In the realm of sports, where athletes strive for perfection, sometimes the unexpected happens, leaving us in awe. One such instance occurred on a misty July night in South Philadelphia, where a baseball game took an extraordinary turn. Thirty-seven years ago, on July 5, 1989, Paul O'Neill, a five-time All-Star, authored the best kick in the sport's history, a play that would forever be etched in the annals of baseball lore. This is the story of a moment that defied logic and showcased the beauty of sports' unpredictability.
The setting was Veterans Stadium, home to the Philadelphia Phillies. The game was a struggle for the Reds, managed by the legendary Pete Rose, who would later be banned from baseball. O'Neill, then 26, was part of the Cincinnati team. The Phillies, on the other hand, were in disarray, with a record of 29-50. The game remained tied at 2 in the bottom of the 10th inning, with the Phillies' speedy infielder Steve Jeltz on base. Lenny Dykstra, the Phillies' player, sent a ball toward right field, where O'Neill was positioned.
O'Neill, frustrated by the game's outcome, bobbled the ball, and in a moment of spontaneity, kicked it. What happened next was nothing short of remarkable. The ball, kicked with precision, went straight to Todd Benzinger, the Cincinnati first baseman, who was unaware of O'Neill's unexpected action. This kick, though unintentional, kept the game tied for one pitch.
John Franco, the Reds' pitcher, issued an intentional walk to Tom Herr, followed by a wild pitch that allowed Jeltz to score. The Phillies won, and O'Neill, back in the dugout, was filled with a mix of emotions. He thought, 'My God, they're gonna send me down to Triple A. You can't do stuff like this.' His best friend on the team, Chris Sabo, witnessed the chaos, with Larry Bowa from the opposite dugout erupting in excitement.
Ben Davis, a diehard Phillies fan, was 12 years old and sitting down the right-field line. He vividly recalls the play, describing it as a moment of pure disbelief. O'Neill's experience as a field goal kicker and punter in high school, though not in a soccer style, added a layer of intrigue to the story. The cleats he wore, Pony brand, were a nod to the soccer legend Pelé, who also wore Pony during his time with the New York Cosmos.
The kick, O'Neill admitted, was not premeditated. It was a result of frustration, but the ball's straight trajectory was a testament to his hidden talent. This play, as Ben Davis pointed out, was a unique occurrence, a perfect kick that defied the laws of baseball. O'Neill's daughter, Allie, who doesn't remember watching him play, finds the story amusing, as it becomes an annual highlight in the family's bloopers.
The impact of this kick extended beyond the game. O'Neill's Baseball-Reference page now includes 'Kicks: Left' alongside his batting and throwing positions. This moment, though seemingly insignificant, has become a part of baseball history, a reminder that sports can surprise us in the most unexpected ways. It's a story that continues to captivate fans, leaving them wondering what other hidden talents athletes might possess.
