Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Matthew Brown
Some home runs are more than just four bases. They’re moments frozen in time, when an entire stadium holds its breath, and then explodes into pure joy – or utter despair. Here are the walk-off homers that didn’t just end games, they made history.
Don't lose this article. Enter your email below, and I'll send it to you right now. Plus, we'll send you other unbelievable stories from baseball's past.
Bill Mazeroski Ends the Yankees Dynasty with One Swing (1960 World Series)
The mighty Yankees had outscored Pittsburgh 55-27 in the series. But Maz, a light-hitting second baseman known for his glove, turned on Ralph Terry’s first pitch in the bottom of the ninth. The Forbes Field crowd went so berserk, Mazeroski had to fight through fans just to touch home plate.
Carlton Fisk Waves It Fair at Midnight (1975 World Series, Game 6)
At 12:34 AM, Fisk launched one toward the Green Monster. His desperate dance down the first base line, willing the ball fair, became baseball’s most iconic body language. The NBC cameraman, distracted by a rat, kept his camera on Fisk instead of the ball – creating sports television history.
Kirk Gibson Limps Into History Against Dennis Eckersley (1988 World Series)
He could barely walk to the plate. Eck hadn’t blown a save since July. When Gibson pumped his fist rounding second base, both legs practically useless, Vin Scully said it perfectly: “In a year that has been so improbable, the impossible has happened!”
Joe Carter Touch ‘Em All Time in Toronto (1993 World Series)
Only the second walk-off homer to win a World Series. As Carter bounced around the bases like a little kid, Tom Cheek delivered the perfect call: “Touch ’em all, Joe! You’ll never hit a bigger home run in your life!”
Chris Chambliss Fights Through Fans to Touch Home (1976 ALCS)
The fans stormed the field before Chambliss could finish rounding the bases. He had to throw elbows just to reach home plate. Hours later, with the stadium empty, he came back out to officially touch home – just to make it count.
Bobby Thomson’s Shot Heard ‘Round the World (1951 NL Playoff)
“The Giants win the pennant! The Giants win the pennant!” Russ Hodges’ call became legendary. Thomson’s homer capped a miraculous comeback from 13½ games back in August, breaking Brooklyn’s heart in the process.
David Ortiz Keeps Boston Alive Against the Yankees (2004 ALCS)
Down 3-0 in the series, Big Papi launched one into the bullpen at 1:22 AM. It wasn’t just a homer – it was the beginning of the greatest comeback in baseball history. The Curse of the Bambino would die a few days later.
Aaron Boone Breaks Boston’s Heart in the 11th (2003 ALCS)
Tim Wakefield’s first pitch of the 11th inning was his last of 2003. Boone’s blast kept the Curse alive for one more year, and earned him a permanent place in the Yankees-Red Sox blood feud.
Ozzie Smith Goes Left-Handed to Beat the Dodgers (1985 NLCS)
“Go crazy, folks! Go crazy!” Jack Buck’s call said it all. The Wizard of Oz, who had never homered batting left-handed in his career, picked a perfect time for his first. Busch Stadium literally shook.
Kirby Puckett Forces Game 7 Against Atlanta (1991 World Series)
“And we’ll see you tomorrow night!” Jack Buck’s call became legendary as Puckett rounded the bases, arms raised in triumph. The next night, the Twins would win one of the greatest World Series ever played.