Winner Take All... One More Time

The Dodgers' 7-2 Tuesday night win sends the NLDS to a fifth and deciding game. With hints of 1951 and '62 -- which, in today's jargon, were really play-in series -- the forever rivals will play one game to see who advances, and who heads home.

Almost every fan knows the name Bobby Thomson, and 1951  his "Shot Around the World," that still ranks among the most famous walk-offs ever. By contrast, the '62 series was decided by a less dramatic four-run Giants rally. Trailing 4-2 entering the top of the 9th at Dodger Stadium, San Francisco pieced together four runs without a singular "moment." Willie Mays scored the go-ahead run when Stan Williams walked Jim Davenport with the bases loaded.

Now 90 and making far fewer public appearances, it would be sweet if Willie could be on hand and be honored before Thursday's first pitch.

San Francisco's Oracle Park will host the game; it was branded as AT&T when I visited in 2014.

Finally, this pub, a block from the ballpark serves as a nice homage to the Giants east coast roots.



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