Baseball Insider Jeff Passan Ignites Greatest Social Thread in Baseball History

When Pete Alonso hit a game-winning, three-run home run against Milwaukee Brewers closer Edwin Diaz in the ninth inning of Thursday’s National League Wild Card game, Howie Rose went to work.

The Mets’ venerable play-by-play voice on WCBS delivered an iconic narrative description that became an instant classic in the moment.

“Swing and a fly ball to right field,” Rose said. “Pretty well hit. Frelick back. At the wall, he jumps – it’s gone! He did it! He did it! Pete Alonso with the most memorable home run of his career. Pumps his fist as he rounds second!

It’s a three-run homer! He’s given the Mets a 3 to 2 lead! They all pour out of the dugout! Alonso on his way to home plate! They’re waiting for him! He hits the plate! He is first congratulated by Nimmo, hugged by Lindor! There are a dozen Mets waiting for him outside the dugout. Pete Alonso keeps this fairy tale season going with the fairy tale swing of his career!”

For a home broadcaster, it was a difficult call to mess up. The Mets’ Spanish-language radio voice, Max Perez Jimenez, serenaded Alonso with a vociferous “Hasta la vista, baby!”

The moment prompted ESPN’s Jeff Passan to start a fun call to action on his Twitter/X account Friday.

“Howie Rose’s call last night got me thinking about how cool it would be to have a thread with all the great baseball radio calls,” Passan wrote. “So let’s make one. Add below.”

The responses were bountiful.

Tyler Kepner of The Athletic shared a favorite from his childhood: Philadelphia Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas’ call of Mike Schmidt’s 500th career home run.

“Swing, a long drive, there it is: number 500! The career 500th home run for Michael Jack Schmidt! And the Phillies have regained the lead in Pittsburgh, 8 to 6, and the Phillies’ dugout comes swarming out to home plate!”

Multiple Twitter/X users responded with Seattle Mariners broadcaster Dave Niehaus’ call from the 11th inning of Game 5 of the 1995 American League Division Series, in which Edgar Martinez drove in Ken Griffey Jr. to clinch a series win against the New York Yankees.

“And the 0-1 pitch to Edgar Martinez,” Niehaus said. “Swung on, lined down the left-field line for a base hit! Here comes Joey, here comes Junior to third base! They’re going to wave him in! The throw to the plate will be – late! The Mariners are going to vie for the American League championship! I don’t believe it! It just continues! My oh my! Edgar Martinez with a double, ripped down the left-field line, and they are going crazy at the Kingdome!”

Another call that received multiple submissions was Toronto Blue Jays broadcaster Tom Cheek’s call of Joe Carter’s walk-off home run to end the 1993 World Series.

“Here’s the pitch on the way,” Cheek said. “A swing and a belt – left field, way back, Blue Jays win it! The Blue Jays are World Series champions as Joe Carter hits a three-run home run in the ninth inning, and the Blue Jays have repeated as World Series champions. Touch ’em all Joe. You’ll never hit a bigger home run in your life!”

The 2024 postseason might not produce a more epic call than Rose’s, but stay tuned. It’s still early.