KC Royals: Ten Greatest Moments In Royals History

NUMBER TEN – BO JACKSON: THE THROW

The only reason “The Throw” comes in as low as number nine is the date: June 5, 1989.

The Kansas City Royals were 3.5 games out of the West Division lead, in third place behind the California Angels and eventual World Series Champion Oakland A’s. Yet, the game is really remembered for one reason.

The Throw.

No one really remembers the situation either, unless they go back and watch the video. Which, really, is quite amazing because Bo Jackson make what is probably his most spectacular defensive play of his career in a clutch situation.

The Royals and Mariners were tied in the bottom of 10th inning in Seattle, when backup catcher Scott Bradley doubled into the left-field corner. With the fast Harold Reynolds at first base, he looked certain to score the winning run.

Except Bo Jackson throws a 310-foot strike to home plate FROM THE WARNING TRACK.

Harold Reynolds wasn’t exactly slow. He led the American League in stolen bases two years before and was still one of the fastest players in the league.

Reynolds absolute disbelief was part of what made The Throw iconic. He slammed his batting helmet on the turf after he was called out, and stood at home plate with a bewildered look on his face.

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It was Reynolds reaction that told you just how amazing Bo Jackson’s raw talent was in every phase of the game.

It’s the highlight that gets played to this day on ESPN. But, replays simply lose the true feeling of that moment.

In 1989, we didn’t know about the hip injury that would ruin Bo’s talent in the not-too-distant future (January 1991). On that day, Bo Jackson appeared to be harnessing his amazing talent despite the grind of playing in both the NFL and MLB.

Bo’s phenomenal combination of speed and power had never been seen before, and really haven’t been seen since. Barry Bonds showed both great power and great speed during his career, but never really both at the same time.

At least, not on the scale of Bo Jackson.

Barry was a far better baseball player than Bo Jackson, but Bo had more natural ability.

In that moment in 1989, however, it looked like Bo Jackson’s talent would fill the entire baseball universe.

And he was playing for the Kansas City Royals.

Think about it.

Next: July 23, 1983