Quote:
Originally Posted by stone193
I don't collect GU balls but did pick this one up - it was affirmed by the home plate ump to be one of the balls used in the game when George Brett hit his 3000th hit.
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Neat ball! I was actually at the game where George Brett got his 3000th hit on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 1992.
The Royals were playing the Angels in Anaheim. A lot of people came to the stadium the day before, but the Royals, in all their infinite wisdom, opted to sit Brett in this game. Their hope was that by doing this, Brett would get his 3000th hit in front of the home town KC fans on their return two days later.
The only way that that wouldn't happen is if Brett at this late stage in his career went 4 for 4, which seemed pretty unlikely...
Lightning struck and Angels reliever Tim Fortugno gave up Brett's 4th hit for # 3,000 late in the game! It was sure fun to see history being made.
BTW, I've been fortunate to have witnessed quite a few baseball milestones in my lifetime. A few others include:
Nolan Ryan's 383 K record setting game in 1973, two of his four 19 K games (1974) and two 1-hitters (1973 and 1979)
Lou Brock's 3,000th hit in 1979 (St. Louis)
Rod Carew's 3,000th hit in 1984, Reggie Jackson's 500th HR in 1985- all 3 of these in Anaheim
Nolan Ryan's 300th win (Milwaukee), his only All Star win in 1989 as well as his final strikeout in 1993 (both Anaheim)
Last game at Arlington Stadium (also last hit George Brett)
Last game at Atlanta Fulton County Stadium
Last HR Eddie Murray (Anaheim)
Mark McGwire HR's 66-70 1998 (St. Louis)
Last game at Tiger Stadium- 1st game at Comerica Park (Both Detroit)