On October 15, 1988, the Los Angeles Dodgers faced off against the Oakland Athletics in Game 1 of the World Series. Few expected the Dodgers to succeed against the heavily favored A's, and even fewer expected injured Dodgers outfielder Kirk Gibson to play at all. But when Gibson limped up to the plate as a pinch hitter in the bottom of the ninth inning, what followed proved to be one of the most iconic moments in MLB history.

As Gibson faced off against A's dominant closer Dennis Eckersley, the odds against him seemed astronomical. He could barely walk, let alone run, and the A's had won 104 games that year compared to the Dodgers' 94. But moments before walking up to the plate, Gibson had glanced at the scoreboard and seen that the other game he was interested in had ended. In his own words, "I thought, damn, it's almost over." And with that, something clicked.

Taking a few practice swings, Gibson watched as Eckersley threw pitch after pitch into the strike zone. Gibson fouled off a few, watching one go straight back and strike the broadcaster in the booth behind him. And then, on the eighth pitch of the at-bat, Gibson connected.

The ball soared into the right-field stands as Vin Scully's legendary call played over the airwaves: "High fly ball into right field, she is GONE...In a year that has been so improbable, the impossible has happened!" Gibson rounded the bases on one leg, pumping his other fist in the air to the delirious cheers of the Dodger Stadium crowd.

The Dodgers ultimately won the series four games to one, with Gibson's home run serving as a turning point that propelled them to victory. It remains one of the most indelible moments in sports history, and a testament to the power of determination and sheer will.