Around The Horn

The Red Sox and Indians will be playing an Ultimate Game in game 7 of the 2007 ALCS. An Ultimate Game is defined by The Baseball Page as any game that is a must win for both teams. Of course any seventh game automatically becomes an Ultimate Game. The Red Sox have been in 14 Ultimate Games, and with number 15 they will tie the Cardinals for the second most in baseball. The Yankees lead with 23.

The first Red Sox UG was the final game of the 1912 World Series. Sports Illustrated called it the most exciting 7th game ever played. The next one Boston played was when Enos Slaughter scored from first in 1946. In 1948 Cleveland and Lou Boudreau beat surprise starter Denny Galehouse for the pennant. 1949 Boston lost the last game of the year to NY 5-3. 1967 Boston had 2 UG, as they beat the Twins with Longborg’s bunt, but lost to Bob Gibson in the World Series. 1975 saw Willoughby pinch hit for, and Joe Morgan’s bloop hit winning the Series. 1978 was Bucky Dent. 1986 saw Boston beat the Angels for the pennant, but lose to the Mets at the end. 1999 was special with Pedro throwing 6 no hit innings. 2003 saw the comeback against Oakland, and then Aaron Boone in the Bronx. 2004 was the Greatest Comeback in Baseball History. Now we have the Sox and Indians meeting for the third time in an Ultimate Game.