August 18, 2008

Bases Loaded BBI

Josh Hamilton of the Rangers was intentionally walked with the bases loaded against Tampa Bay last night.

It is only the fourth known time in history that has happened. Here are the other three:
Nap Lajoie, A's by White Sox - May 23, 1901
Bill Nicholson, Cubs by Giants - July 23, 1944
Barry Bonds, Giants by Diamondbacks - May 28, 1998
The Rays held a 7-3 lead and Hamilton was the potential tying run with two outs in the bottom of the ninth. Joe Maddon (later calling it a "prudent" move) had reliever Grant Balfour put Hamilton on, making the score 7-4 and bringing the potential winning run to the plate.

The strategy worked, as Dan Wheeler came out of the bullpen to strike out Marlon Byrd and end the game.

2 comments:

Rob T. said...

Thank you for answering a question I've had for 10 years.

I was vacationing in Phoenix back in '98 when I watched the D-backs intentionally walk Bonds with the bases loaded in the 9th inning.

It worked for them, too, but I was left wondering if that had EVER happened before.

Now I know.

Unknown said...

Grant Balfour... you couldn't ask for a better name for a pitcher in that situation :)