1989 World Series Game 3
The game that was suspended mid-inning, forever defined by a quake that shook the Bay Area.
Game 3 of the 1989 World Series is one of the most infamous and tragic moments in baseball history, pitting the San Francisco Giants against the Oakland Athletics at Candlestick Park. Scheduled for October 17, 1989, the contest was intended to be a pivotal battle in a best-of-seven championship series between two Bay Area rivals. However, the game is remembered not for the play on the field, but for the catastrophic Loma Prieta earthquake that struck during the top of the first inning, forcing an immediate evacuation and suspension of the event.
- Event
- 1989 World Series Game 3
- Location
- Candlestick Park, San Francisco
- Competitors
- San Francisco Giants vs. Oakland Athletics
- Date
- October 17, 1989
- Outcome
- Suspended due to earthquake; later declared a no-contest
- Magnitude
- 6.9 (Loma Prieta Earthquake)
- Series Result
- Oakland Athletics won the World Series in a sweep (4-0)
Lore & Background
With the game already underway in the top of the first inning, a massive tremor ripped through the San Francisco Peninsula, causing the stadium to shake violently and sending fans scrambling toward the exits. The Loma Prieta earthquake, measuring 6.9 on the Richter scale, caused widespread damage across the region and tragically claimed lives in the Bay Bridge collapse and other areas. In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, baseball became irrelevant; the focus shifted entirely to safety, rescue efforts, and the heartbreaking reality that the game would never be completed.
In Their Own Story
The wind howled off the bay, whipping through the open stands of Candlestick Park as fans nervously adjusted their hats. A hush fell over the crowd just as the umpire stepped onto the mound to begin the pre-game introductions. Suddenly, the ground lurched with a terrifying violence that no one could have imagined; the earth itself seemed to rise up and shake the very foundations of the ballpark. Screams erupted as the concrete shook, lights swayed precariously, and thousands rushed toward the exits in a chaotic stampede, leaving the pristine diamond empty and silent under the grey San Francisco sky.
Reader's Guide
The occasion was Game 3 of the 1989 World Series, a critical matchup where the Oakland Athletics held a two-game lead over the San Francisco Giants. The game was set to begin at Candlestick Park, but history intervened before any pitches were thrown. Just minutes prior to first pitch, the Loma Prieta earthquake struck with devastating force. No play occurred during this scheduled contest. The game is remembered not for baseball statistics, but as a somber reminder of nature's power over human events. It remains the only World Series game in history cancelled due to natural disaster. The series resumed days later in Oakland, where the A's completed a sweep.
Did You Know?
- The earthquake occurred at 5:04 PM PST, during the top of the first inning of Game 3.
- This is the only World Series game in MLB history to be suspended and later declared a no-contest due to an earthquake.
- Despite the suspension, the Oakland Athletics went on to win the series by sweeping the Giants in four games.
- The game was never resumed; the result remained a 'no contest' with no official winner for that specific date.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 1989 World Series Game 3?
This event refers to the third game of the 1989 championship series between the San Francisco Giants and Oakland Athletics, which was scheduled for October 17 at Candlestick Park. It is historically significant not for any baseball action, but because it was abruptly cancelled just before first pitch due to a massive earthquake.
Why is this specific game so important in baseball history?
The game is infamous because the Loma Prieta earthquake struck with a magnitude of 6.9 moments before the teams were set to play, causing immediate evacuation and highlighting the vulnerability of life over sport. It remains one of the most tragic and defining moments for both Bay Area franchises.
Did any plays occur during the game?
No baseball was played at all because the earthquake forced an emergency cancellation before the first pitch could be thrown. The contest was never resumed, leaving the outcome undecided until the series continued after a delay.
Where did this event take place?
The scheduled matchup was set to occur at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, home of the Giants at the time. This location suffered significant structural damage during the quake, contributing to the decision to halt all activities immediately.
How does the story of Game 3 end?
The game effectively ended before it began when the seismic event caused widespread panic and infrastructure failure across the Bay Area. While the series eventually concluded with Oakland winning in five games, this specific match remains permanently recorded as 'the game that never happened'.