MLB Power Rankings: The 10 Biggest Blown Calls in MLB History (Video Included) | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors
William Harris This call is clearly the worst in history and deserves the No. 1 spot on this list.
During Game 6 of the 1985 World Series, The St. Louis Cardinals could taste victory in the series, leading 3-2 and winning the game 1-0 in the ninth inning.
Three outs away from being crowned World Champions, however, the Kansas City Royals leadoff hitter Jorge Orta hit a slow roller up the first base line to Jack Clark, who threw to pitcher Todd Worrell, who easily retired Orta.
However, Orta was ruled safe by first base umpire Don Denkinger, despite being beat to the bag by about a full step.
The Cardinals became disgruntled by the call, and they became sloppy. Later in the inning, with runners on first and second, a passed ball allowed two runners to get into scoring position, and the Cardinals intentionally walked the next batter to load the bases.
The Royals pinch-hitter Dane Lorg hit a long single to drive home the tying and winning runs with two outs and bases loaded in the ninth.
The Cardinals should have been celebrating a World Series victory at this point, but because of Denkinger, the team was forced to play a Game 7.
Game 7 was a fiasco for the Cardinals. Tempers built up, and with Denkinger umpiring from behind home plate, the Cardinals were unnerved.
The Redbirds eventually lost the game 11-0, and their starting pitcher said it was because having Denkinger behind the plate was so distracting.
Denkinger cost the Cardinals the 1985 World Series because of a call similar to that of Jim Joyce in Armando Galarraga's perfect game, but this call was easier to make correctly.