OCTOBER 16, 1969 – NEW YORK, NEW YORK • A good reason to shine your shoes; it could help you win a World Series, as it did on this date in 1969.
It was game 5 between the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Mets. The Mets, in only in their 8th year of existence, led the heavily favored Orioles three games to one, but were behind by three runs in this game. Mets left fielder Cleon Jones was at bat. He claimed he was hit in the foot by a pitch and headed toward first base. The home plate umpire didn’t share Jones’ opinion.
There was a discussion involving Mets manager Gil Hodges. Somebody decided, ‘Let’s take a look at the ball.’ If it hit Jones’ foot there should be a smudge of shoe polish on the ball. There was. Jones was awarded first base.
Later that inning Jones scored on Donn Clendenon‘s third home run of the Series. Al Weis‘s home run an inning later tied the game. Ron Swoboda‘s double and two Baltimore errors in the 8th give New York a 5-3 win and the Series.
Contributing sources:
Mets
1969 World Series box score/stats/play-by-play