Number Eight: Two-Run Single Ties The Game in Season Finale
If you haven’t figured it out by now, Yaz’s 1967 season was not only the best of his career, but one of the best seasons of any player in MLB history. And in 1967, as the regular season came to a close, Yaz did not cool down.
In the final game of the regular season, the Red Sox found themselves, in the bottom of the sixth inning, down two runs to the Minnesota Twins. With two men on base for the Red Sox, Yaz came to the plate and roped a single into center field to drive in two runs and tie the game.
The Red Sox would go on to score five runs, and beat the Twins 5-3. The series would be a preview to the American League Championship Series, where the two teams would face off, and the Red Sox would emerge victorious. Boston finished the 1967 atop the American League, with a 92-70 record, second only to the St. Louis Cardinals, who finished the season with an astounding 101-60 record.
Number Seven: Yaz Saves No-Hitter With Phenomenal Catch
In addition to his abilities behind the plate, Yaz was an elite fielder, continuing the legacy of the great Ted Williams in left field. During his 23 year career, he earned seven Gold Glove awards.
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In 1967, the Red Sox, with Billy Rohr on the mound, squared off against the Yankees and future Hall of Fame inductee Whitey Ford. In his first start as a major league pitcher, the 21 year-old Rohr was just one strike away from pitching a no-hitter against the mighty Yankees. However, Elston Howard hit a single into right field to end the bid.
However, the no-hitter was almost ended earlier in the inning, when Tom Tresh hit a long fly ball to left field. Yaz, however, was there to save the no-hitter, by making a Willie Mays-like catch, diving back and making the one-handed grab.
Next: Moments 6 and 5