The 1968 Tigers’ magic number on September 17 was one. An eager crowd of over 46,000 packed Tiger Stadium on a Tuesday night, ready to witness history. In the last season before the playoff system was implemented, all that was needed to advance to the World Series was either a Tigers win or a Baltimore Orioles loss. The Tigers hosted the New York Yankees, while it would be up the Boston Red Sox to handle the O’s.
The Tigers and Yankees were tied 1-1 in the bottom of the ninth. With two out, manager Mayo Smith sent Kaline into pinch hit for Norm Cash.