nooligan x hidedemons: journal (6)
presents:
ol’ shine
(a day n’ history)
the 5th
88 years ago today, oct 1st 1932
It was a bright and beautiful day, a day made for playing ball.
It was game 3 of the world series - the new york yankees vs the chicago cubs @ wrigley field. The game begins - In the 1st inning, Babe smacks a three-run homerun, while Lou Gehrig blasts a single homer in the third. The score is 4-1 in favor of New York. But by the fourth inning, the Cubs have fought back and the score is tied 4-4.
It’s now the 5th inning with the Yankees batting, one out already against them. The Babe steps up to the plate. The animosity coming from the Cubs dugout is clear. The “smack” toward the Babe is loud. And, Babe takes a strike from Chicago pitcher Charlie Root. Then two balls, followed by another strike. The count is 2-2.
The Babe steps up to the plate for the next pitch, but then steps back out of the batter’s box for a moment and apparently gestures toward center field. And the “smack” is silenced as the crack of Babe’s bat is heard and he smashes a big, booming homerun over the wall near the flagpole in center field. Some say it was the longest homer ever hit out of Wrigley Field.
_ _ _ _ _
“What do you think of the nerve of that big monkey, calling his shot and getting away with it?” - Lou Gehrig
“If he had made that gesture, I would have knocked him down with the next pitch.” - Charlie Root
_ _ _ _ _
Did it happen? Did the babe call his shot? Seems to be a huge debate.
Personally, I love the legend - I believe he did call his shot.
I know the 2 finger gesture was also taken as a “thats just 2” aimed at Charlie on the mound - What i believe is that he made the gesture of the 2 strike count to charlie then with the same hand flicked it towards the center field.
I don’t care what anyones says - the babe called his shot
proof of magic - The rest is history & Legend.
* i give roger maris respect no one after that.
George Herman Ruth Jr.
ol’ shine x ssxhb
available today only (oct. 1)