Bobby Thomson, whose ninth-inning three-run homer off Brooklyn Dodgers' pitcher Ralph Branca over the left field fence at the Polo Grounds won the 1951 National League pennant for the New York Giants, passed away on Monday night at his Savannah, Georgia home at age 86.
Mr. Thomson's home run has been described as "The Shot Heard 'Round The World." It capped off a comeback for the Giants, who at one time during the 1951 regular season, trailed the Dodgers by 13 1/2 games, before winning 37 of their last 44 games to force a best-of-three playoff series for the National League crown.
After the Giants and "Dem Bums" split the first two games, the Giants trailed 4-2 with two men on in the last half of the ninth inning of the decisive contest at the old Polo Grounds when Bobby hit the decisive three-run shot to win the Giants their first National League pennant since 1937. At that moment, Giants broadcaster Russ Hodges exclaimed:
"The Giants Win The Pennant!"
"The Giants Win The Pennant!"
"The Giants Win The Pennant!"
"The Giants Win The Pennant!"
Rest In Peace, Bobby.
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