On Tuesday night in San Francisco, baseball fans witnessed a rare event when Giants catcher Patrick Bailey hit a walk-off three-run inside-the-park home run. This remarkable play secured a comeback victory for the Giants over the Phillies.
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, this was the first time since 1989 that a team won via such a method when trailing by multiple runs. Coincidentally, in 1989, it was the Phillies who achieved this against the Giants. During that game, Bob Dernier of the Phillies lined a ball into the left-field corner at Veterans Stadium. The ball got away from Giants left fielder Kevin Mitchell, allowing Dickie Thon and Steve Lake to score and paving the way for Dernier’s winning run.
In Tuesday’s game, Bailey hit a deep drive off the brick wall in right-center field. The ball rolled along the warning track long enough for Bailey to circle the bases after runners Casey Schmitt and Brett Wisely.
This occurrence marks only the fifth time such an event has taken place during the Live Ball Era (since 1921). Other players who have accomplished this feat include Tim Teufel of the Twins in 1984, Roberto Clemente of the Pirates in 1956, and Tom Winsett of the Dodgers in 1937.
“Nothing new under the sun? Try nothing new on a baseball field.”
