Most exciting plays in Red Sox history (for the Casual Fan)

mBiferi

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May 14, 2006
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I have to put in my vote for this one. Not the most consequential HR in Sox history, since they lost the series in the end. But in context, with Papi breaking out of a horrific slump to put the Sox right back into the thick of a game and a series that both looked lost, it was utterly electrifying.

View: https://youtu.be/cuceRKfmIk0
That series... In the post 2004 era, that has been the most heartbreaking end of a season. Going into game 7 I was completely sure we would complete another ridiculous comeback.

To answer the question, and seeing that most of you already covered the main ones, here's one I didn't see posted:

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovO5TU5OUfE
 

jaytftwofive

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Jan 20, 2013
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M0ckduck gave us a poser in the Ortiz-slam thread (remembering 2013), and then fleshed out a scenario:

We had some early nominations:



...so now, let's get the rest of 'em in and vote.

1975 WS Game 6 (Fisk) is obviously up there, probably leading the list.

2013 ALCS Game 2 was a snoozer up until Ortiz, but Game 6 (Victorino) was certainly exciting.

I think any list has to have 1986 ALCS Game 5 high up on it, Hendu's homer. That game might be one of the greatest playoff games in baseball history - it's not quite 1960 Game 7 or 2016 WS Game 7 but it's in the top tier.

What else makes the list? Let's get some nominations and then we'll do a poll.
Al Michaels says Game 5 86 ALCS was the most exciting and memorable game he ever did. Even over the 1980 US Hockey victory over the USSR.
 
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GreenMonster49

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Jul 18, 2005
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I nominate this catch by Jackie Bradley from 2014. Note Gomes's reaction in the replay, and also note how Bradley's reputation was already good enough that Alejandro De Aza is almost back to the bag to tag up when Bradley catches the ball.

 

TonyPenaNeverJuiced

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Damon > Crisp > Ellsbury > Bradley as the core CF for the last 20 years is just . . . absurd. Like, how were we graced with such continued and unique brilliance? The Boston Red Sox in the 20th Century are one of the most mercurial and varied groups of players imaginable, but the consistency in the 8 position is just astounding. Oh, and Ricky Henderson started a couple in CF in 2002 as well. Absurd.

Not historic, but one that still gets the room round me dusty - Daniel Nava's first ML AB after an incredibly unlikely rise from "too small to even play in college" to Fenway:
View: https://youtu.be/yf4k8hr1sv4
I love this moment for many reasons, but this is the chief: We'd won two championships and I think even the most cynical die-hard had let their guard down by 2010. A story like this is why you love baseball, no matter who your team is - I honestly imagine the Daniel Nava's of other team's forums: heroes locally in a way that feels lost in the modern age. This homer brought us out of the post-Championship malaise, the "what is there to be excited about now?" It answers that question with an emphatic, "baseball."
 

jaytftwofive

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let's not forget Dewey's catch off Joe Morgan(RIP) in game 6 75 WS. And they doubled up Griffey. Even Willie Mays considered it almost as good as his famous 54 WS catch off Vic Wertz.
 

SoxFanInCali

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California. Duh.
A random one I remember is Daubach just missing a walkoff grand slam when the ball was about a foot foul, then hitting a 3 run walkoff double off the wall to win it anyways.

For the casual fan that doesn't get the historical impact of certain plays, or even the importance of playoffs vs some random late summer game, I don't think there's a more exciting play in baseball than a ball in the gap with the bases loaded that scores the winning run from first.
 

tims4wins

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A random one I remember is Daubach just missing a walkoff grand slam when the ball was about a foot foul, then hitting a 3 run walkoff double off the wall to win it anyways.

For the casual fan that doesn't get the historical impact of certain plays, or even the importance of playoffs vs some random late summer game, I don't think there's a more exciting play in baseball than a ball in the gap with the bases loaded that scores the winning run from first.
I was at that Daubach game too. That was bonkers. I'm not sure I've ever heard it louder for a split second than right before it was called a foul ball.
 

jaytftwofive

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Jeff Stone's walk off single to beat the Blue Jays September 1990. One of the most exiting Red Sox games I ever watched. I think it was his only hit as a Soxplayer and one of the most exiting Red Sox teams and seasons. One of my favorite all time Red Sox teams.
 

Saints Rest

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Damon > Crisp > Ellsbury > Bradley as the core CF for the last 20 years is just . . . absurd. Like, how were we graced with such continued and unique brilliance? The Boston Red Sox in the 20th Century are one of the most mercurial and varied groups of players imaginable, but the consistency in the 8 position is just astounding. Oh, and Ricky Henderson started a couple in CF in 2002 as well. Absurd.
Compared to Williams > Yaz > Rice from the late 30s to the mid 80s?
 

jaytftwofive

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Damon > Crisp > Ellsbury > Bradley as the core CF for the last 20 years is just . . . absurd. Like, how were we graced with such continued and unique brilliance? The Boston Red Sox in the 20th Century are one of the most mercurial and varied groups of players imaginable, but the consistency in the 8 position is just astounding. Oh, and Ricky Henderson started a couple in CF in 2002 as well. Absurd.



I love this moment for many reasons, but this is the chief: We'd won two championships and I think even the most cynical die-hard had let their guard down by 2010. A story like this is why you love baseball, no matter who your team is - I honestly imagine the Daniel Nava's of other team's forums: heroes locally in a way that feels lost in the modern age. This homer brought us out of the post-Championship malaise, the "what is there to be excited about now?" It answers that question with an emphatic, "baseball."
Don't forget Reggie Smith, 67-73. Not too Shabby. And of course Fred Lynn, 75-80.
 
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Flynn4ever

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Henderson's homer off of Moore. From the situation (2 strike, 2 out, down 5-4 in the ninth inning of an elimination game), to his reaction rounding the bases, to Michaels' call, it's an incredibly exciting moment in Red Sox history.

Truly an honor and a privilege to root for a franchise where we can have these discussions.
This was the one i was scrolling to find before I added it. I actually had turned off the TV, walked to my friend's house and was whining about the loss (1979 still stung) to my Yankee loving friend and he said, "man, you missed it, the Sox won!"
 

TonyPenaNeverJuiced

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Compared to Williams > Yaz > Rice from the late 30s to the mid 80s?
At the risk of being banned, Ted Williams isn't a Top 100 All-Time Red Sox Center Fielder, Rice doesn't crack the Top 50, and Yaz's .970fielding% in CF?... uhh, no thank you!


Don't forget Reggie Smith, 67-73. Not too Shabby. And of course Fred Lynn, 75-80.
Very true. Perhaps my post speaks more to living in the Age of the Highlight and it is/was incredible to know that most nights you could expect something from a Sox CFer. The response above beside, the Sox outfield has generally been a spectacular, if not just entertaining, bunch.
 

Humphrey

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Don't forget Reggie Smith, 67-73. Not too Shabby. And of course Fred Lynn, 75-80.
Smith made a great leaping catch at the wall off of Hank Allen (Dick's brother) at DC Stadium (became RFK) in 1968 that saved a win and who press guys said it was the best they ever saw. No one has or had even a photo of it, even a couple days later they were saying no visual evidence of the catch remains.
 

jaytftwofive

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Smith made a great leaping catch at the wall off of Hank Allen (Dick's brother) at DC Stadium (became RFK) in 1968 that saved a win and who press guys said it was the best they ever saw. No one has or had even a photo of it, even a couple days later they were saying no visual evidence of the catch remains.
I actually saw a game at DC Stadium(Later named RFK in 69) in the summer of 68. I was visiting my cousins in Silver Spring MD and got to see Denny McClain win one of his 31 games. Also got see Frank Howard hit a HR. Phil Ortega pitched a decent game for the Senators. It was only the 2nd baseball park/stadium I had been to and I liked it because it was bigger then Fenway. Easier to watch games , no obstructions. Hey! I was 10 going on 11, LOL.
 

mauidano

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Man, some great memories washing back over with this thread!

I am biased for Victorino for obvious reasons of hometown stuff. But the Nava GS on his first pitch is iconic as well.
Ironically, I will see Shane later this upcoming week here on Maui for his annual Foundation Event.
 

Minneapolis Millers

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The Steal was only significant in hindsight. In the moment, it merely meant that a single would push Game 4 to extras, in a series we were trailing 3-0.
Well, I mean, every play that doesn’t win the title is only significant in hindsight. In the moment, it meant we were one important step closer to staving off the brutal embarrassment of a sweep.
 

ookami7m

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tims4wins

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I just love McDonough’s call on Brunansky. Something I remember hearing as a kid and always remembering it.
 

jaytftwofive

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jaytftwofive

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A's were seemingly unbeatable, Rice got hurt Yaz had to go back to left
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ux9q6ttaT_M
The A's had 98 wins the most since1971, but.....................were missing a HOFame pitcher who signed with the Yankees. Catfish. Would it have made a difference?? Probably not but who knows, at least in that series. If he beats Luis in game one who knows , maybe that changes things. We'll never know. They probably win more then 101 games if Catfish stays like 1971. They only won 90 in 74 and won their third straight title.
 
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