What is the most important hit in baseball history.

[Jcfowler6]

1960 game 7 Bill Mazeroski?
Babe's called shot?
Dimaggio's 1941 number 54?
Pete Roses 4192nd?
Jackie Robinson's first?
Ezra Sutton of the Cleveland Forest Citys on May 8, 1871 first home run ever?

Or is there another for you?

[bobbvc]

Hank Aaron's 715th was pretty important not just for Baseball, but for American history. Not sure if it's THE most important but a candidate to be sure.

[thekingofclout]

Here's my vote...

BOBBYthompson1.jpg

[Leon]

When I thought of the question the first thing that came to my mind was Ruth's Called Shot. Even though it could easily have been misidentified it still is the most iconic baseball play. If it wasn't that then it might be the Babe's #714. That number has always stuck with me. Just some personal thoughts and everyone will have their own take on it.

[kmac32]

If you are a Yankee fan, consider October 5, 1921, the hit that started all of the Yankees World Series history by Elmer Miller. Only a single but was the start of the yankees history with the fall classic.

[timber63401]

Wont be a popular choice but McGwires 62nd HR has to be in top 10 atleast. His and Sosas chase brought back a lot of fans for the sports and also started the serious look at steroids in baseball.

[philliesphan]

by a long shot.

[GasHouseGang]

As a Cardinal fan it's either the triple in the ninth or this....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vd0d...eature=related

[Peter_Spaeth]

Don Delillo in Underworld makes a pretty good case for the Bobby Thomson HR, although of course his account has elements of fiction and perhaps exaggeration. In terms of importance beyond baseball, I would agree with #715 -- a blow that arguably put an exclamation point on the chapter started by Jackie Robinson.

[Bill Stone]

Having been a Pittsburgh Pirate fan starting at age 5 I watched every year as the Pirates finished 7th or 8th in the National League from 1950 -1957 . My greatest joy was seeing them start to win more games in 1958 all of which culminated in ecstacy when they won the 1960 World Series on Bill Mazeroski's home run --I stayed home from school and watched the game on TV with my Dad, who recognized the importance of this game to me .

[pcoz]

For me it's Maz. Bucs got outscored by the Yanks 55-27 for the series, and it's the only HR to end a WS that went 7 games. Although a slick fielder, you can make the case it was the hit that put him in the Hall.

[Clutch-Hitter]

Originally Posted by Leon

When I thought of the question the first thing that came to my mind was Ruth's Called Shot. Even though it could easily have been misidentified it still is the most iconic baseball play. If it wasn't that then it might be the Babe's #714. That number has always stuck with me. Just some personal thoughts and everyone will have their own take on it.

My Take:

1. It was something he would do
2. The trash talking from both sides provided reason for #1
3. He hit it out in an area nobody else could, deep center

[obcbobd]

To Me

July 19, 1970

Fenway Park

First Inning.

Yaz hits a HR off of Rollie Fingers

I was 8 years old, sitting behind home plate, and that was the first time I saw my favorite player in person

[mark evans]

I agree that Aaron's 715 likely most 'important.'

Most 'dramatic' probably Thomson or Maz (which was extremely painful for this 10-year old serious Yankee fan. I saw Maz at Chantilly and was tempted to tell him but couldn't bring myself to spend the $35.).

[prewarsports]

Greatest single hit...

Bobby Thomson's Shot Heard Round the World. Even non-Sports fans have heard the call on that one.

For me as a 35 year old, Kirk Gibson by a LOOOONG shot. That is the closest thing you get to Roy Hobbs in real life!

Rhys

[ethicsprof]

I'm sitting at my office desk staring at the side wall containing a Brace photo of Thomson with the matching baseball card ---both framed together and both autographed.
My vote is for the SHOT.
all the best,
barry

[Matthew80]

Originally Posted by mark evans

I agree that Aaron's 715 likely most 'important.'

Most 'dramatic' probably Thomson or Maz (which was extremely painful for this 10-year old serious Yankee fan. I saw Maz at Chantilly and was tempted to tell him but couldn't bring myself to spend the $35.).

I completely agree. It's 715 > 61 because a black man eclipsed His Holiness. If Maris is black and Aaron white, then make it 61.

Not sure which of the two would mean more if they're both white or black.

[Exhibitman]

Originally Posted by obcbobd

To Me

July 19, 1970

Fenway Park

First Inning.

Yaz hits a HR off of Rollie Fingers

I was 8 years old, sitting behind home plate, and that was the first time I saw my favorite player in person

Yes, Rollie Fingers was a great player.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

Yes, Rollie Fingers was a great player.

Is he the only pitcher in the HOF with a losing record?