The American League led the majority of the game and held the National League in check. Until the eighth inning when Rollie Fingers walked Ozzie Smith. With Mike Easler at bat, Ozzie stole second as the throw went into center field, Smith took out for third. He was caught in a rundown and tagged out. The American League seemed to still be in control, but then Easler walked. In classic National League fashion, Mike Schmidt stepped up to the plate and pounded the ball, hitting the two-run game-winner. Gary Carter was named MVP because he hit two home runs.
This video clip is filled with Hall of Famers and interesting players. In addition to Mike Schmidt, Mike Easler (in the Pirates all yellow combination) as the baserunner in front of Schmidt. Eddie Murray is at first, Rollie Fingers pitching, Bo Diaz catching, Dave Winfield in center field. Shots of the NL dugout include Bill Buckner (Cubs), Ozzie Smith (Padres), Vida Blue (Giants) and half of Bill Madlock. Dusty Baker greets him at the plate. Back in the dugout you quickly see Andre Dawson, Bob Knepper, Tim Raines, Lee Elia's back and Manny Trillo.
2 comments:
Despite the strike and only playing in a few exhibiton games prior to that night, this was a really well-played game. It seemed as if the players didn't miss a beat. Gary Carter hit two homeruns that night, but I always thought that Schmidt, not Carter, should have been MVP of the game. His homer in the 8th proved to be the game winner. The only bad part about all of this was the god-awful split season format, which essentially killed the Phillies' momentum for the remainder of the season. Had there not been a strike, I believe the Phillies would have won the World Series again that year. In many ways, the 1981 team was better than the 1980 Champs.
Thanks for posting the clip. Being an Eddie Murray fan, it was nice to catch a glimpse of him at first.
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