Mr. October struck out by rookie Welch to end it

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Oct. 11, 1978

It's the duel baseball fans love: Fastball pitcher vs. fastball hitter. Bob Welch vs. Reggie Jackson. Ninth inning, game on the line. Second game of the World Series.

The Los Angeles Dodgers cling to a 4-3 lead when Welch, a 21-year-old rookie right-hander, enters with runners on first and second with one out. He retires Thurman Munson, setting up his confrontation with Mr. October, who has already knocked in all three Yankee runs. Jackson gets his cuts, but the best he can do is foul off four pitches as the count runs full in this six-minute at-bat.

Jackson adjusts his glasses. Welch stands motionless. The runners move on the pitch. Jackson swings at a high inside fastball. He misses. Game over.

Jackson angrily stomps away, and flings his bat, shattering it against the dugout wall. Manager Bob Lemon offers consolation, but Reggie nudges him aside. Later, Jackson praises Welch, "I got beat, that's all."

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