By BRIAN COSTELLO
May 4, 2008
As both New York baseball stadiums prepare to close, The Post looks back at the 25 most memorable moments in the history of Shea. This week, No. 21.
Oct. 15, 1969
The Miracle Mets might not have had a win more Amazin' than this one. In Game 4 of the World Series, they defeated the Orioles 2-1 on a controversial bunt in the 10th inning by J.C. Martin to take a 3-1 series lead.
Tom Seaver kept the Orioles scoreless through eight innings. Donn Clendenon gave Seaver a 1-0 lead with a home run in the second inning.
Baltimore finally got to Seaver in the ninth when Frank Robinson and Boog Powell hit consecutive one-out singles. The Orioles had runners on first and third when Brooks Robinson hit a line drive to right field that looked like it was going to drop and allow both runners score. But right fielder Ron Swoboda made an unbelievable diving catch, snatching the ball inches from the ground. Frank Robinson tagged up and scored to tie the game, but Swoboda's catch prevented Baltimore from taking the lead.
Baltimore manager Earl Weaver was not around to see the dramatic finish. Umpire Shag Crawford ejected him in the sixth inning for arguing balls and strikes. It was the first time a manager had been ejected from a World Series game since 1935.
The Mets won the game in the 10th in unforgettable fashion. Jerry Grote led off with a double to left. Baltimore then intentionally walked Al Weis. Mets manager Gil Hodges called on Martin to pinch hit for Seaver.
Martin laid down a bunt about 10 feet up the first-base line in an attempt to move up the runners. Orioles pitcher Pete Richert fielded the ball, turned and threw to second baseman Davey Johnson covering first. The ball hit Martin in the wrist, though, and bounced across the dirt. Rod Gaspar, running for Grote, scored from second to give Mets the victory.
After the game, replays showed Martin was inside the first-base line. The Orioles protested but it was ruled Martin did not intentionally interfere with the throw.
