Today marks the 25th anniversary of the infamous George Brett pine tar incident at Yankee Stadium.
On July 24th, 1983, Brett launched a two-run, two-out homer in the top of the 9th to give the Royals a 5-4 lead over New York. Before Brett even finished rounding the bases, the easily irritated Yankee manager Billy Martin was out complaining to home plate umpire Tim McClelland.
McClelland examined the bat briefly with the other umpires, and then as we can all remember, motioned towards the Royals bench that Brett was ejected. No home run.
An epic tantrum ensued. I'd love to post the actual video of the event, but the powers that be at Major League Baseball have wiped it clean. I wonder why?
No worries. There's an even better video thanks to the old show "The Baseball Bunch," Johnny Bench and the San Diego Chicken recreate the pine tar incident better than anyone could. Outstanding detail paid to the 'staches.
more
