You make the call.

In the 1985 World Series, the name Don Denkingers was not one you would have known unless you make it a habit of following the game’s umpires. Most of us do not. But after game 6 between the St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Royals, he became a household name along Hwy. 70. (It was known as the I-70 Series). In the western part of the state, he was a “hero,” in the eastern part, he was a “zero.”

What happened? He did his job. But in this instance it does not appear he did it right.

This defining moment in the game changed the course of World Series history. With 3 outs to go, the Cardinals were leading the Royals and if all had gone as planned, they would have walked away as champs. But things don’t always go as planned and one call, in combination with misplayed balls, hits and runs, changed the outcome of the game.

Of course you play the best of 7 games in the World Series, but game 7 turned out to be a blow out and the Cardinals lost what many thought should have been theirs...the championship. But, that’s sports for you; just ask countless teams who were on the verge of winning and then a call happens and things change. Whether you agree with instant replay or not, in some instances it does confirm the truth; but sometimes it just blurs it further.

When you are taking photographs at sporting events, sometimes the fans become so convinced of a play that they are sure their point of view is the right one. They saw it with their own eyes after all and it’s what they believe. The ball hit the bat, didn’t hit the bat, he made the catch, it hit the ground, he stepped out of bounds, you name it---it’s when you have the photo, you believe you know the truth. Or at least the camera is indicating what it has captured. (But there are angles that can distort the truth…it’s just a game right?)

The photo above is a perfect example of fans knowing they are right when they just might not be. The Cubs were playing the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field. An infield grounder, which should be “routine,” becomes a lot closer than it normally would. The fans were sure the runner was out, the umpire made a different call---who was right?

Thanks for stopping by.