Rickey Henderson’s induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame got me thinking — as any mention of Rickey Henderson always does — of May 1, 1991, when Henderson’s record-breaking 939th stolen base was completely and utterly overshadowed a few hours later by Nolan Ryan’s incredible seventh career no-hitter.
I distinctly remember feeling, I suppose somewhat uncharitably, that Henderson deserved to have his big moment stolen in such a fashion, as karmic retribution for his blatant lack of humility in declaring that “today, I am the greatest of all time” after surpassing Lou Brock. Heh.
Anyway, here’s a video of Nolan’s no-no, including a complete replay of the entire 9th inning. The commentators make no mention of Rickey’s record earlier that day, but for me, the two events will always be inextricably linked. May 1, 1991 was definitely one of the most memorable baseball-watching days of my youth, right up there with the last day of the 1990 season, when Tom Brunansky’s diving catch clinched the AL East for the Red Sox, and the day of Game 7 of the 1992 NLCS, when we all learned the name Francisco Cabrera. (Link NSFPF — Not Safe For Pirates Fans.)
P.S. I freakin’ love Sean McDonough. “Hooking toward the corner, BRUNANSKY!!!” … “SAAAAFE!!! SAFE AT THE PLATE!!!” … Also, from the 1991 World Series, Game 3, Mark Lemke’s 12th-inning winner: “Here comes Justice… SAAFE!!! AND ATLANTA WINS IT!” … And of course, from 1993, the one everybody remembers: “Way back and… GONE!!!!!!“