Last updated on October 25th, 2023 at 09:57 am
A walk-off home run only happens when the MLB home team takes the lead in the bottom of the ninth inning or extra innings via a home run. Since the visiting team bats first in each inning, the home team can essentially walks off the field after winning the game. The home team will celebrate a bit at home plate while the visiting team will walk back to the dugout.
Who Coined the Phrase “Walk-off Home run?”
Dennis Eckersley came up with the phrase “walk-off home run” in 1988 via a print piece in the San Francisco Chronicle. The description of the walk-off home run signified that you lost the game, and you did not have to watch the ball sail deep in the night. Essentially, you as the pitcher have to walk off the mound and back to the dugout after losing the game.
Do All Runs Count on a Walk-Off Home run?
On a walk-off home run, every runner on base scores no matter what. Unlike a walk-off single where the game-winning run is the last run to score, a walk-off homer needs everyone to score.
Do You Have to Run All the Bases if You Hit the Winning Home Run?
When you hit a walk-off homer, you have to run all the bases to get back home eventually. Most players do a slow trout around the bases so their teammates can get to Homeplate to greet them on their accomplishment. However, you will see some players sprint around the bases if they have extra energy and hit one of the biggest homers of their life.
Other Types of Walk-Off Wins
While the home run to win a baseball game is truly classic, there are other baseball walk-offs to know about. Examples of other walk-offs include a single, double, triple, wild pitch, and even walk. Not to mention a balk can win you a game if the pitcher does that with a runner on third. Check out what is a balk to learn more about what this actually means in baseball.
Have Injuries Taken Place After a Walk-Off?
Believe it or not, there have been injuries after someone went to celebrate with their team after winning a game via a home run. Back on May 29, 2010, Kendrys Morales of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim broke his left leg while celebrating at home plate. While extremely rare for someone to break their leg, Kendrys Morales illustrated that you should be a bit careful when celebrating with your teammates.
Conclusion on What a Walk-Off Home Run is in Baseball
Major League Baseball takes pride in its long history of great players and memorable moments. The walk-off home run is truly something and is even more special when it wins a postseason or World Series game. While a walk-off home run means both teams walk off the field since the game ended, there is a different feeling between the two sides. One team walks away in defeat, while the other team walks off the field with joy.
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Greg Kristan, owner of The Stadium Reviews, LLC and TM Blast, LLC, brings his extensive experience visiting over half of the MLB ballparks, along with numerous MLS, NHL, NBA, and NFL venues, to provide in-depth coverage on the bag policy, food options, and parking. He has also been interviewed about his experiences on several sports podcasts.