This day in NY sports history: Sept. 29, 1954

THIS DAY IN NY SPORTS HISTORY

Wednesday, Sept. 29, 1954

Mays makes over-the-shoulder catch

It was the first game of the World Series at the Polo Grounds between the New York Giants and Cleveland Indians. In the top of the eighth inning, the score was tied at 2 with runners on first and second and no outs and Vic Wertz came to bat. He was already 3-for-3 when he launched a shot to centerfield, an estimated 450 feet away. Giants centerfielder Willie Mays turned toward the wall and ran it down, making one of the most famous plays in baseball history, an over-the-shoulder catch. The Giants won the game on Dusty Rhodes' three-run homer in the bottom of the 10th inning and swept the series in four games.