Kirk Gibson's Game 1 walk-off deserves a deep rewind | 1988 World Series

Kirk Gibson's pinch hit walk-off home run in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series is as iconic as MLB moments get. But there's a lot of people involved in this game, that really shouldn't be. We take a look at all the little things that made this moment one of baseball's best.
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[@chasemoy7560]

"In a year that has been so improbable, the impossible has happened"

[@simoncaton1226]

Oh how that would apply for this year and the previous one

[@2mfnokin]

RIP Vin Scully, who gave us this memorable high-fly call. dodgers legend will always be remembered

[@kenlytle4331]

Bonus points for waiting for Gibson's double fist pump before ending the clip.

[@doxazo5512]

I'm a simple man, I see Rewinder, I click

[@A-small-amount-of-peas]

How retro. I just touch a screen

[@scullystie4389]

Great video, I love Rewinders, but I'm surprised you didn't dig into how dramatic the actual plate appearance was, with him hitting the home run on the seventh pitch of a nearly six minute at bat, working from an 0-2 all the way to back a full count, and Davis almost getting picked off at one point. It's one of the reasons that home run was so meaningful, Gibson was down to his last strike almost the entire time.

[@jeremybracken3663]

Scullys Tie absolutely! I was also hoping they would have emphasized that more

[@SimuLord]

As Keith Olbermann (among many others) pointed out, the best part of that highlight is the brake lights on the car behind the stadium as some LA nitwit who left early to beat the traffic heard the call on the radio and realized what happened. They come on just as the ball clears the fence.

[@blakfloyd]

Oh please. Like you've never stopped watching a seemingly foregone game before it ended?

[@jakubwidlarz]

One of the others who left early to catch a flight at LAX was Jim Gray.

[@wateriswet0510]

@@blakfloyd 2 years late but bruh this man paid his hard-earned money to leave in the Ninth Inning of Game 1 of the World Series when the Dodgers are *down by 1*

[@vengefulaug]

@@blakfloyd not in the WS and down only 1 run.

[@alexpastor8582]

I really hate the term "Mendoza line" were there not other white and black players who were worst???!!!! racist mofos!!!

[@bama79rolltide]

Gibson also battled back from an 0-2 count in that at bat.

[@richardtheconquerer]

Little surprised they didn't mention that or the fact that the reason he was able to hit the ball out on two bum legs is that season Eckersley loved to throw a backdoor slider on a 3-2 count. So much so that that's exactly what Gibson was looking for

[@TommyD1213]

I forgot that! I grew up in the Bay Area and this was the first World Series game I had ever watched. And I’m a HUGE A’s fan. This crushed me. I was 7. I actually blamed Canseco for not catching it lol

[@a1gamer561]

As an A’s fan this will be the only reminder that I won’t watch. But I watched it any way because Rewinder videos are awesome

[@jasonkrainert1579]

Adam E I have a similar feeling as a Giants fan, nothing worse than seeing a rival do this, it's soul crushing to watch. Only good thing is that it wasn't against us.

[@scrub_jay]

I'm a Dodger fan and I've been completely avoiding the Bumgarner video lol

[@sexagesimalian]

I heard an interview with Eckersley in which he said he couldn't decide whether to throw a fast ball or a slider and still hadn't made up his mind as he was pitching the ball. This resulted in a very bad not-a-fastball-or-a-slider pitch.

[@aidan2657]

Dido

[@gabrielbruskoff]

Patrick Riley Gibson said that Dodger scouts told them that if Eckersely had a lefty in a 3-2 count, a backdoor slider was coming. They guaranteed it, and sure enough, when Eckersely got to 3-2 with Gibson, his next pitch was the very bad not-a-fastball-or-a-slider backdoor slider.

[@ryanopper3097]

Growing Up a Detroit Tigers Fan, Kirk "GIBBY" Gibson was my favorite player! He won us a World Series in '84 and then we loaned him to LA to win in' 88. Gibby does our play by play analysis for the Tigers now.

[@clawsmasher1334]

The helmet catch deserves a deep rewind. It has a really interesting back story with the 16-0 patriots vs the underdog giants. Also the story of David tyree, and not to mention the catch was incredible as well as the escape by Eli Manning

[@BrockMak]

Then how Tyree was cut after the following preseason.

[@aegisofhonor]

Orel Hershiser was one of the great pitchers of the 1980s, a real workhorse that was one of the last pitchers in the Majors to consistently complete games. Ryan might have fanned batters more, it was Hershiser that turned those fans and wins into pennants. Great to see him mentioned for once, he doesn't get anywhere near enough credit for how great of a pitcher he was.

[@ThundermanSze]

He was one of those pitchers, like Greg Maddux, who relied on his intelligence, unpredictability and precise location to do his bidding instead of just raw power. He never was a pitcher who would just blow one by you. But, he had a whole rainbow of pitches and different speeds. Everyone he struck out went back to the dugout saying to himself "I knew he was gonna throw that, I KNEW it! But when he threw it caught me off guard!"

[@MetFanMac]

"Turned those fans and wins into pennants"? You're one of those people who think Jacob deGrom doesn't deserve the Cy Young, aren't you.

[@anthonyponce4576]

You're God damn right it deserves a rewind

[@mrmetsman7693]

hahaha

[@todwest]

As much as I will always love Vin, Jack Buck's "I don't believe what I just saw!" call is one of my favorites of all time.

[@howie9751]

I agree. Vin's call was great, but it didn't capture the miracle as much as Buck's call did.

[@FallingDownAyar]

*Steven Bradbury’s miracle win at the 2002 Winter Olympics deserves a deep rewind.* (C’mon make it happen!!)

[@FlameDragon296]

Ornlu the Wolfie i support this. So much had to happen for him to even be in that position

[@N.I.R.A.T.I.A.S.]

Seconded. Or, technically "thirded", I suppose.

[@mcj88]

I'll throw my support behind this too

[@yaboi912]

Great idea. Fantastic take.

[@TheWrldIsSquare]

Giants fan through and through, watching that fist pump as he rounds the bases makes me smile every damn time, and it's quite literally the only moment I every feel any sort of warmth for someone in a Dodgers uniform. Great video.

[@matthewk6186]

Beef history : kd vs Westbrook Rewinder : Cubs vs Indians

[@794edgar]

Captain Coen like the rewinder idea But beef history is not even beef ...that's tofu all fake. Their own mothers made them kiss and makeup ..pretty sure they are cool again honestly

[@bananabandit2683]

And also A good Rewinder is game 4 of the 2004 ALCS Red Sox vs Yankees

[@dennisgreen9366]

A better Rewinder would be David Freese's walkoff homerun in the 2011 Game 6 World Series.

[@KWCline91]

Dennis Green an even better Rewinder would be 2017 WS Game 5. But all rewinder ideas are great.

[@cjsyblik3296]

Captain Coen yep. But would it be rajai Davis or zobrist or kb or kluber... My vote is on Davis even though the Indians lost it wouldn't be the first time they covered a losing team

[@staidenofanarchy]

Jason Lezak and the US Olympic men's swim team's last-lap comeback against France in the 2008 Olympics deserves a deep rewind.

[@cooperhoogenboom8735]

dude your videos give me chills every time you say welcome to a moment in history. great set up.

[@casualwizard5827]

You guys finally did the moment I’ve been requesting forever. Love this channel, keep it up!!!!

[@smalltalk.productions9977]

very nicely done. really enjoyed. thanks for the effort and the sharing. thumbs up.

[@WD--tw3zr]

Oh my gosh, this was probably the best Rewinder yet!!!!! Keep up the good work

[@snappy452]

Wow, the person(s) who put the episodes of this series together are super talented. I know everything (sometimes) about these scenarios and yet you found the way to make them fresh and intriguing again. Really excellent stuff.

[@dcflow7859]

The greatest walk off in baseball history, god was definitely with Kirk, he’s a strong believer!

[@howie9751]

It was only game one. Try Mazeroski or Bobby Thompson.

[@richstrobel]

or Joe Carter

[@michaelb2362]

Please make sooo many more of these and all the time. Easily one of my favorite series’ on KZbin

[@JavierGonzalez-rk8xc]

Love this channel. Don’t stop making these.

[@BK-jn9cp]

This maybe my favorite KZbin series right now. Keep up the good work guys and gals!!

[@AntiNikky]

Being born and raised in the Bay Area and a lifelong A's fan, watching this video and learning the backstory of this historic moment only make it hurt more lol But in all in all big respect to the Dodgers for a great performance!

[@gbattisbal]

Great video! I really enjoyed it. It was a great way to told a story.

[@jay2615]

man you just got a new sub this series is amazing!!!

[@franciscoponce4646]

I have been asking for this!!!

[@mikeyp2277]

These are great. Good job.

[@jonlavezza2364]

This series kicks major ass , please keep doing them , also the guy hosting video is well suited to these

[@unknownyes9470]

Gives me chills without fail regardless of how many times i watch. If i had a time traveling machine, probably be my first event to go. visit.

[@Robin6000]

This series deserves so much more praise and views

[@willyboods5197]

This rewind series is one of my favorites!

[@kevingreen2400]

The two things that are memorable on that home run, Vin Scully's bare bones yet powerful call and those taillights...always the taillights...

[@acesandoval4467]

I was 8 years old at the time and I can still remember that call like it was yesterday!!!!

[@ninjatacoshark]

This is a great series guys. Keep it up

[@adamlannan4933]

This is easily my fav KZbin channel.

[@tsinatra96]

I just watched this World Series.. it was amazing

[@brucebaseball437]

Goosebumps! What a cool moment!

[@Parker_Kirch24]

Rewind of the Braves World Series in the 90s I’d you don’t mind. Love your vids but really love the baseball firsts

[@DinoWinoSaur]

These are so good

[@christianhenslin1691]

Such a great show

[@jakeg8604]

Great video. Whenever I hit a homerun I make sure to do the kirk fist pump. Classic.

[@jasonfire3434]

They finally listened to my requests 😛 I wish I was old enough to actually remember watching this game but I was only about 5 months old when it happened. Still our most recent WS victory, which sucks.

[@neilknight2379]

Ronde Barber, 2003 NFC Championship game, 95-yard interception return. That game was so memorable but that was the most memorable moment.

[@HockeyMetalRPG]

My 18th Birthday!!!!!! I remember watching this game on my college radio station's TV while writing the story for the morning news at the station.

[@thesurfnate90]

you gotta play out the moments more you missed Scully's classic line "in the year that has been so improbable, the impossible has happened!"

[@mikeyp2277]

These are great.

[@Alexander_Grant]

This is a close second for the best moment in sports history. The kick six wins out for the history between the two teams, but this is right there with it. For someone to hit a homerun in this situation with two injured legs is nothing short of incredible.

[@evanferguson1370]

Best series on KZbin, Period.

[@bigtuna2718]

If you see this SB Nation, more Dodgers content would be AMAZING. I am subscribed and I have watched every single rewinder

[@dancrews7769]

My cousin was on the Dodgers bench. He was pitcher Tim Crews, may he R.I.P.

[@TheSands83]

I love these

[@phillyphan1994]

Rewinder has to be the best segment SB Nation does.

[@brendanwilliamson2494]

I think the best part of the Kirk Gibson home run is that just before Eckersley threw the 3-2 Gibson called for time remembering that Dodgers scout Mel Dider had once told him that Eckersley on a 3-2 count to a left handed hitter would definitely throw a back-door slider. After taking his time and hearing that information from Dider in his head he stepped back in, was thrown a back-door slider and the rest is history.

[@TheDabadu]

Cracking a cold one with my Bois

[@kevkerbster]

great video

[@matthewrice9789]

One of my best memories. Gibby Mr. Clutch!!

[@therealcharles]

Adore the old school production.

[@MatthiaGryffine]

Jack Buck always had the best call of Gibson's home run. "I don't believe... what I just saw! I don't BELIEVE what I just saw!

[@davidlamb1107]

No no no no no no no. That cannot *possibly* compare to the poetry of "in a season that has been so improbable, the IMPOSSIBLE has happened!"

[@MatthiaGryffine]

You say that because Scully was biased as the Dodgers regular announcer.

[@osvie0167]

I love Vin Scully's more. He let the excitement of the crowd do the talking. It was just amazing to hear that crowd eruption. And, then to top it off: In a year that has been so improbable - the impossible has happened. That's perfection.

[@jonahreyes655]

Do Gonzo's hit in game 7 of the 2001 world series

[@kennybenestad6999]

Jonah Reyes YES

[@andrewwalnoha1134]

Yeah that’s a good one

[@williamcutolo4535]

Doesn’t count it was a blooper

[@mikeb8674]

Excellent suggestion. Why was the infield half-way with a double-play possible? Always wondered.

[@EssexAggiegrad2011]

It's there now

[@JoshSlattery]

This series is awesome

[@closethockeyfan5284]

Came for the Kirk Gibson, stayed for the end zinger. Was not disappointed. Outstanding.

[@ziewknihtewza]

Not until just recently, did I find out that Kirk Gibson was actually a beast of a man when it came to sports

[@lorenzomarcil4953]

A rewinder on the NRL 2015 Grand Final would be awesome. Inarguable one of the wildest endings of any championship of any sport.

[@kenrhino7904]

Great video! Actually, Davis' walk was more of an intentional walk. According to Eckersley, he and the catcher saw that Dave Anderson was due up and they felt that it would be better to go after Anderson instead of Davis. Oops! What they didn't know was that Lasorda was keeping Gibson in the hallway and not in the dugout. When Davis walked, that is when Gibson came out and took a few swings in the on deck circle. The rest, is history! (P.S. I was AT the game and saw this home run!)

[@paulgaither]

As a 49ers fan, I want you to do the 2011 divisional playoff game agaist the Saints (Jan 2012). The rewind abput the team being 2-12, drafting Alex Smith, his coach questioning his toughness, fans chanting "We want Carr" on Monday (or thursday?) Night football, his next Mike Singletary coach saying "You need a QB" after being fired, the Vernon Davis attitude problem with Singletary, Bounty gate and how the Saints were head hunting, and yet with 3rd and 3 (just like how The Catch and the Catch II were both on 3rd and 3), Alex Smith connects with Davis to win the game. The Radio call "Alex to the post (Cohost Eric davis screams 'He's got it! Whoo hoo!') Smith with the play of his life. Vernon Davis with the play of his life. Can you feel Candlestick?!" That is a moment in history that I will always have.

[@hawkeye18100]

I’d say do a Deep Rewind of the 2004 ALCS... but there are so many great moments that I don’t think you could do just one video

[@clemsontige]

God I love this series, but as a KZbin commenter you’ve gotta go with the flow. Something, something Jon Bois.

[@cjsyblik3296]

clemsontige where's pretty good. Gibson's career would make a great pretty good.

[@DDS029]

Especially since he was a football player . . .

[@onedaysoon5351]

4:07 Nice, hearing my man Rick. I know his parents and they help my grandmother often

[@K92584]

What a legend

[@CarlosGarcia-kk2ui]

Rewind: Edgar Martinez's walk-off in game 5 1995 ALDS vs Yankees

[@_1jay]

Legendary.

[@martinkelly8169]

Please do the 1993 walk off world series, PLEASE this one does need a rewind

[@dougg2012]

That must’ve been one of those moments for people watching at home like “man, if he hits it out” and then imagining it over and over again during the AB, and then when it finally did happen they thought they were dreaming or something

[@pantherjoseph]

Then in 1990 the A’s get swept by the Reds. Some say they’ll come back and win it to this day...

[@dmelvinable]

This is by far the best explanation of why Gibson's home run was as improbable as I always heard it was.

[@lolchemy4378]

I'd like to suggest one of my iconic sports moments from the 90s for a Rewind.....Steve Yzerman's 2OT Game Seven Winner 1996 versus St Louis. Both teams were filled with drama and storylines and stars, and the Blues almost pulled one of the greatest upsets in terms of regular season point differential. The Wings were just starting their great run. The Blues had some guys named Gretzky, Hull, Pronger, MacInnis, Hawerchuk, Anderson, and Fuhr. Game Seven. Late start time due to TV rights scheduling for the playoffs. Scoreless after four periods (including overtime). Second OT starts in the wee hours of the morning local time. Yzerman picks up a loose puck off an unforced Gretzky turnover, slaps a shot from the blue line, and.....

[@connordickey8936]

Joe Carter walk off home run in 1993 for next rewind video

[@movieman2293]

4:43 It’s also said he and teammate Mark McGwire collaborated on a rap album that year...but sadly it’s been lost in the wind.

[@andrewlacerenza667]

Gibson what hero's are made of

[@wulfenacht666]

Hearing Vin Scully Is The Best. Nostalgia 🤙

[@AdamFerrari64]

It’s worth noting that Gibson read the scouting report on Eckersly, that he throws 3-2 sliders backdoor. That’s what he got, he was ready for it, and he crushed it!

[@mydogsnameislucy768]

Chills, as usual.

[@andrewbaird4829]

The game winning touchdown from the 2018 CFB National Championship deserves a pretty deep rewind.

[@KneeDeep2231]

Seriously loved this vid as a Dodger fan

[@cwhich]

Joey Bats’ bat flip needs a rewinder. I know it’s recent history, but it’s perfect for this show in my opinion

[@MrGageHarrison]

Baseball is magical

[@Beenman2210]

do a rewind of the 2012 AFC Divisional round game against the ravens and broncos.

[@sapphirestar22]

Oh that game was fun to watch

[@SmiteKhepri]

Rewinder: Bobby Orr's famous OT goal to win the Stanley Cup in 1970

[@CoyoteBreathComedy]

Awesome. You guts gotta do game 162 of the 2011 mlb season/ Game 6 of the 2011 world series.

[@samt4956]

There’s even more to this. Gibson had thoroughly studied Eckersly’s scouting report, and he knew that Dennis loved to throw the 3-2 slider. Gibson got a 3-2 count, and sure enough, he got that slider. The rest is history...

[@toeray5864]

Please please please do a rewinder of the Auburn Kick 6. The confluence of events leading up to that was insane and will never ever happen again.

[@globulin]

Beckie Scott's Olympic Gold deserves a deep rewind! One of the most interesting stories in sport.

[@lokew1254]

can you please do malcom butlers interception, this one was great as always

[@mike15280]

Do the Bill Mazeroski home run in 1960 World Series please Love your work Hope to see the video

[@PFPF-zz8uv]

I know that you haven’t made a rewinder episode in over a year, but if you did a NASCAR rewinder that would be awesome.

[@DavidBaruffi]

I hope you do the '96 Olympics Women's Gymnastics Team Final for this soon. That'll be a great one.