Game 6 of the 1980 World Series had a weird but memorable moment in the final inning. The Phillies were two outs away from their first championship, holding a 4-1 lead over the Royals. With two on, a ball went sky-high behind first base. Catcher Bob Boone camped under it but dropped it right out of his glove. Pete Rose was right there to grab it before it hit the ground, casually flipping it to the pitcher like it was nothing. Boone’s near-miss and Rose’s quick reaction kept the Royals from getting extra outs or runners moving.
That play could have been a disaster, but since it was technically a foul ball, the damage was limited. Boone ended up making the final out himself a few pitches later, catching a pop-up but this time holding on. Instead of the usual pitcher-catcher celebration, Boone just turned and walked off. No fist-pump, no hug, just casually collecting gear like it was any other inning. Rose added his own flair, running off with his hat bouncing as the fans stormed the field, which was still allowed back then. The Phillies didn’t stick around to party on the diamond. They took the win and celebrated safely in the clubhouse.