Last Updated on May 1, 2025 by Colby Droscher
The game of baseball has seen so many changes throughout its years. Whether we’re talking about the actual stadiums that the game has been played in, or the gear that has evolved to take on truly futuristic standards, the game of baseball just isn’t built like it used to be.
It’s especially fun to turn back the dial and take a broader look at how the game has shifted its form over the years. In this case, though, we’re going to take a look at a series of historic, unforgettable baseball errors that ended up changing the game of baseball forever.
1. Fred Snodgrass – 1912 World Series, Game 8
Fred Snodgrass. What a name already. Snodggrass dropped a routine fly ball in the 10th inning. This then led to the Red Sox winning the series against the New York Giants.
2. Steve Bartman Incident (Fan Interference) – 2003 NLCS
Although not an official error, the missed catch (due to Bartman’s interference) was responsible for shifting the momentum in Game 6. This would cost the Cubs a World Series shot.
3. Mickey Owen – 1941 World Series, Game 4
Mickey Owen dropped a third strike that could’ve ended the game. Instead, the Yankees proceeded to rally, and then eventually won the Series.
4. Tony Fernandez – 1997 World Series, Game 7
Fernandez booted a routine grounder in the 11th inning. This then allowed the Marlins to stay alive and ultimately win the game.
5. Bill Buckner – 1986 World Series, Game 6
This goes down as the most notorious error in the history of baseball. Buckner let a ground ball by Mookie Wilson go through his legs. This in turn, allowed the Mets to win Game 6 and then eventually the World Series.
6. Lonnie Smith – 1991 World Series, Game 7
A base-running error caused Smith to miss scoring on a double. This altered the course of a tight and scoreless game that the Braves would, in turn, lose in extra innings.
7. Jose Canseco – Ball Off the Head (1993)
A fly ball bounced off Canseco’s head and then over the fence for a home run. It’s really more comic than it is crucial, but also overall unforgettable.
8. Merkle’s Misstep – 1908 Regular Season
Fred Merkle was unsuccessful in touching second base on a potential game-winning play. This then cost the Giants a chance at the pennant.
9. Donnie Moore – 1986 ALCS
This isn’t what we’d call a traditional fielding error. However, Moore ended up giving up a home run on two strikes. This denied the Angels their first-ever pennant.
10. Pedro Martinez Left in Too Long – 2003 ALCS
This is all parts managerial misjudgment. Pedro was left stranded during Game 7 of the ALCS. The Yankees then made their comeback, and in the process decimated any hopes and dreams that the Red Sox might’ve had.
11. Bob Boone and Pete Rose – 1980 World Series, Game 6
Boon drops the foul ball, but then Rose catches the deflection. This could’ve been a major error, and almost a miracle save.
12. Alex Gonzalez – 2003 NLCS, Game 6
Right after the Bartman play, Gonzalez messed up a double play ball that could’ve resulted in closing out the inning. The floodgates just opened from there.
13. Matt Holliday – 2007 NL Wild Card Game
Holliday technically slid into home, but never touched the plate. He still ended up being called safe. This is a prime example of a “non-error” that then infuriated Padres fans to no end.
14. Richie Hebner – 1971 World Series
Hebner’s ultimate missed ground ball in Game 7 of the 1971 World Series ended up helping out the Orioles in tying the game. Although, the Pirates would end up going on to claim their victory.
15. Trevor Hoffman – 1998 World Series, Game 3
Hoffman ended up blowing a save with a crucial throwing error. This then helped out the Yankees in winning and then sweeping the Series.
16. Joe Morgan’s Base-Running Blunder – 1973 NLCS
Morgan attempted to take an extra base that was never necessary to begin with. He got thrown out, which was just devastating. This then destroyed what would’ve been an essential Reds rally against the Mets.
17. Timo Pérez – 2000 World Series, Game 1
Timo just didn’t end up running hard on Todd Zeile’s deep hit. If he had run, he could’ve scored. The Yankees then took Game 1 in extra innings.
18. Chuck Knoblauch – 1998 ALCS, Game 2
Knoblauch stopped in the middle of an instrumental play to proceed to argue with the ump, while the ball was live. This let a run score. Talk about an unforgettable mental lapse.
19. Bobby Richardson – 1960 World Series
Bobby Richardson was unable to turn a game-ending double play. The Pirates then stayed alive, and Bill Mazeroski was able to launch his iconic walk-off in Game 7.
20. Travis Ishikawa Misread – 2014 NLCS Game 5
Travis played shallow and ended up misreading a line drive out in left field. He nearly let the Cardinals right back in. The Giants were still able to hold on, but barely at that.
Can’t get enough diamond drama?
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