Oct. 17, 1989: Earth shakes, the Bay Area mourns

Changed forever

On Oct. 17,1989 at 5:04 p.m. local time, just moments before Game 3 of the Bay Bridge World Series between the San Francisco Giants and Oakland A's, Earth shook. The Loma Prieta Earthquake lasted 10 to 15 seconds, registered a 6.9 on the Richter scale and devastated the Bay Area, claiming countless casualties and leaving locals to confront a reality bigger than baseball.

A community in shambles

Following the earthquake, the Bay Area was reduced to rubble in many places. In this photo, workers assess the damage done to this wrecked portion of Interstate 880.

Countless casualties

The relentless earthquake claimed countless victims, an astounding number of which were harmed in the collapse of the Cypress Freeway as the quake took place during rush hour. Records show 63 people were killed, close to 4,000 were injured and many more were left without homes. Pictured here, one of those victims is tended to by some of the brave paramedics that worked to assist Bay Area residents.

The Marina ablaze

Firefighters combat a ruthless blaze in the Marina District of San Francisco as the city and the area, still mourning, attempt to re-establish their communities.

Candlestick in repair

Taken on Oct. 22, this photo depicts the continued repairs of Candlestick Park as workers patch the concrete stairs in preparation for the upcoming resumption of the series and -- fans and players hoped -- some sense of normalcy.

Fans return and re-energize

Fans piled in to Candlestick Park to watch Game 3 of the World Series and support their A's and Giants and the Bay Area at large. Here, a fan has affixed a piece of concrete rubble from the stadium to his hard hat.

Fans return and re-energize

Another fan displays the determination of Bay Area fans to return to their lives, and return to the ball park, beaten but not broken, to cheer for their beloved teams.

Play resumes

Representatives from local and regional public safety and volunteer agencies that performed heroically in the rescue and recovery efforts following the earthquake throw out the ceremonial first pitch, commemorating not only the heroic exploits of responders, but the resolve of a community that banded together to bring itself back.