Today in Baseball History: October 21st

 

 

2007 On October 21, 2007, the Boston Red Sox complete a comeback from a three-games-to-one deficit to win the American League Championship Series over the Cleveland Indians and advance to their second World Series in four years. The Red Sox defeat the Indians, 11-2, at Fenway Park, behind five RBI from Dustin Pedroia.

1995 On October 21, 1995, former major league star Vada Pinson dies at the age of 57 after suffering a stroke. Pinson batted .286 with 256 home runs over an 18-year career. He led the National League in hits in 1961 and 1963, and in runs scored in 1959.

1981 On October 21, 1981, the St. Louis Cardinals make one of their best trades ever when they acquire outfielder Willie McGee from the New York Yankees for pitcher Bob Sykes. McGee will play 18 years in the major leagues, mostly with St. Louis.

1980 On October 21, 1980, the Philadelphia Phillies win the first World Series in franchise history. Mike Schmidt is named Series MVP.

1975 On October 21, 1975, Carlton Fisk of the Boston Red Sox powers a dramatic 12th- inning home run to complete one of the most memorable games in World Series history. Playing in Game Six, Fisk homers off the foul pole at Fenway Park, giving the Red Sox a 7-6 win over the Cincinnati Reds. The Red Sox had trailed in the eighth inning, when Bernie Carbo hit a three-run, pinch-hit homer to tie the game.

1973 On October 21, 1973, the Oakland A's win their second consecutive World Championship. Reggie Jackson and Campy Campaneris hit two-run homers to lead the A's to a 5-2 win over the New York Mets in Game Seven of the World Series. The game marks the final appearance in an A's uniform for manager Dick Williams, who announces his resignation…

1926 On October 21, 1926, Whitey Ford is born in New York City. Ford will make his debut with the New York Yankees in 1950 and will gain election to the Hall of Fame in 1974…