The Wild History of Game 6
By Sean McMahon
7.) Dusty Baker Condemns Giants’ World Series Hopes by Pulling Russ Ortiz
Sorry for the morose inclusion Giants’ fans, but history deserves its respect.
The Giants have always had the support of their fan base, but after a 48-year World Series drought, doubt surfaced its ugly face.
From 1954-2002, the Giants watched other franchises – including a strong A’s team that swept them in the ’89 series – win the Commissioner’s Trophy.
Surely the Barry Bonds lead Giants would end the drought and bring a title to a thirsty San Francisco fan base?
Up 5-0 with one out in the bottom of the seventh inning in Game 6 of the 2002 series, Baker pulled a dominant Russ Ortiz, infuriating an Angels team that viewed the decision as ‘cocky.’
The rest, as they say, is history.
The ‘Never Say Die’ Angels went on to win Game 6 by a score of 6-5. The Giants lost Game 7, crushing the spirits of a devout fan base.
The Giants endured through the heartache and are now just 27 outs away from being called one of the most dominant teams in baseball history.
Tonight will be wild.
Baseball wouldn’t have it any different.