The 1908 pennant races in both the American and National League were among the best of all time. The National was particularly heated, and late in the season in a game between fierce rivals (the Giants and Cubs) rookie Fred Merkle, the runner at first with two out, failed to touch second on what appeared to be a game winning hit to the outfield.

The Cubs appealed (it was far more complicated than that, but that sums it up) Merkle was ruled out and the game considered tied, necessitating a one game playoff at the end of the season.

While he has been excoriated for his actions, Merkle, was actually following the common practice of the time, and one which umpires and opponents had regularly accepted. It has always struck me as dubious judgement for the umpires to start suddenly enforcing a rule that they had allowed to lay dormant for decades.

Significant would be a better word than memorable. I doubt many people breezing through here have fond memories of Fred Merkle doing much of anything. After 100 years, it makes a great trivia question, but not really a memorable moment.

"The Merkle Boner" gets no respect from boy-wonder sportswriters who have no recollection of baseball before cable TV. . .this was a big deal for baseball fans for years. . .but it loses one star because it has become somewhat obscure- but that obscurity does not make it less important. . .