Kansas City Royals
George Brett
"Pine Tar Incident"
Framed Photograph
(Engraved Series)
- On July 24, 1983, when the Kansas City Royals' George Brett hit a ninth-inning home run against the New York Yankees that would become the most controversial homer in baseball history. The Royals trailed the Yankees 4-3 with two outs when star third baseman George Brett hit a home run to rightfield off Yankees closer Goose Gossage. That in itself was not particularly noteworthy, but what followed certainly was. Even before Brett touched home plate, Yankees manager Billy Martin was out of the dugout ordering the umpires to inspect Brett's bat for excessive pine tar. The umpires determined that the bat did in fact exceed the allowable 18-inch limit, and concluded that Brett had used an illegal bat. He was ejected and his hit nullified, ending the game. Temporarily, it turned out. Brett's reaction—sprinting out of the dugout and going right for home plate umpire Tim McClelland, who was in his first full season—instantly became one of the most bizarre and unforgettable scenes in baseball history. The Royals filed a protest of the call with the American League president, who upheld their protest and ordered the game to be resumed on Aug. 18. This time, Kansas City held on for a 5-4 win in what was already becoming known as the Pine Tar Game.
- This historically classic 11x14 or 16x20 photo features George Brett riled up and charging to umpire Tim McClelland on the field.
- Part of our unsigned Engraved Series, an affordable alternative to expensive athlete signatures and includes an exclusive inset plate with laser-engraved facsimile of George Brett's elegant autograph. Also included on the plate is "The Pine Tar Incident" and details of that historical moment in baseball.
- BTG quality framed black wood, protective glass and classic black matting.
- Framed Measurements:
- Framed 11x14: 17" h x 20 l"
- Framed 16x20: 21.5" h x 25.5" l