That looks like the Angels actually won on 5. They took the first two in Cleveland. The Tribe took Game 3. MJ had a walkoff homer in Game 4. The comeback win in Game 5 ends the series.
"Raise the Jolly Rodger": The Story of the 90’s MLB and beyond
1995 NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
PITTSBURGH PIRATES VS. SAN DIEGO PADRES
Three Rivers Stadium would again be the host of the first two games of the National League Championship Series. The Pirates had an amazing 1995 campaign, with Tim Wakefield hurling 18 wins and 200 K's and Barry Bonds hitting 55 home runs, in the process clinching the NL's best record. Meanwhile, the Padres came out of nowhere, led by Cy Young Winner Orel Hershiser (21-6, 1.94 ERA) and Home Run Derby champion Tony Gwinn (.335, 23 HR's, 113 RBI's). Many pundits expected this to be a 6 or 7 game series.
It was hellish conditions on the day the first game was supposed to be held, and the game was pushed back for one day due to precipitation. The next day, the sun was out, the temperature was 70 degrees, and it was baseball time. It was a magnificent match-up on the mound, with San Diego starting Hershiser and the Pirates starting Denny Neagle (15-6, 2.36 ERA). Neagle got the best of the Cy Young winner, hurling 11 K's and the Pirates offense, now being called the "Greatest Show on Dirt", scoring 7 runs in the 5th en route to a 9-5 win for Pittsburgh. Game two showed a great pitching performance by San Diego's Andy Benes, halting the Greatest Show on Dirt to just 3 hits, whiffing 13 batters en route to a 3-0 win for the Padres.
The series relocated itself to San Diego and Jack Murphy Stadium for the next three games of the series. Game 3 showed a Padres squad ready to play, with Tony Gwinn hitting 2 homers and Ken Caminiti starting a triple play, with the Padres winning 6-2. Game 4 was a different game, with the team in power flipped, with the Pirates taking advantage. Thanks to great fielding and hitting by Bonds, the Pirates picked up the game 4 win 5-3. Game 5 was a very exicting game. With the Padres down to their last out and the score being 7-5 and Jody Reed on 3rd, Steve Finley hit a home run to send the game into extra innings. In the 11th, a bunt by Eddie Williams allowed Tony Gwinn to score and for San Diego to win the game 8-7.
Now, with the series back at Three Rivers, the Padres were one win away from facing the California Angels in a all-Cali World Series. But those plans were on hold after an 7th inning comeback by Pittsburgh, capitalized by a 3-run home run by Jay Bell giving the Pirates the lead, winning the game 8-6. Now game 7 was happening. In this game Pittsburgh was in control from the first pitch, and punched their ticket for their 3rd World Series in the 90's, winning game 7 11-7.
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tony Gwynn is not going to hit 39 home runs.
Remember that Wade Boggs, a similar hitter, had that high of 24 in 1987 (which I presume you're modelling that after) in an extreme home run ark in Fenway. Jack Murphy Stadium , meanwihle, was one of the worst hitters' parks in the majors due to dimensions, foul ground, and sightlines.
Now, if you want to say they moved the fences way in, okay. I could kind of see that, but then Hershiser would not be haaving that low an ERA. (I looked at that and though, "Okay, lots better hitting somehow and in that park, he did have tht one last really good year in '95 OTL in a hitters' park in a hitters' league)
So, I would redact that back to about 9 home runs with a much higher average (he was hitting 360-.370 regularly) or have a story about how they moved the fences *way* in, tot he minimum allowed, and raise Hershiser's ERA by a run if not a bit more.
The fences thing could very easily be becasue of a need to draw fans after the strike almost ruined the 1994 season, *and* after tghe Padres sold off pretty much the whole team in 1992-3. Indeed, they could easily ahve a waiver for the 1995 season as far as fences being moved in. The Padres move home pate back, eliminating some of the foul ground, move the fences in, and have a four-foot fence with Bill Veeckian dimensions. (Here are the limits, but notice there is nothing about the alleys. You could have a 4-foot fence at 320 feet down the lines and have it stay real short, so 350 int he alleys and 400 to center, then a higher wall in left that's dark green for a great view, but still pretty close... and then midway through the year baseball would be like, "Yeah, this wasn't a great idea. We created fa farce."
Man, I was thinking .370 with 9 homers was better, but...call me crazy, but that fences things just seems like one of those things baseball would do, and especially if you intend to have them cracking down on steroids earlier, it *would* be a way to draw fans. And, the great slap-hitter Gwynn would decide to just swing for the fences at home. He was on pace for 18 in OTL's 1994, so in a full-season 1995, if you figure he's capable of 20, pumping it up to close to 30 is possible, and the short fence does the rest.
Remember that Wade Boggs, a similar hitter, had that high of 24 in 1987 (which I presume you're modelling that after) in an extreme home run ark in Fenway. Jack Murphy Stadium , meanwihle, was one of the worst hitters' parks in the majors due to dimensions, foul ground, and sightlines.
Now, if you want to say they moved the fences way in, okay. I could kind of see that, but then Hershiser would not be haaving that low an ERA. (I looked at that and though, "Okay, lots better hitting somehow and in that park, he did have tht one last really good year in '95 OTL in a hitters' park in a hitters' league)
So, I would redact that back to about 9 home runs with a much higher average (he was hitting 360-.370 regularly) or have a story about how they moved the fences *way* in, tot he minimum allowed, and raise Hershiser's ERA by a run if not a bit more.
The fences thing could very easily be becasue of a need to draw fans after the strike almost ruined the 1994 season, *and* after tghe Padres sold off pretty much the whole team in 1992-3. Indeed, they could easily ahve a waiver for the 1995 season as far as fences being moved in. The Padres move home pate back, eliminating some of the foul ground, move the fences in, and have a four-foot fence with Bill Veeckian dimensions. (Here are the limits, but notice there is nothing about the alleys. You could have a 4-foot fence at 320 feet down the lines and have it stay real short, so 350 int he alleys and 400 to center, then a higher wall in left that's dark green for a great view, but still pretty close... and then midway through the year baseball would be like, "Yeah, this wasn't a great idea. We created fa farce."
Man, I was thinking .370 with 9 homers was better, but...call me crazy, but that fences things just seems like one of those things baseball would do, and especially if you intend to have them cracking down on steroids earlier, it *would* be a way to draw fans. And, the great slap-hitter Gwynn would decide to just swing for the fences at home. He was on pace for 18 in OTL's 1994, so in a full-season 1995, if you figure he's capable of 20, pumping it up to close to 30 is possible, and the short fence does the rest.
1995 WORLD SERIES
PITTSBURGH PIRATES VS. CALIFORNIA ANGELS
Clear skies ruled the skyline of Pittsburgh on the night of the first game of the World Series in 1995. The ever-powerful Greatest Show on Dirt were facing the underdog, Never Say Die Angels.
Game one was a great back and forth affair, the game's highlight being Michael Jordan snagging away a Barry Bonds homer. In the end, Lee Smith earned the save and the Angels picked up the win in game one, 7-6. In game two, starting pitcher Mark Langston lasted only 3 innings as the Greatest Show on Turf completely ran over the Angels, with game two ending with the score being 13-2, in favor of the Pirates.
The next three games would take place in Anaheim, the home turf of Disneyland and the Angels. Game 3 was a very defensive match, with Pirates starting pitcher Paul Wagner pitching 7 innings with 2 ER's en route to an Pirates win, the score being 3-2. Game 4 was a very hotly contested match-up and was defined as the game of the series. Following excellent pitching by both squads (California's Brian Anderson had a no hitter going into the 8th, Pittsburgh's Steve Parris whiffing 13 batters, allowing 2 hits) the game remained scoreless throughout the 9 regulation innings. Going into extras, at the top of the 10th, the Pirates had put up a 5-0 lead on the Angels. Then the Angels responded by adding 5 runs on the board. Going into the 14th the score was tied at 9 all. The Pirates had failed to put up a run in their half, so California had the advantage. Then Tony Phillips ended the game at around 1:35 AM pacific time. Game 5 was a great game for the Greatest Show on Turf, with Al Martin hitting for the cycle en route to an 9-6 win for the Pirates.
This World Series would end in Pittsburgh. It was a cloudy, miserable day in Pittsburgh, but a game had to be played. Tim Wakefield showed off his magic, pitching 7 complete innings and allowing 4 hits and 1 ER's. In the end, Pittsburgh took another championship home, winning the game 5-1.
"2-0 pitch to Snow, it's an infield pop up, Garcia says that he has it, he gets it and the Pittsburgh Pirates has won the World Series for the second time in three years!"
- Bob Costas, calling the final out for NBC
WHAT ELSE HAPPENED IN THE WORLD IN 1995?
SPORTS
In the NBA, the Indiana Pacers repeated as champions as they defeated the Houston Rockets in the NBA Finals, winning 4-2.
In Super Bowl XXIX, the 49ers defeat the Steelers, 42-17.
The Philadelphia Flyers capture their first Stanley Cup Championship in 20 years, defeating the Detroit Red Wings 4-1.
The Arkansas Razorbacks repeat as national champions, defeating UCLA in the title game 81-74.
The IFAF announces their intention to field the first American Football World Cup in 1999.
The Baltimore Stallions become the first American team to win the Grey Cup. After this, the CFL announces intentions for more American teams.
Jeff Gordon wins his first Winston Cup Championship, as Ricky Rudd wins his first Daytona 500.
Benneton driver Michael Schumacher wins his second FIA World Drivers Championship, beating Damon Hill of Williams.
IN POLITICS AND OTHER AREAS
The Indianapolis Accords are signed to end the violence in Bonsia.
Salt Lake City is announced to host the 2002 Winter Olympics.
Richard Lugar becomes the front runner in the 1996 Republican primaries.
Britpop enters is peak as What's The Story Morning Glory by Oasis debuts at No. 1 in America. "Live Forever", the bands single from their debut, peaked at No. 24 stateside.
SPORTS
In the NBA, the Indiana Pacers repeated as champions as they defeated the Houston Rockets in the NBA Finals, winning 4-2.
In Super Bowl XXIX, the 49ers defeat the Steelers, 42-17.
The Philadelphia Flyers capture their first Stanley Cup Championship in 20 years, defeating the Detroit Red Wings 4-1.
The Arkansas Razorbacks repeat as national champions, defeating UCLA in the title game 81-74.
The IFAF announces their intention to field the first American Football World Cup in 1999.
The Baltimore Stallions become the first American team to win the Grey Cup. After this, the CFL announces intentions for more American teams.
Jeff Gordon wins his first Winston Cup Championship, as Ricky Rudd wins his first Daytona 500.
Benneton driver Michael Schumacher wins his second FIA World Drivers Championship, beating Damon Hill of Williams.
IN POLITICS AND OTHER AREAS
The Indianapolis Accords are signed to end the violence in Bonsia.
Salt Lake City is announced to host the 2002 Winter Olympics.
Richard Lugar becomes the front runner in the 1996 Republican primaries.
Britpop enters is peak as What's The Story Morning Glory by Oasis debuts at No. 1 in America. "Live Forever", the bands single from their debut, peaked at No. 24 stateside.
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So they failed to get 49? well.
The rest was a nice year and very interesting what will come.
And Despite the Baltimore Stallions winning the Grey Cup well looks the like CFL is expanding to America but what will the Rams do?, Are they staying LA? or move to St. Louis like IOTL?, and what about the Raiders?, Are they going back to Oakland or Stay in LA?, And what about a CFL-NFL merger when we get to the New Millennium?
I Don't Know but #JustThinking (Even if the NFL Expands to 2 More Teams in '95 just like IOTL)
I Don't Know but #JustThinking (Even if the NFL Expands to 2 More Teams in '95 just like IOTL)
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CFL decides to put a team in Saint Louis (called the Spirit of Saint Louis, after the ABA team). They also put a team in Memphis (called the Hound Dogs). The Rams will stay in LA, but the Raiders will move back to Oakland. The next Grey Cup will be hosted in the Dome in St. Louis.
A CFL-NFL seems highly likely (I might even create a whole post over that situation.)
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1995-96 MLB OFFSEASON NEWS
- Beginning in 1996, there will be a new MLB television contract for the postseason. NBC will broadcast the AL postseason in 1996, and ABC will host the NL postseason. Coverage for the leagues will be flipped between NBC and ABC every year. Also, in even years, ABC will broadcast the World Series, with NBC broadcasting the WS in odd years.
- The MLB has decided the finalist for the 1998 expansion: Phoenix, Tampa Bay, Indianapolis, Buffalo, and Charlotte. The winners will be announced after the 1996 World Series.
- MLB is in talks with Adidas to be the official MLB outfitter as soon as 1998.
- Bud Selig announces on January 4, the creation of the World Baseball Cup. The United States will host the first edition, scheduled for February 1997.
- Construction begins on the Pittsburgh Pirates new park, set to open in 1998.
- Rumors begin circling around of the A's moving to Mexico City.
- Rickey Henderson signs with the Seattle Mariners, a 2-year deal.
- Curt Shilling signs a 5-year contract with the San Diego Padres.
- Craig Biggio signs a 4-year contract with the New York Yankees.
- Jose Canseco signs a 1-year contract with the Montréal Expos.
- Jim Abbott signs a 1-year contract with the Texas Rangers.
- Ichrio Suzuki signs a 3-year contract with the San Diego Padres (the major-league restrictions on Japanese players playing in the majors was overturned in the '94 offseason).
- Roberto Alomar signs a 4-year contract with the Boston Red Sox.
So Ichiro debut early..that would be pretty nice. And the Padres are reinnforced..is weird seeing a competent padres team...
1996 MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL SEASON
- Ichrio produces an amazing rookie season, hitting .343 and producing 232 hits and 16 HR's, en route to the NL MVP and ROTY.
- Derek Jeter produces a great rookie season, like Ichrio, winning the AL MVP.
- Andres Galarraga is traded to the Texas Rangers at the trade deadline.
- The Charlotte bid and Indianapolis bid bows out of the 1998 expansion race.
- Bobby Abreu is traded to the Minnesota Twins, then makes his debut on September 1st.
- Jeff Kent is traded to the Milwaukee Brewers.
- Ichrio hits for the cycle twice (June 13, and September 22).
- Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Hiedi Nomo produces 1996's only no hitter, taking place September 17th against the Colorado Rockies.
AMERICAN LEAGUE
EAST
1. New York Yankees (98-64)
2. Baltimore Orioles (88-74)
3. Boston Red Sox (82-80)
4. Detroit Tigers (75-87)
5. Toronto Blue Jays (70-92)
CENTRAL
1. Cleveland Indians (95-67)
2. Milwaukee Brewers (91-71)*
3. Chicago White Sox (83-79)
4. Kansas City Royals (73-89)
5. Minnesota Twins (60-102)
WEST
1. Texas Rangers (92-70)
2. Seattle Mariners (88-74)
3. California Angels (81-81)
4. Oakland Athletics (77-85)
AL MVP: Juan González (Texas Rangers)
AL Rookie of the Year: Derek Jeter (New York Yankees)
AL Cy Young: Curt Schilling (Boston Red Sox)
NATIONAL LEAGUE
EAST
1. Montréal Expos (99-63)
2. Florida Marlins (94-68)
3. Atlanta Braves (85-77)
4. New York Mets (77-85)
5. Philadelphia Phillies (68-94)
CENTRAL
1. Pittsburgh Pirates (97-65)
2. Houston Astros (94-68)
3. Cincinnati Reds (90-72)
4. Chicago Cubs (79-83)
5. St. Louis Cardinals (66-96)
WEST
1. San Diego Padres (103-59)
2. Los Angeles Dodgers (86-66)
3. Colorado Rockies (70-92)
4. Vancouver Giants (68-94)
NL MVP: Ichrio (San Diego Padres)
NL Rookie of the Year: Ichrio (San Diego Padres)
NL Cy Young: Pedro Martinez (Montréal Expos)
So tiebreaker for the wild card? and Nice Ichiro getting his magic rookie year here.
GAME 163: 1996 NL WILD CARD TIEBREAKER
FLORIDA MARLINS VS. HOUSTON ASTROS
The season for these two teams needed one more game. Both had achieved records of 94-68. But there would be only one who would have the chance to be able to play in the postseason. At the end of this game, one team would be at 95-68, and in the playoffs, and one would be at 94-69, at sitting on the couch for October.
It was a crisp and cool day at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami, with Kevin Brown on the mound for the Marlins, and Darryl Kyle starting for the Astros. The first three innings went by quick, with both line-ups being retired in consecutive order. Then in the 4th, the Astros took a 2-0 lead thanks to a 2-run home run by Orlando Miller. The defensive half of the inning went extremely well for the Astros, with Kyle striking out all 3 hitters in just 12 pitches. The 5th went by without any score. The 6th began a rally for the Marlins, beginning with a triple by Devon White, capitalized by a 3-run home run by Edgar Rentaria. At the end of the 6th, it was 4-2 in favor of the Marlins.
In the 7th, 9 runs were scored, 5 for the Astros, 4 for the Marlins, with the score being 8-7 at the end of the inning. At the top of the 8th, Marlin Chris Hammond was brought in to relieve. He did not do his job. He gave up 3 runs in that inning, with the Marlins being unable to respond. It was now 10-8, the bottom of the 9th. If the Marlins fail to capitalize here, the Astros get the wild card spot.
It began with a lead-off double by Jeff Conine double. That was later followed up by a pop-up out, one out. Then Devon White hit a single, and Conine was led home, 10-9. Then Kurt Abbott hit another single, with White advancing to 2nd. Jesus Tavarez was up next, as he hit another single, with White barely beating the throw to the plate, the score now being tied 10-10. Abbott was now on 2nd. Gregg Zaun popped out. The pinch hitter was Andre Dawson. Andre Dawson, showing his 80's form, hit a double as Abbott scored to win the Wild Card for the Florida Marlins.
This was before Loria destroyed the marlins...But yeah that is a weird thing to see..like a competent Padres team
1996 NATIONAL LEAGUE DIVISON SERIES
SAN DIEGO PADRES VS. FLORIDA MARLINS
A beautiful day graced over Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego. The 1996 Padres were the class of the league, totaling 103 wins, with stars like the outstanding rookie Ichrio. Everyone thought that this would be an easy 3-game sweep for the Padres.
Game 1 had Orel Hershiser on the mound for the Padres and Al Lieter for Florida (now being called Felix, in reference to CIA agent Felix Lieter from the James Bond series). The game was a defensive showdown, with Lieter striking out 11 and the Marlins coming up big in the late innings to win the game 3-1. Game 2 had on the mound Pat Rapp for the Marlins and Joey Hamilton for the Padres. Joey Hamilton dominated the pitching mound, throwing a complete game and allowing 4 hits en route to a 5-0 win for the Padres, with an amazing performance by Ichrio, recording 2 triples in the win.
For games 3 and 4, the series was situated in Miami, FLA. Game 3 was a highly-contested match. Ichrio went on a tear, going 5-5 with a home run, a triple, 2 stolen bases, and 2 doubles. The game went into extra innings, with Andre Dawson again showing his heroic efforts, winning the game for the Marlins, 7-6 in 10 innings. Game 4 was another hot match, with both pitchers not lasting past the 4th inning. But in the end of this high scoring match, the Marlins pulled off the improbable upset, winning the game 11-9 and winning the series.
PITTSBURGH PIRATES VS. MONTREAL EXPOS
The past 2 teams who had won the World Series, the Pirates (1993 and 1995) and the Expos (1994) were facing each other to see who would play for the chance to play in the World Series.
Game one pitted Tim Wakefield and Pedro Martinez. Wakefield had a field day, throwing a complete game and striking out 13, backed by an amazing performance by the Pirates offense, and game 1 was a 7-0 victory for the Pirates. Game 2 had Greg Maddux on the mound, and he added another amazing performance by the Pirates rotation, throwing another complete game, having a no-hitter until the 8th, ending up with a two-hitter in a 4-0 game 2 victory for the Bucs.
Game 3 showed why the Pirates were the new dynasty in town, with David Cone striking out 14 and Barry Bonds blasting 2 homers en route to a series sweep and a 9-2 victory for the Pirates.
1996 AMERICAN LEAGUE DIVISON SERIES
NEW YORK YANKEES VS. MILWAUKEE BREWERS
Yankee Stadium was alive and roaring. The Yankees were back.
Game one set the tone for the series, with a fight occurring in the 6th after Yankees pitcher Kenny Rodgers hit Brewers 1st baseman John Jaha. Jaha was hit by a pitch and stormed the mound, going into a fistfight with Kenny Rodgers. Then a few fans got into the fight, fighting with the Yankees bullpen. Then more fans stormed to get into the fight. It took 14 minutes to get order settled. After the mess, the Brewers took game one 2-1. Game two was a calmer game with game one, with the Yankees shining and taking game 2, 6-3.
Games 3 and 4 were the first playoff games in Milwaukee since the 1982 World Series. Game 3 was a not-so good game for the Brewers, with the Yankees scoring 10 runs in the 2nd, and ending up being a 14-2 rout for the Yanks. But in game 4, after being humiliated and on the verge of elimination, the Brewers said that it was go time. With the help of Pat Listach hitting for the cycle and Ricky Bones hurling 7 complete innings, the Brewers forced game 5 with a 8-3 win.
Game 5 was back at Yankee Stadium. But with the crowd against them, the Brewers jumped out with a 4-0 lead in the 5th. That would not be the case for long. The next inning, Derek Jeter hit a grand slam to tie the game. And after a few scoreless innings, in the 9th, Wade Boggs hit a triple, with Derek Jeter scoring him to win the series.
CLEVELAND INDIANS VS. TEXAS RANGERS
Jacobs Field in Cleveland would be hosting the first two games of this series. The Texas Rangers, after years of frustration, have finally built a playoff-caliber team. The Indians have been the class of the league, but in the postseason, disintegrate into ashes.
Game one showed the best out of both teams, with Jim Thome making a incredible catch to nix a rally by the Rangers. Ivan Rodriguez stole home. And in the end, it was a balk to end the game, walking off a game 1 victory for the Indians, 7-6. Game two was Rangers night, with Bobby Witt throwing 6 scoreless innings, reliever Dennis Cook striking out every batter he faced, Rusty Greer hitting an inside-the-park home run twice, and a triple play were a few of the highlights in the Rangers 6-0 victory.
Game 3 and 4 would be in the 3-year old Ballpark in Arlington, the brainchild of George W. Bush, now Gov. of Texas. Game 3 was a nail biter, but in the end, a Pudge single walked it off for the Rangers, a 4-3 win. Game 4 was also an exciting game, taking 13 innings to end, also showing pitching domination by both sides. But in the end, the Rangers walked it off again, winning the game 5-4 and winning the series.
SAN DIEGO PADRES VS. FLORIDA MARLINS
A beautiful day graced over Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego. The 1996 Padres were the class of the league, totaling 103 wins, with stars like the outstanding rookie Ichrio. Everyone thought that this would be an easy 3-game sweep for the Padres.
Game 1 had Orel Hershiser on the mound for the Padres and Al Lieter for Florida (now being called Felix, in reference to CIA agent Felix Lieter from the James Bond series). The game was a defensive showdown, with Lieter striking out 11 and the Marlins coming up big in the late innings to win the game 3-1. Game 2 had on the mound Pat Rapp for the Marlins and Joey Hamilton for the Padres. Joey Hamilton dominated the pitching mound, throwing a complete game and allowing 4 hits en route to a 5-0 win for the Padres, with an amazing performance by Ichrio, recording 2 triples in the win.
For games 3 and 4, the series was situated in Miami, FLA. Game 3 was a highly-contested match. Ichrio went on a tear, going 5-5 with a home run, a triple, 2 stolen bases, and 2 doubles. The game went into extra innings, with Andre Dawson again showing his heroic efforts, winning the game for the Marlins, 7-6 in 10 innings. Game 4 was another hot match, with both pitchers not lasting past the 4th inning. But in the end of this high scoring match, the Marlins pulled off the improbable upset, winning the game 11-9 and winning the series.
PITTSBURGH PIRATES VS. MONTREAL EXPOS
The past 2 teams who had won the World Series, the Pirates (1993 and 1995) and the Expos (1994) were facing each other to see who would play for the chance to play in the World Series.
Game one pitted Tim Wakefield and Pedro Martinez. Wakefield had a field day, throwing a complete game and striking out 13, backed by an amazing performance by the Pirates offense, and game 1 was a 7-0 victory for the Pirates. Game 2 had Greg Maddux on the mound, and he added another amazing performance by the Pirates rotation, throwing another complete game, having a no-hitter until the 8th, ending up with a two-hitter in a 4-0 game 2 victory for the Bucs.
Game 3 showed why the Pirates were the new dynasty in town, with David Cone striking out 14 and Barry Bonds blasting 2 homers en route to a series sweep and a 9-2 victory for the Pirates.
1996 AMERICAN LEAGUE DIVISON SERIES
NEW YORK YANKEES VS. MILWAUKEE BREWERS
Yankee Stadium was alive and roaring. The Yankees were back.
Game one set the tone for the series, with a fight occurring in the 6th after Yankees pitcher Kenny Rodgers hit Brewers 1st baseman John Jaha. Jaha was hit by a pitch and stormed the mound, going into a fistfight with Kenny Rodgers. Then a few fans got into the fight, fighting with the Yankees bullpen. Then more fans stormed to get into the fight. It took 14 minutes to get order settled. After the mess, the Brewers took game one 2-1. Game two was a calmer game with game one, with the Yankees shining and taking game 2, 6-3.
Games 3 and 4 were the first playoff games in Milwaukee since the 1982 World Series. Game 3 was a not-so good game for the Brewers, with the Yankees scoring 10 runs in the 2nd, and ending up being a 14-2 rout for the Yanks. But in game 4, after being humiliated and on the verge of elimination, the Brewers said that it was go time. With the help of Pat Listach hitting for the cycle and Ricky Bones hurling 7 complete innings, the Brewers forced game 5 with a 8-3 win.
Game 5 was back at Yankee Stadium. But with the crowd against them, the Brewers jumped out with a 4-0 lead in the 5th. That would not be the case for long. The next inning, Derek Jeter hit a grand slam to tie the game. And after a few scoreless innings, in the 9th, Wade Boggs hit a triple, with Derek Jeter scoring him to win the series.
CLEVELAND INDIANS VS. TEXAS RANGERS
Jacobs Field in Cleveland would be hosting the first two games of this series. The Texas Rangers, after years of frustration, have finally built a playoff-caliber team. The Indians have been the class of the league, but in the postseason, disintegrate into ashes.
Game one showed the best out of both teams, with Jim Thome making a incredible catch to nix a rally by the Rangers. Ivan Rodriguez stole home. And in the end, it was a balk to end the game, walking off a game 1 victory for the Indians, 7-6. Game two was Rangers night, with Bobby Witt throwing 6 scoreless innings, reliever Dennis Cook striking out every batter he faced, Rusty Greer hitting an inside-the-park home run twice, and a triple play were a few of the highlights in the Rangers 6-0 victory.
Game 3 and 4 would be in the 3-year old Ballpark in Arlington, the brainchild of George W. Bush, now Gov. of Texas. Game 3 was a nail biter, but in the end, a Pudge single walked it off for the Rangers, a 4-3 win. Game 4 was also an exciting game, taking 13 innings to end, also showing pitching domination by both sides. But in the end, the Rangers walked it off again, winning the game 5-4 and winning the series.
1996 AMERICAN LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
NEW YORK YANKEES VS. TEXAS RANGERS
The day before Game 1 of the ALCS, the New York Post boasted: "THE EVIL EMPIRE IS BACK", saying that they would knock off the Rangers in 4 straight. Fans were still reeling over the 1994 ALCS, but everyone knew this was the Yankees time to shine.
Games one and two would have home field advantage for the Yanks. Game one started with Yankee Kenny Rodgers pitching against his old team, and Ken Hill pitching for the Rangers. The game would become memorable for what happened in the 6th inning. Derek Jeter was up at bat for the Yankees, and hit a smashing home run. Juan Gonzalez looked like he had it, but a fan interfered and caught the ball. The refs ruled that a home run, and after that the game was in the Yankees control, winning 6-2. Game 2 was a different story, with the Rangers having the upper hand, with the Rangers tying the series at 1 with a 4-0 win.
The next three games of the series would be played in Arlington. The Rangers easily took game three behind excellent pitching by Bobby Witt, winning the game 8-2 and taking the series advantage. Game 4 was back and forth game, with Pudge hitting two home runs and Bernie Williams hitting two, with the game going to extra innings. In the end, a 13th inning rally proved fatal for the Rangers, with the Yankees taking game 4 9-7. Game 5 was another exciting game, ending with a Dean Palmer walk-off home run to win the game 5-4 and to pull the Rangers one game closer to the World Series.
Game 6 and 7 would be played at Yankee Stadium. The Rangers showed fatigue in game 6, with the Yankees easily taking the win, 7-1. Game 7 was an exciting way to close out the series, with both clubs exchanging the win. In the end, thanks to a Bernie Williams moonshot in the 8th, the Yankees took the game 8-5 and won the series, playing in their first World Series in 15 years.