by The Boston Red Sox defeated the New York Yankees, 4-3, on Tuesday, October 9, 2018 (10/9/18) at Yankee Stadium to win the American League Division Series in four games. The Red Sox will face the Houston Astros in the American League Championship Series.
If there’s one person who defines the modern-day Yankees–Red Sox rivalry, it’s Bucky Dent.
Last week was the 40th anniversary of the light-hitting shortstop’s famed home run in the 163rd game of the 1978 season, helping the Yankees complete their comeback from 14 games back to beat the Red Sox and win the AL East Division Title.
Hoping for more October magic, the Yankees called on Dent Tuesday to throw out the first pitch before Game 4 of the American League Division Series.
Game 4’s pregame ceremonies included:
– National Anthem by Broadway veteran Michael Minarik.
– First pitch by 1978 World Series MVP Bucky Dent. pic.twitter.com/b8hFg7gtFl— New York Yankees (@Yankees) October 10, 2018
As you know, Dent’s magic didn’t rub off on the Yankees, who lost 4-3, allowing the Red Sox to advance to the American League Championship Series.
However, we shouldn’t be surprised that Dent’s appearance didn’t have the expected outcome, per the Boston Globe:
The Yankees, seeking good karma, had Bucky Dent throw out the first pitch. It was Dent who homered to beat the Sox in the fabled 1978 playoff game between the teams. The Yankees trotted out Dent for first-pitch duty in Game 7 of the 2004 American League Championship Series. The Red Sox won that game, 10-3.
That’s right. Two series-deciding playoff games at Yankee Stadium against the Red Sox for Dent to throw out the first pitch. Two losses and subsequent elimination from the postseason by Boston (which has actually won four straight playoff games in the Bronx, going back to 2004).
Could the Yankees be saddled with the curse of Bucky “bleeping” Dent?
Mike Rosenstein may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @rosenstein73. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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