The Infamous Blown Call: 1985 World Series Game 6

In the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 6 of the 1985 World Series, first-base umpire Don Denkinger made one of the most infamous blown calls in Major League Baseball history. With the St. Louis Cardinals leading the Kansas City Royals 1–0 and just three outs away from a World Series title, Royals pinch-hitter Jorge Orta chopped a ground ball to first baseman Jack Clark. Pitcher Todd Worrell covered the bag and beat Orta by half a step, but Denkinger ruled Orta safe. Television replays instantly showed that Orta was clearly out, but without modern instant replay to overturn the call, the decision stood. The mistake completely shifted momentum, sparking a two-run walk-off rally for the Royals to win Game 6 before Kansas City went on to blow out the Cardinals in Game 7 to capture the championship.