer Tom Niedenfuer.

1969 On October 16, 1969, the New York Mets win their fourth straight game against the Baltimore Orioles to capture their first World Championship. Jerry Koosman pitches a five-hitter, and Donn Clendenon and Al Weis hit home runs in the 5-3 victory.

1964 On October 16, 1964, the New York Yankees announce the firing of Yogi Berra as manager. The move sets the stage for the Yankees' hiring of former St. Louis Cardinals manager Johnny Keane, who announces his resignation the same day. Keane and the Cardinals had defeated the Yankees in the World Series.

1962 On October 16, 1962, Bobby Richardson of the New York Yankees catches a searing line drive off the bat of San Francisco's Willie McCovey to dramatically end the World Series. Richardson's grab finishes off a 1-0 win for the Yankees, who take the Series in seven games…

1912 On October 16, 1912, the Boston Red Sox win the World Series, thanks in part to an error by New York Giants center fielder Fred Snodgrass. In the bottom of the 10th, Snodgrass drops a fly ball, helping the Sox put together a game-winning rally…

1909 On October 16, 1909, Pittsburgh Pirates rookie Babe Adams earns his third win of the World Series. Adams shuts out the Detroit Tigers, 8-0, to give the Pirates the World Championship. Adams went 12-3 with a sparkling 1.11 ERA during the regular season…

1883 On October 16, 1883, Will Harridge, who would later earn Hall of Fame induction as an executive, was born in Chicago. Harridge served as President of the American League for 28 years.