On July 24th, 1983, in the memorable Pine Tar Game at Yankee Stadium, George Brett hits an apparent 2-run home run off Rich Gossage to give the Royals a 5-4 lead with two outs in the ninth inning. But Yankees manager Billy Martin points out that the pine tar on Brett’s bat handle exceeds the seventeen inches allowed in the rules. As a result, Brett is called out for illegally batting the ball, giving New York a 4-3 victory. The Royals immediately protest, and American League President Lee MacPhail overrules his umpires for the first time saying that, while the rules should certainly be rewritten and clarified, the home run will stand and the game will be resumed from that point on August 18.

Every baseball fan who was alive in 1983 can remember this event. Brett’s reaction to the umpire’s decision to nullify his homer, is iconic. It is rage, incredulity, and frustration all rolled up into one.

Here is the clip:

In my short time on earth, I have seen the Yankees benefit from many bad calls. Here are two particularly egregious occasions:

Blown Call in 2009 Divisional Series:

Blown Call in 1996 American League Championship Game

In both cases, Yankee apologists would tell you that one play does not determine a game or series. That is, of course, a load of manure. Baseball, in fact, all sports at their highest level are games dependent on very, slim margins: one pitch, one catch, one three-point basket. Any play can become a momentum builder or momentum killer.

On this day in history at least, A.L. president Lee MacPhail stepped in to try and right the wrong. Something to celebrate I guess. But where was the league in 1996 and 2009, and…