The Pine Tar Game ⚾️ 📍It was July 24, 1983... two outs in the ninth inning. U.L. Washington was on first base, and Kansas City All-Star George Brett was up to bat at the famous Yankee Stadium. ⚾️ As he did best, George crushed a pitch, adding another home run to his storied résumé, giving the Royals a 5–4 lead. As George celebrated, Yankees manager Billy Martin walked to home plate and informed the umpire that Brett’s bat was covered with more pine tar than allowed. (Pine tar is a sticky substance used to give batters a better grip, making the bat more effective.) 📏Umpire Tim McClelland carefully measured the bat and determined that it violated the 18-inch pine tar rule, ruling George Brett out and ending the game. Enraged and furious, George rushed onto the field to state his case, only to be restrained by teammates and staff. 🏟️ The game was over... or so it seemed. The Royals immediately protested the outcome, and American League president Lee MacPhail overruled McClelland, ordering the game to be resumed from the point of Brett’s home run. On August 18th, the teams reconvened at Yankee Stadium in front of just 1,200 fans, where the Royals officially won, 5–4. #pinetargame #tbapsb #kansascity