Highlighted by one of the most iconic plays in World Series history, September 28th was also the day that a current big-league manager smacked a record-breaking grand slam. In addition to the memorable performances, the Maddux pitching brothers also made MLB history on this day as did the 1990 Reds and last year’s Twins, who each put the final touches on season-long feats.

Ricky Eisenbart also contributed to this article.

"The Catch"

YEAR: 1954

SIGNIFICANCE: Willie Mays made his signature over-the-shoulder grab with his back to the field in Gm1 of the World Series

Perhaps the greatest baseball play of all-time happened 66 years ago, when New York Giants CF Willie Mays made an unreal basket catch with his back turned to home plate in Game 1 of the World Series. One of the many things that makes this catch incredible is the fact that it happened in the Polo Grounds, a place that boasted a center field of 483ft. The catch, which is literally referred to as “The Catch”, happened in the top of the eighth inning in a 2-2 game against the Cleveland Indians, who had runners on first and second base.

Knowing how deep Polo Grounds’ outfield is, if the ball had dropped, at least two runs would’ve scored. With HOFer Bob Lemon throwing a gem, a 4-2 lead would’ve sufficed. But not on Mays’ watch. The iconic HOF made the catch and the Giants managed to get out of the inning unscathed. They then went on to win 5-2 after a three-run walk-off home run from Dusty Rhodes. The Giants went on to sweep Cleveland four games to nil.

Twins Hit 307 Bombas

Thttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBoaU-lFEII&ab_channel=MLB

YEAR: 2019

SIGNIFICANCE: Twins finish with an MLB record 307 HRs in a single-season

In a season that saw the most home runs ever, the Minnesota Twins ended up taking the home run crown after finishing the campaign with a record-setting 307 home runs, with the 2019 Twins finishing ahead of the New York Yankees by a single home run for the all-time record. The Yankees and Twins went right down to the wire, with New York actually entering the final day of the season ahead of Minnesota. Even though they lost 5-4 against the Kansas City Royals, the Twins managed to hit three balls out of the park. The one that gave them the crown was Jason Castro’s fifth inning bomb off Jorge Lopez. The “Bomba Squad” had a MLB record eight hitters with over 20 home runs.

6 Grand Slams in 1 Season

YEAR: 1987

SIGNIFICANCE: Don Mattingly hit his MLB-record 6th Grand Slam of the season

On this day in 1987, Don Mattingly broke Ernie Banks’ record of five Grand Slams in the same season. Mattingly became the first player ever to hit six Grand Slams in a single season. Mattingly blasted his record-setting slam against the Boston Red Sox and hit it all the way up into the upper deck for good measure. Mattingly was shining light on NY during the dark years of the 80s for the Yankees. The former MVP won nine Gold Glove awards, a Batting Title, three Silver Sluggers, and was elected to six All-Star games. Since Mattingly’s six Grand Slam season, only Travis Hafner in 2006 has managed to match the record.

Reds Dominate Division

9/29/1990 The #Reds clinch the NL West title when the #Dodgers lose, are the 1st NL team to lead from wire to wire in a 162-game schedule
— Steve Basford (@steverb10) September 29, 2011

YEAR: 1990

SIGNIFICANCE: Reds became the very 1st NL team to lead their division from Opening Day all the way to the end

The eventual 1990 World Series champion Cincinnati Reds became the first NL team ever to lead their division since Opening Day and not fall below first place at all in a full 162-game season. The Reds became the second team in modern baseball history to lead their division from day one all the way to the final pitch of the season after the 1984 Detroit Tigers. The difference between the teams is that the Reds actually followed through and went on to win the World Series. Cincinnati defeated the Pirates four games to two in the NLCS and then went on to beat the defending World Series champs and back-to-back AL champions, Oakland Athletics to win it all.

The A’s, who featured a lineup with Mark McGwire, Jose Canseco, Walt Weiss, and Willie McGee, were swept by the Reds. Cincinnati had a great lineup, but during the season it did not perform as expected (they had a below league average team OPS+ of 97). The reason for their success was their elite pitching. In the rotation they had Jose Rijo (2.70 ERA), Tom Browning (15-game winner), and Jack Armstrong (3.42 ERA). The team’s heart and soul, however, was the bullpen. More specifically, “The Nasty Boys” that consisted of Norm Charlton (2.74 ERA, 154.1 IP), Rob Dibble (1.74 ERA, 98 IP, 12.5 K/9), and Randy Myers (2.08 ERA, 31 SV, 10.2 K/9).

Maddux Brothers Face Off

#OTD on Sept 29, 1986 #Cubs #HOF Greg Maddux defeats Phillies Mike Maddux (1st rookie brothers). #MIAvsPHI #CHCvsSTL #MLB #baseball #history pic.twitter.com/k98Xh4gD0q
— Baseball&Football (@SportsNostalgai) September 29, 2019

YEAR: 1986

SIGNIFICANCE: Greg and Mike Maddux became the 1st pair of brothers to pitch against each other

Four games prior to the end of the 1986 season, the Chicago Cubs faced the Philadelphia Phillies at Veterans Stadium. That game featured two rookie pitchers with ERA’s over five. Those pitchers were Greg Maddux and Mike Maddux, the first pair of brothers to face each other on the mound. The Cubs ended up beating the Phillies 8-3 after Greg Maddux’s seven strikeouts in seven innings.

Mike Maddux only lasted three innings and allowed three runs on six hits. Mike managed to pitch for 15 more seasons as a reliver. Currently, he is the pitching coach of the St. Louis Cardinals. Greg on the other hand, is recognized as one of the greatest and most dominant pitchers of his era, if not of all time. Greg finished his career with a 3.16 ERA and 355 total wins, resulting in a 2014 Hall of Fame induction.