Original upload date: Sun, 02 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT
Archive date: Mon, 06 Dec 2021 01:17:12 GMT
Between 1976 and 1986, the DH was used in the World Series in all games during even-numbered years. In odd-numbered years, pitchers hit, even in games held in the American League park. Here we see Man
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ager Bob Lemon making a controversial decision in Game 6 of the 1981 World Series against the Dodgers in Yankee Stadium. He lifts Tommy John in a 1-1 game in the bottom of the 4th inning for pinch hitter Bobby Murcer.
John is visibly upset in the dugout. Intriguingly, Howard Cosell puts forward the theory that Lemon is making the decision under pressure from "ornery" owner George Steinbrenner who had been critiquing Lemon's slow hook.
Reliever George Frazier would come into the game in the top of the 5th and give up three runs as the Dodgers were on their way to a 9-2 victory and a championship.
This was the end of the road for the 1980s Yankees, who would not return to the playoffs until 1995.
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Video copyright Major League Baseball
