It’s impossible to think of Bob Welch and not recall the late pitcher’s epic battle with Reggie Jackson in the 1978 World Series. This took place nearly 36 years ago, yet the drama and suspense of the at-bat still makes me nervous.
This was one of those classic power vs. power match-ups. Reggie Jackson, Mr. October, was facing a hard-throwing rookie with men on second and third and the Dodgers up 4-3 with two outs in the top of the 9th inning of the 1978 World Series.
Welch was bringing the heat, and Jackson was swinging with all his might, like usual.
Reggie fouled off several pitches and brought it to a full count before Welch finally sat him down on a 3-2 fastball up in the zone on the ninth pitch of the at-bat to seal the victory.
That was intense.
Of course, later in Game 6, Reggie took Welch deep in the 7th inning to give the Yankees a 7-2 lead in the game. They won the series that night. Reggie pimped the ever-loving sh*t out of the home run like a boss.
That was Reggie’s fourth homer of the series and gave him 14 RBIs for the series. Mr. freaking October.
