Marlins Flashback: 1997 World Series Game 1 back-to-back homers

October 18, 1997—World Series Game 1 (Pro Player Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL)

Florida Marlins vs. Cleveland Indians

The buzz surrounding the Marlins’ first postseason berth in franchise history was intense. The Marlins ended the ‘97 regular season on a high note by finishing at 92-70, their best record in franchise history, to secure the NL Wild Card spot. They advanced through the NLDS by beating the San Francisco Giants, 3-0. Next up in the NLCS were the rival and NL East Champion Braves. The Marlins battled past the Braves and won the NLCS, 4-2, to advance to the World Series.

The first game of the series was at home for the Marlins, and the crowd was ecstatic. Through three innings, the score was all tied up 1-1.

In the bottom of the fourth Bobby Bonilla drew a walk, and Darren Daulton singled to second base off of Cleveland’s Orel Hershiser. Up to bat next was the club’s regular season home run leader and All-Star Moises Alou. Down in the count 0-2, he sent the ball back, back, back, and deep into left field! The ball hit the foul pole for a three-run home run! The crowd roared with excitement and the stadium was rocking. Up next at bat was fellow All-Star catcher Charles Johnson. Johnson kept the crowd in a frenzy as he smashed the ball deeeeeep into the left field upper deck, giving the Marlins back-to-back home runs and a 5-1 lead.

The Marlins would go on to win Game 1 by a final score of 7-4. Alou’s and Johnson’s home runs set the tone for the rest of the series, and the Marlins never backed down as they went on to win their first World Series in franchise history by defeating the Indians in seven games.

Everyone have a safe and memorable time during Marlins Throwback Weekend!

MLB.com