29 years ago today the Red Sox beat the Angels in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series—and I remember exactly where I was when that happened, living in Boston, practically in the shadow of Fenway Park.
It’s odd for me to remember that moment so vividly because, as I mention in other parts of this site, a love for baseball came to me later in life and likely to the chagrin of some in my family, who were die-hard fans.
Game 5 was a turning point in the postseason for the Red Sox, who were down 1-game-to-3 in the best of seven ALCS. After a loss in extra innings the day before, Boston looked to be heading to defeat entering the 9th inning down 5-2. But two home runs in the 9th, one by Don Baylor and another by Dave Henderson put Boston on top 6-5. The Angels tied the game in the bottom of the inning.
In the 11th Baylor was hit by a pitch, Dwight Evans and then Rich Gedman singled, and with the bases loaded Henderson sacrificed to score a run. It was just one run, but I remember it clearly, following the game on the radio in my dorm room and knowing that it was something special.
Calvin Schiraldi closed the game for the Red Sox. The series shifted to Fenway, and the Sox went on to beat the Angels in the next two games.
Of course, they faced the Mets in the World Series. Best to forget all about that.