In the 1980 World Series between the Royals and Phillies, Phillies first baseman Pete Rose and Bob Boone famously teamed up to catch a foul ball in the top of the ninth inning. Closer Tug McGraw found himself in a jam, having loaded the bases with one out on a walk followed by two singles. Frank White hit a pop-up near the first base dugout. The ball popped in and out of catcher Boone’s glove, but first baseman Rose alertly grabbed the ball with his glove before it hit the ground for the second out of the inning. From there, McGraw would memorably strike out Willie Wilson to clinch the World Series for the Phillies.
Coincidentally, a similar play happened in Game 5 of the World Series between the Indians and Cubs on Sunday night. Carlos Santana was batting with the bases empty and one out in the top of the second inning against Cubs starter Jon Lester. He fouled off a 93 MPH fastball to the right side, sending catcher David Ross and first baseman Anthony Rizzo towards each other near the first base dugout. The wind took the ball back towards the field. Ross leaned and attempted to make the catch, but like Boone, the ball popped out of his mitt. Thankfully, Rizzo was there to make the save to secure the out.
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Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on your disposition), there was no astroturf on which Rizzo could’ve playfully bounced the ball after making the catch.
The Cubs were able to escape Game 5 with a 3-2 victory over the Indians to send the World Series back to Cleveland.