A remarkable call during a significant play can elevate a moment to legendary stature, particularly in the context of the World Series.
Whether it’s thrilling walk-offs, tributes to Hall of Famers, or simply adding critical context to a pivotal play, the Fall Classic has delivered countless spine-tingling calls from announcers.
At times, these calls feel iconic the moment they resonate with us. Other times, we may need some distance to fully appreciate their brilliance. Occasionally, it takes a while to recognize their significance, but once we do, they become unforgettable.
Here are 10 memorable calls that mark significant moments in World Series history.
“High fly ball into right field, she is …. GONE!”
It’s uncommon for a single moment to elicit several iconic calls, but Gibson’s walk-off home run during Game 1 of the 1988 World Series was a monumental hit that inspired broadcasters from different booths. Scully’s call for NBC resonated with millions and has remained the most replayed commentary in subsequent decades.
In Scully’s signature Hall of Fame style, his commentary on Gibson’s homer against future Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley is both straightforward and infused with the right amount of excitement and awe as an injured Gibson achieves what Scully describes as the impossible.
Jack Buck: Gibson’s walk-off homer
“Gibson — swings and a fly ball to deep right field. This is gonna be a home run! Unbelievable! A home run for Gibson, and the Dodgers have won the game, 5-4. I don’t believe what I just saw.”
Like Scully, Buck was already recognized as a Hall of Fame broadcaster when he was assigned to call the 1988 World Series for CBS Radio. His call of Gibson’s iconic hit is not only filled with admiration but also astonishment, highlighted by his memorable line: “I don’t believe what I just saw.”
Buck repeats this line twice in quick succession (and in fact, he says it a third time shortly afterward, although that part is often omitted in clips), emphasizing the surreal nature of the moment. To further underscore his disbelief, he also asks his partner Bill White during the full broadcast, “Is this really happening, Bill?!”
“Here’s the 3-2 pitch – and a drive hit to right field, WAY BACK, THIS BALL IS GONE!”
Drysdale was the third Hall of Famer providing commentary for Game 1 that night in 1988, earning his place in Cooperstown due to his accolades as an eight-time All-Star pitcher and former Cy Young Award winner. Despite being relatively new to sports broadcasting, Drysdale displayed exceptional announcing talent.
with a keen eye for detail and a conversational tone as he broadcast games for local Dodgers radio.
As Gibson makes contact, Drysdale calls the play as he interprets it — including his ecstatic realization that the ball is soaring over the wall. He previously described the at-bat as a moment reminiscent of “Casey at the Bat,” leading to a perfect conclusion to his call: “This crowd will not stop. They can’t believe the ending. And this time, Mighty Casey did NOT strike out.”
“Freeman hits a ball, right field. She is … GONE!”
The similarities between Freeman’s walk-off home run in 2024 and Gibson’s in ’88 are striking: both played in Game 1, both are stars, both are left-handed, both injured, and both come to bat with their team down by one run and down to their last out. Additionally, both launched a ball into the right-field seats at nearly the same time of day. Davis, the regular Dodgers’ announcer, but serving as the main play-by-play guy for FOX during the series, recognized the narrative symmetry — his call highlights that fact.
In a nod to Scully’s legendary call from 36 years prior, Davis enthusiastically communicates that “she” is gone. He then delivers an instant-classic introduction: “Gibby, meet Freddie,” before paying homage again when he asks partner John Smoltz, who is momentarily speechless, “Would you say you don’t believe what you just saw?”
“Into deep left center, for Mitchell, and … we’ll see you tomorrow night.”
By the time the Braves faced the Twins in Game 6 of the 1991 World Series, the series had reached an intense level. Three out of the first five games were decided by just one run, with the winning run scoring in the eighth inning or later each time. Game 6 turned out to be the second of what would eventually be three extra-inning games in the series.
So when Puckett connects with Charlie Leibrandt in the bottom of the 11th inning, tying the game at 3-3, Buck’s now-famous and straightforward declaration, “we’ll see you tomorrow night,” seems to convey, “Of course we’re heading to Game 7. Did you expect anything different?”
“Freese hits it in the air to center. We will see you tomorrow night.”
Twenty years and a day following his father’s call of Puckett’s home run, Joe Buck found himself narrating his own gripping Game 6 for FOX in the 2011 World Series, as the Cardinals miraculously came back from near elimination to defeat the Rangers, forcing a Game 7.
When Freese leads off the bottom of the 11th in a tied game — mirroring Puckett’s situation — and then hits a walk-off homer — just as Puckett did — the younger Buck recognizes a chance to pay tribute to his father, and he achieves it beautifully.
Buck also honored his father in 2004 when David Ortiz delivered a walk-off homer after midnight in Game 4 of the ALCS, igniting the Red Sox’s historic comeback against the Yankees. He wrapped up that call with, “We’ll see you later…”
Bob Costas: Yankees Secure 25th Title to Conclude the 1900s (1999)
“A pop into shallow left. The New York Yankees — world champions, team of the decade, the most successful franchise of the century.”
Throughout the 20th century, the Yankees dominated baseball, with multiple dynasties combining to clinch 25 World Series championships from 1923 to 1999. The ’90s marked one of their most powerful decades, securing three titles, although they didn’t claim their first until well into the decade.
As Mariano Rivera induces the Braves’ Keith Lockhart to pop out to left, securing the 1999 World Series in a sweep, Costas’ remark serves as a concise yet significant encapsulation of a moment laden with history. In just 21 words, he narrates the essence of the moment, the season, the decade, and the entirety of the 1900s.
Tom Cheek: Joe Carter’s Series-Winning Walk-Off Homer (1993)
“Here’s the pitch on its way. A swing and a belt! Left field, way back, Blue Jays win it! The Blue Jays are World Series champions. … Touch ’em all, Joe. You’ll never hit a more significant home run in your life.”
Carter’s walk-off home run in Game 6 of the 1993 World Series marked only the second series-clinching walk-off homer in the history of the event. The three-run blast off the Phillies’ Mitch Williams occurred with two strikes, while the Blue Jays were trailing by a run and just two outs away from a Game 7.
Cheek, having called every Blue Jays game to date, delivers an exuberant announcement that is both detailed and to the point, as Carter’s drive clears the left field wall, sealing the team’s consecutive World Series title. However, it is the closing remarks, as Carter rounds the bases, that confers this call with its cherished recognition.
“Little roller up along first, BEHIND THE BAG. It gets through Buckner. Here comes Knight and the Mets win it!”
As Game 6 of the 1986 World Series approached its memorable (or notorious) conclusion — with the Red Sox just a strike away from a championship, only to be engulfed in calamity — Scully posed a question that would soon gain even greater significance: “Can you believe this ballgame at Shea?”
Just 15 seconds later, Scully, along with the rest of the baseball world, finds themselves in even greater disbelief as Mookie Wilson hits a weak grounder toward first, which rolls through Buckner’s legs and allows Ray Knight to score from second base, keeping the Mets alive and forcing a Game 7.
“There’s a drive hit to deep left field — look out now — that ball is going, going, GONE! And the World Series is over! Mazeroski hits it over the left field fence for a home run, and the Pirates win it, 10-9, clinching the World Series.”
For many years, it was believed that the original broadcast of Game 7 from the 1960 World Series had been lost forever. However, in 2009, a pristine black-and-white recording of NBC’s coverage was discovered in the wine cellar of the legendary singer and former Pirates part-owner, Bing Crosby. When the game was aired on MLB Network in 2010, it marked the first occasion in half a century that the public could witness the original broadcast.
As the Yankees and Pirates compete fiercely in the ninth inning, Yankees broadcaster Mel Allen is on the call. His commentary captures the escalating excitement as Mazeroski smashes the ball towards left field. Allen’s spontaneous interjection of “look out, now” adds a delightful late ’50s/early ’60s flair to the atmosphere.
# Iconic Calls that Defined World Series History: A Tribute to Legendary Broadcast Moments
The World Series represents the pinnacle of Major League Baseball, captivating fans with intense competition, legendary players, and unforgettable moments. However, it’s the voices behind the broadcasts that often turn these moments into timeless memories. This article pays tribute to the iconic calls that have defined World Series history, celebrating the broadcasters who brought these moments to life.
## The Art of the Call: What Makes It Iconic?
### Emotional Connection
An iconic call resonates emotionally with fans, capturing the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat. The choice of words, tone, and timing can turn a standard play into a defining moment.
### Timing and Delivery
The best calls often feature perfect timing, where the broadcaster’s voice rises and falls in harmony with the unfolding action. The delivery should match the intensity of the moment, enhancing the viewer’s experience.
### Memorable Phrases
Catchphrases become synonymous with iconic calls, often repeated by fans and referenced in pop culture. These phrases encapsulate the emotion of the moment and become part of the sport’s lexicon.
## Legendary Broadcast Moments: Key Highlights
### 1. “The Catch” – Joe Buck (2002)
When San Francisco Giants outfielder, **Dave Roberts**, stole second base, it paved the way for **Kenny Lofton’s** single and later, a dramatic moment that would unfold in Game 5 of the 2002 World Series. Joe Buck’s call, “It’s a base hit. Roberts is on his way to third. The throw is…!” resonates with fans, marking a pivotal moment in Giants history.
### 2. “The Impossible Dream” – Vin Scully (1965)
Vin Scully’s poetic call during **Sandy Koufax’s** perfect game in the 1965 World Series is etched in baseball history. His calm, deliberate delivery captured the tension and excitement. Scully famously said, “The impossible dream has come true.”
### 3. “Game 6” – Jack Buck (1991)
Jack Buck’s call during Game 6 of the 1991 World Series is as unforgettable as the game itself. “We will see you tomorrow night!” became a legendary phrase as **Kirby Puckett** hit a dramatic home run in the 11th inning, forcing a Game 7.
### 4. “A Two-Run Homer” – Jon Miller (2000)
In a moment that defined the New York Yankees’ dynasty, Jon Miller exclaimed, “A two-run homer!” as **Scott Brosius** hit a crucial home run in Game 5 against the Mets. Miller’s energy encapsulated the excitement of the moment.
### 5. “The Swing” - Bob Costas (1998)
Bob Costas vividly described **Mark McGwire’s** record-breaking home run in the 1998 World Series. His call: “There it goes! A long fly ball!” captured the history-making moment as McGwire became a symbol of baseball’s resurgence.
## Iconic Calls by Year: A Quick Reference Table
| Year | Broadcaster | Moment | Call |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Joe Buck | Dave Roberts steals second | “It’s a base hit…” |
| 1965 | Vin Scully | Sandy Koufax’s perfect game | “The impossible dream…” |
| 1991 | Jack Buck | Kirby Puckett’s home run | “We will see you tomorrow night!” |
| 2000 | Jon Miller | Scott Brosius’ home run | “A two-run homer!” |
| 1998 | Bob Costas | Mark McGwire’s record home run | “There it goes! A long fly ball!” |
## The Impact of Iconic Calls on Fans and Culture
### Connecting Generations
Iconic calls not only create memories for fans but also connect generations. A grandparent might share a broadcast moment with their grandchild, passing down the love for the game.
### Influencing Future Broadcasters
These legendary calls inspire new generations of broadcasters. Young commentators study the techniques of their predecessors, aiming to capture the magic that makes a call unforgettable.
### Cultural Significance
The phrases from iconic calls become part of the cultural fabric, often referenced in movies, TV shows, and social media. They serve as a reminder of shared experiences among fans.
## Practical Tips for Aspiring Broadcasters
### 1. Know Your Audience
Understand who you’re speaking to. Tailor your delivery and language to resonate with fans, whether they are lifelong supporters or casual viewers.
### 2. Practice Timing
Work on your timing to ensure that your commentary matches the pace of the game. Pauses can build suspense, while energetic delivery can amplify excitement.
### 3. Create Catchphrases
Develop your own signature phrases that can be associated with you. Memorable lines can elevate your presence and make your calls more impactful.
### 4. Engage Emotionally
Don’t shy away from showing your emotions. Let your excitement, disappointment, or awe come through in your voice – it makes the broadcast more authentic.
### 5. Study the Legends
Watch and listen to iconic calls from legendary broadcasters. Analyze their techniques and incorporate what resonates with you into your style.
## Case Studies: The Voices Behind the Games
### Vin Scully: The Poet of Baseball
Vin Scully’s lyrical style combined storytelling with play-by-play, creating a narrative that transcended the game itself. His ability to weave in personal anecdotes set a standard for broadcasters everywhere.
### Joe Buck: The Voice of a Generation
Joe Buck’s versatile style has adapted through decades of baseball. His ability to balance excitement with professionalism has made him a staple in sports broadcasting.
### Jack Buck: The Emotional Anchor
Jack Buck’s calls often reflected the emotional weight of the moment, striking a chord with fans. His famous phrase, “I can’t believe what I’ve just seen!” during **Kirk Gibson’s** 1988 home run showcases his ability to connect deeply with viewers.
## First-Hand Experience: The Thrill of the Call
Many fans recall the moment they experienced an iconic call live. Attending a World Series game and hearing the call in person creates a bond that lasts a lifetime. The roar of the crowd, the crack of the bat, and the broadcaster’s voice combine to forge an unforgettable memory.
### Fan Reflections
– **John, 45:** “I was at Game 6 in ’91, and when Jack Buck said those words, it felt like the whole stadium exploded.”
– **Lisa, 32:** “Hearing Bob Costas call McGwire’s home run on the radio brought me to tears. It was pure magic.”
## Conclusion
The iconic calls that have defined World Series history are more than just commentary; they are the heartbeat of baseball itself. Each phrase, each emotion, and each moment immortalizes the game and connects fans across generations. Whether you’re a budding broadcaster or a lifelong fan, understanding the significance of these calls enhances the appreciation of America’s pastime.
