This day in Los Angeles Dodgers history saw Kirk Gibson score from second base on a wild pitch for a walk-off win against the Montreal Expos.
On August 20, 1988, in the second of a three-game series at Dodger Stadium, Gibson played a key part in the Dodgers coming from behind for a 4-3 win.
Montreal took a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning when Hubie Brooks hit an RBI single off Tim Belcher. Brooks then hit an RBI double in the sixth inning and Tom Foley drove in a run on his base hit to extend the Expos’ lead to 3-0.
Before showing off his trademark hustle, Gibson helped get the Dodgers on the board in the bottom of the seventh with a double that was followed by an RBI extra-base hit from Mike Marshall.
Tracy Woodson’s solo homer in the eighth pulled the Dodgers with a run and their deficit remained 3-2 heading into the bottom of the ninth.
After Mickey Hatcher doubled with one out, Gibson’s RBI base hit scored pinch-runner Dave Anderson to tie the game. Gibson then stole second base with two outs and raced home when Joe Hesketh spiked a pitch that went through Nelson Santovenia’s legs.
Given that Dodger Stadium renovations had not yet added Dugout Club seating that took away a significant chunk of foul territory behind home plate, Gibson scored with relative ease.
His helmet went flying off as the former collegiate football player rounded second base and Gibson slid into home plate as the ball kicked away on a last-ditch effort throw from Santovenia.
The highlight was one of many for Gibson in his first season with the Dodgers. It memorably culminated with the Dodgers winning the 1988 World Series against the Oakland Athletics, thanks in part to Gibson’s walk-off home run in Game 1.
Gibson was named the 1988 National League MVP and won a Silver Slugger Award as he hit .290/.377/.483 with 25 home runs, 76 RBI, 106 runs scored and 31 stolen bases.
Dodgers celebrate Kirk Gibson
Already etched into franchise lore, Gibson was further immortalized by the franchise when he was inducted into the Legends of Dodger Baseball during the 2022 season.
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