1989 World Series Game 3 vs Giants
The earthquake that stopped the world series before a single pitch was thrown.
Game 3 of the 1989 World Series stands as one of the most infamous and tragic moments in baseball history, pitting the Oakland Athletics against their cross-bay rivals, the San Francisco Giants. Scheduled for October 17, 1989, at Candlestick Park, this contest was meant to be a decisive clash between two California powerhouses with deep historical roots. Instead, the game became the backdrop for a catastrophic natural disaster that halted professional sports in America and forever altered the memory of the event.
- Series Result
- Athletics won World Series in Game 4 (sweep)
Lore & Background
However, the narrative shifted instantly when a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck just as the teams were warming up. The ground shook violently for approximately 15 seconds, causing panic and structural damage throughout the stadium. While no one died inside Candlestick Park, the event was part of a larger tragedy that claimed over 60 lives across the region. The game was immediately suspended, marking a somber turning point where sports ceased to matter in the face of human suffering.
In Their Own Story
The air inside Candlestick Park felt heavy with humidity and anticipation as the Oakland dugout buzzed with pre-game energy. Mark McGwire took his spot at the plate, bat tapping rhythmically against his cleats, while Jose Canseco stretched in the on-deck circle, eyes locked on the mound. Suddenly, a low rumble vibrated through the soles of their shoes, growing into a violent shudder that sent players stumbling for balance. The sky seemed to tilt as lights swayed and the crowd's roar turned into a collective gasp of terror.
Reader's Guide
The occasion was Game 3 of the 1989 World Series, where the Oakland Athletics were set to face the San Francisco Giants at Candlestick Park. The game was immediately suspended without a single play being made. The series was postponed for ten days while the region dealt with the aftermath of the disaster, which included significant damage to the Bay Bridge and loss of life. When play finally resumed on October 29, the Athletics returned to the field at the Oakland Coliseum. This match is remembered not for baseball statistics, but as a stark reminder of nature's power over human endeavors. It stands as a unique historical footnote where a championship series was paused by tragedy, yet the A's ultimately went on to win the World Series in Game 6.
Did You Know?
- The earthquake occurred at exactly 5:04 PM Pacific Time during the pre-game warmups.
- No one died inside Candlestick Park, though injuries were sustained by fans and players alike.
- The series was postponed for ten days to allow for recovery efforts in the Bay Area.
- Despite the trauma, Mark McGwire went 0-for-4 with a walk in his first game after the resumption of play.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the cancellation of Game 3 in the 1989 World Series?
A massive earthquake struck the Bay Area just before first pitch was scheduled to be thrown at Candlestick Park. This natural disaster forced officials to suspend the contest immediately for safety reasons.
Did any pitches get thrown during the 1989 A's vs Giants Game 3?
No players ever took the field or threw a single ball during this specific matchup. The game was officially suspended before any gameplay could begin due to the seismic event.
Where was Game 3 of the 1989 World Series scheduled to be played?
The match was set to occur at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, home of their cross-bay rivals. This venue became ground zero for the sudden evacuation and subsequent chaos following the tremor.
How did the Loma Prieta Earthquake affect the Oakland Athletics' championship run?
While the series resumed later without injury to players, the delay cast a somber shadow over the Athletics' eventual victory. The franchise remembers this date primarily as a tragic interruption rather than a competitive milestone.
Why is the 1989 World Series Game 3 considered infamous in baseball history?
It remains one of the most memorable moments in sports due to the sudden halt caused by nature instead of athletic competition. Fans recall it for the safety concerns and human tragedy that outweighed the baseball narrative on October 17, 1989.