Turn It Up: The Radio Calls That Stopped Time

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Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael Schatz

Baseball has had its fair share of iconic moments. But there’s one thing that makes the moment on the field last forever – an iconic radio call. Here is our list of the 10 most iconic radio calls the game has ever heard…

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The Shot Heard ‘Round the World – Russ Hodges (1951)

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Russ Hodges’ exclamation, “The Giants win the pennant!” immortalized Bobby Thomson’s 1951 home run. This thrilling moment in baseball history captured the New York Giants’ unexpected victory over the Brooklyn Dodgers, epitomizing the sport’s unpredictability and excitement.

Kirk Gibson’s Walk-Off Home Run – Vin Scully (1988)

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Vin Scully’s iconic line, “In a year that has been so improbable, the impossible has happened!” perfectly captured Kirk Gibson’s unexpected 1988 World Series homer. Despite injuries, Gibson’s home run against Dennis Eckersley led the Dodgers to victory, showcasing the magic of perseverance and the miraculous nature of baseball.

Hank Aaron’s 715th Home Run – Milo Hamilton (1974)

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Milo Hamilton’s call of Hank Aaron’s 715th homer celebrated a new home run champion, breaking Babe Ruth’s record in 1974. This historic achievement, amid racial adversity, marked a pivotal moment in baseball, symbolizing progress and Aaron’s remarkable resilience.

Bill Mazeroski’s Walk-Off Home Run – Chuck Thompson (1960)

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Bill Mazeroski’s 1960 World Series Game 7 walk-off home run, called by Chuck Thompson, shocked the baseball world. His homer secured the Pittsburgh Pirates’ victory over the Yankees, the first in World Series history, highlighting the excitement of underdog triumphs and the game’s unpredictable nature.

The Catch – Russ Hodges (1954)

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Willie Mays’ 1954 World Series catch, described by Russ Hodges, is legendary. His over-the-shoulder grab thwarted a potential hit, preserving a tie for the Giants. Hodges’ call reflected the awe of Mays’ talent, making it one of the most memorable plays in Series history.

Lou Gehrig’s Farewell Speech (1939)

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Lou Gehrig’s 1939 farewell speech remains a poignant moment in baseball, despite the elusive original broadcast. His declaration as “the luckiest man on the face of the earth” at Yankee Stadium touched hearts, symbolizing strength and legacy in facing his ALS diagnosis.

Don Larsen’s Perfect Game – Bob Wolff (1956)

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Bob Wolff’s call of Don Larsen’s perfect game in the 1956 World Series stands as a testament to baseball excellence. Larsen’s achievement was the only perfect game in Series history, and Wolff’s narration captured the pressure and rarity of this historic feat.

The Steve Bartman Incident – Pat Hughes (2003)

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Pat Hughes’ call of the Steve Bartman incident during the 2003 NLCS highlights baseball’s unpredictability. Bartman’s interference with a foul ball altered the game’s momentum for the Cubs.

Jackie Robinson’s Debut – Red Barber (1947)

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Red Barber’s call of Jackie Robinson’s 1947 debut with the Dodgers marked a historic turning point. Without sensationalism, Barber highlighted Robinson’s breaking of the color barrier, symbolizing progress and change, and paving the way for future generations in baseball.

Joe Carter’s World Series-Winning Home Run – Tom Cheek (1993)

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Tom Cheek’s call of Joe Carter’s 1993 World Series-winning homer is a cherished memory for Blue Jays fans. His phrase, “Touch ’em all, Joe,” celebrated Carter’s walk-off victory against the Phillies, capturing the essence of baseball’s exhilarating finales and the joy of championship triumphs.