A pivotal moment in baseball history is revisited as Isiah Kiner-Falefa reflects on his role in the Toronto Blue Jays' World Series Game 7. The outcome of that fateful play still haunts him.
Kiner-Falefa, now a Boston Red Sox player, signed a $6 million contract and is opening up about the controversial decision he made during the game. He recalls the emotions of potentially winning the World Series, only to have those hopes dashed in an instant.
"I thought I'd be crossing the plate, bringing home the title for Toronto. But the moment the ball hit the dirt, reality hit me. I knew I had to break up the double play," he said.
The play in question occurred after Miguel Rojas tied the game with a homer for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the top of the ninth inning. Toronto loaded the bases with one out, and Kiner-Falefa took an unusually short lead at third base, following the instructions of his third base coach, Carlos Febles.
According to MLB Statcast, Kiner-Falefa's lead was the fourth-shortest by a runner off third during the World Series. When the pitcher released the ball, his secondary lead was the eighth-shortest at third.
"I didn't anticipate how close the play would be. If I had taken one more step, I might have made it safely. But I didn't, and that's on me," Kiner-Falefa admitted.
The Dodgers' infielders were playing in, and Daulton Varsho hit a two-hopper to second baseman Miguel Rojas. Rojas fielded the ball, stumbled, but recovered to throw to catcher Will Smith, who tagged Kiner-Falefa out at the plate.
Ernie Clement followed with a drive that center fielder Andy Pages caught with a leaping backhand grab, knocking over left fielder Kiké Hernández. The Dodgers went on to win in 11 innings, becoming the first repeat champions in 25 years.
Kiner-Falefa defended his coach, saying, "It's not Carlos' fault. It's no one's fault, really. That's just how we played all season."
He never considered sprinting across the plate without sliding, as his focus was on ensuring Ernie Clement had a chance to hit.
"I was trying to break up the double play. I thought it was a routine grounder to second, and they'd go for the easy out at home."
Kiner-Falefa expressed frustration that reporters didn't ask him about the play that night. He felt it was unfair that the play "blew up" without him getting a chance to speak about it.
"If it was going to be such a big deal, I wish the cameras had been on me, giving me a chance to explain. But I did what I was told, and it was an organizational policy."
Under his new contract with Boston, Kiner-Falefa can earn $500,000 in performance bonuses for plate appearances, with $100,000 bonuses for reaching 300, 350, 400, 450, and 500 plate appearances.
The 30-year-old had a .262 batting average with two homers, 40 RBIs, and 21 doubles in 138 games last year, playing for both Pittsburgh and Toronto. He has a career .262 average with 36 homers, 286 RBIs, and 100 steals over eight seasons with Texas, the New York Yankees, Toronto, and Pittsburgh. He won a Gold Glove at third base in 2020.
And here's where it gets controversial... Kiner-Falefa's decision to follow his coach's instructions has sparked debate among fans and analysts. Was it a strategic mistake, or a necessary move to adhere to team policy? What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!
