Remembering Reggie and Billy

30 years ago today, June 18, 1977, one of the most embarrassing moments in Yankees history took place. Yes, way more embarrassing than A-Rod's "Hah" moment. It was a Saturday afternoon at Fenway Park. NBC's Game of the Week was in town for a national television audience.

The Red Sox had spanked the Yankees on Friday night, 9-4. On Saturday the Yankees jumped to quick 2-0 lead, but by the bottom of the 6th they trailed 7-3. Fred Lynn singled with one out against Mike Torrez. Jim Rice stepped in to the batter's box and all hell broke loose.

Rice hit a bloop into right field for a single- well it should have been a single. Reggie Jackson looked like he was moving in quick sand as he approached the ball, allowing Rice to leg out a double.

Yankees' manager Billy Martin nearly blew a cork in the dugout. After replacing Torrez with Sparky Lyle, he sent Paul Blair out to replace Reggie. Reggie was talking with backup catcher Fran Healy, Reggie's only real friend on the team, over the bullpen wall, when Blair approached.

Reggie saw Blair coming at him and gestured at himself as if to say, "me?!". As soon as Reggie hit the dugout steps, Billy's temper boiled over and he exploded at Reggie. Reggie put down his glass expecting a brawl and if not for coaches Yogi Berra and Elston Howard, there may very well have been one.

Teammate Jimmy Wynn escorted Reggie from Fenway and a tale that would live in infamy was born.

~~~

On a better note, yesterday was the 29th anniversary of Ron Guidry's remarkable 18 strikeouts against the California Angels. It was the first game where fans rhythmically clapped for a 3rd strike.

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