Game three of the 1989 World Series occurred on October 17th. The Oakland A’s had won the two previous outings but the Say-Hey-Kids of the City knew better than to count themselves out. Then it happened. At 5:04 p.m. Candlestick shook under the wagging finger of a 6.9 jolt. And it was all caught on live T.V., a first. Al Michaels cut in on Tim McCarver’s highlights to say, “You know what, we’re having an earth…” and the feed went dead.
There was a loud rumble as the bleachers in right field swayed, fans dashing toward the exits during those frantic fifteen seconds. A worker on a light tower could be seen holding on, his body slapping in the wind like a rag doll. One fan yelled, “Yeah, rock the Bay!” and a rally cry was born. Players milled around the infield with their young ones hiked upon their shoulders. Twenty minutes passed and everyone knew that the game was in jeopardy.
Third Game of 1989 Series:
The announcers confirmed everyone’s fears and the boosters began to file out, confused and disappointed. The Series would not restart for ten days, the longest delay ever, and the Oakland A’s would eventually win in a sweep. The quake killed sixty-three people, injured 3,757 and left 12,000 others homeless. Out of respect for these victims, the A’s were not allowed the traditional celebration with champagne.