Don Denkinger - The Call

The Call

Despite his long and illustrious career, Denkinger is probably best remembered by baseball fans for a blown call he made at first base in Game 6 of the 1985 World Series, played on October 26. The St. Louis Cardinals led the Kansas City Royals by 3 games to 2. The Cardinals had taken a 1-0 lead in the 8th inning on a single by little-used backup catcher Brian Harper after pitchers Danny Cox (of the Cardinals) and Charlie Leibrandt (of the Royals) had battled back and forth all game long. Todd Worrell came into the game for the Cardinals in the 9th inning, first facing Jorge Orta, the leadoff batter for the Royals. Orta hit a slow roller to first baseman Jack Clark, who tossed to Worrell covering first base.

Denkinger was the umpire at first base and called Orta safe, even though television replays and photographs clearly showed that he was out by half a step. The Cardinals argued briefly, but Denkinger refused to reverse it. The Royals went on to win Game 6 by the score of 2-1.

Orta, leading off, swings and hits it to the right side, and the pitcher has to cover he is...SAFE, SAFE, SAFE, and we'll have an argument! Sparky, I think he was out! —CBS Radio Sports announcer Jack Buck (alongside Sparky Anderson) calling Don Denkinger's blown call in Game 6. Little squibber to the right side, Worrell races over to cover and the throw doesn't get him! —ABC Sports announcer Al Michaels calling Don Denkinger's infamous call in Game 6. Looks like he's out! —ABC Sports color commentator Jim Palmer pointing out Don Denkinger's mistake. Oh, I don't think there is any doubt about it. —Al Michaels, responding to Palmer, following several damning TV replays which confirm that Denkinger's call is incorrect. He had the base and he had the ball, man, what else is there? That's the rule isn't it? —Jack Buck See also: 1985 World Series#Game 6