Bill Mazeroski Takes Off
The most exciting game in baseball is arguably the walk-off home run by Bill Mazeroski. The Pittsburgh Pirates were up against the favored New York Yankees in 1960, and yet they managed to reach seven games in the series. This is where Mazeroski comes in, the Pirates’ second baseman known best for his glove.
In Game 7, the bats were ready, and the score was tied at 9-9 going into the bottom of the ninth. Mazeroski drove his pitch deep to left and high over the outfield wall, finishing the game and series with one fateful swing.
Joe DiMaggio's Famous Streak
Joe DiMaggio's 56-game hitting streak in 1941 doesn't seem like it will ever be broken, and this is his crowning achievement. The closest longest hitting streak was Pete Rose's during the 1978 season, where he safely hit 44 straight games — an impressive feat, but it still falls markedly short of DiMaggio's.
Joe DiMaggio may have been a loner in his personal life, but when it came to baseball, he was the ultimate team player and won more championships than even Babe Ruth.
Hank Aaron Becomes King
Hank Aaron will remain the home run king to many baseball purists. On April 8, 1974, at the bottom of the fourth inning in front of the sold-out stands, Aaron launched a ball over the left-center wall for No 715, passing Babe Ruth for the record and unleashed pandemonium.
Security was much more relaxed back in those days, and fans could easily run onto the field, so as Aaron rounded one of the final bases, two eager fans eagerly greeted the new home run king. Finally, reaching a home run, a worthy celebration took place, interrupting the game as Aaron discussed his monumental feat.
Bob Feller Kicking It
As an eight-time All-Star Pitcher, Bob Feller helped the Cleveland Indians win the World Series in 1948. As the first athlete to volunteer for military service during World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy. Feller was naturally a national attraction any time he stepped on the mound.
Feller's famous leg kick is pictured here, exaggerated but also effective. He was celebrated as one of the best pitchers and was a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 1962. Note how the mound in this photo is much shorter, meaning pitches had to be that much more accurate.
Greg Norman and Tiger Woods
Pictured here, we see Tiger Woods and Greg Norman at the 1995 Masters. He was just a 19-year-old freshman at Stanford, and this was Woods' first major championship. Tiger then placed 41st in the tournament and was the only amateur play in this series. Norman finished tied for third place.
Just two short years later, Woods would win his first Masters, becoming the youngest — and the first person of color — to win the tournament. Years later, Tiger made a name for himself as the world's best golfer amid a remarkable, unprecedented run at winning tournaments.