[Lefty Noob]

Today is the 25th Anniversary of the Pine Tar Incident.

On July 24, 1983, the Kansas City Royals were playing the New York Yankees, and trailing 4-3 in the top of the ninth inning. Royals star George Brett then came to the plate and hit a two-run homer, seemingly giving his team the lead. But Yankees manager Billy Martin protested, saying that Brett's bad contained an illegal amount of pine tar. After analyzing the bat, the umpires ruled Brett out, and despite the arguement of a furious Brett, the game was ruled over.

The Royals later protested the ruling to American League president Lee MacPhail. While MacPhail ruled that the bat was illegal, he nonetheless had the game restarted from the point following Brett's home run. He also ruled that Brett must be ejected for his outburst. Ultimately, Kansas City held on for the victory, but now after some additional theatrics. Check out the Pine Tar Incident article over at Wikipedia for more information.

[legend]

If Brett had not been restrained that day he may have assualted that umpire. He must thank God every day that someone grabbed him. And the reversal of the ruling, negating a rule that was in the books, is still the biggest sham in the history of baseball.

[Full Cougar]

Yup didnt they change that though and give him the homerun or no?

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by Full Cougar

Yup didnt they change that though and give him the homerun or no?

Yeah, they counted the home run, which as legend said contradicted a written rule on the matter. To this day, the reversal makes no sense, especially since they also ejected him for an outburst that happened after he was declared out, which he wouldn't have been if the home run counted.

[Full Cougar]

Ya thats true.