Baseball, often hailed as America’s favorite pastime, is a sport teeming with unforgettable moments and iconic plays. Amidst these moments, foul balls hold a unique place in the heart of baseball fans.

19 Jul 2001: Pitcher Randy Johnson #51 of the Arizona Diamondbacks throwing the ball during the game against the San Diego Padres at Qualcomm Park in San Diego, California. The Diamondbacks defeated the Padres 3-0.Mandatory Credit: Jeff Gross /Allsport

Throughout the history of baseball, several unforgettable moments involving foul balls stand out. In 2003, Steve Bartman unintentionally became known for interfering with a crucial foul ball during a Chicago Cubs game, leading to their loss and heartbreak. In 1996, a young fan named Jeffrey Maier caught a Derek Jeter fly ball during a New York Yankees game, which was ruled a game-tying home run and became famous. In 1986, Bill Buckner’s fielding error allowed the New York Mets to win Game 6 of the World Series. In 2016, pitcher Bartolo Colon made people laugh when he swung so hard that he lost his helmet while missing a foul ball. In 2001, Randy Johnson’s fastball hit a bird during a spring training game, creating a bizarre and memorable foul ball incident. These moments, though different, showcase the unpredictable and enduring charm of baseball.

NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 24: Bartolo Colon #40 of the New York Mets pitches in the first inning against the Oakland Athletics at Citi Field on June 24, 2014 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

So, without further ado, here’s my list of the most memorable foul ball moments in baseball history. While some may argue about the accuracy of this list, please keep in mind that this is my personal opinion. If you disagree with my choices for the most memorable foul ball moments in baseball history, you’re entitled to your own point of view.

• Steve Bartman's Notorious Interference (2003):

   

  In Game 6 of the 2003 National League Championship Series between the Chicago Cubs and Florida Marlins, Steve Bartman unwittingly found himself in the spotlight. With the Cubs just five outs away from clinching a World Series berth, a foul ball came hurtling toward the left-field stands. Bartman reached out, inadvertently interfering with Cubs left fielder Moises Alou’s bid to make the catch. The Cubs went on to lose both the game and the series, and Bartman’s name became synonymous with a moment of baseball heartbreak.

• Jeffrey Maier's "Fan Interference" (1996):

   

  Game 1 of the 1996 American League Championship Series between the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles delivered a defining baseball moment courtesy of a young fan named Jeffrey Maier. In an electrifying play, Maier reached over the right-field wall to catch a Derek Jeter fly ball, ultimately ruled a game-tying home run. The Yankees emerged victorious in the game and later the series, with Maier’s snag eternally etched in baseball lore.

• Bill Buckner's Famed Error (1986):

   

  Though not technically a foul ball, Bill Buckner’s fielding mishap in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series is etched in baseball memory. A seemingly routine ground ball by the New York Mets’ Mookie Wilson inexplicably eluded Buckner’s grasp, allowing the Mets to secure a game-winning run. This error extended the series, ultimately ending in a dramatic Mets’ victory in seven games.

• The Bartolo Colon Helicopter Foul Ball (2016):

   

  Known affectionately as “Big Sexy,” pitcher Bartolo Colon’s charisma is legendary. In a 2016 face-off against the Kansas City Royals, Colon unexpectedly took to the plate, and during a mighty swing, he lost his helmet in comical fashion while whiffing at a foul ball. The incident left the crowd in stitches

• The Pizza incident at Fenway Park (2007):

   

  During a Red Sox game against the Los Angeles Angels at Fenway Park, a fan threw a slice of pizza at another fan after the target attempted to catch a foul ball.

• Randy Johnson's Bird Encounter (2001):

   

  In a 2001 spring training game, Randy Johnson unleashed a fastball that unexpectedly collided with a bird mid-flight. The result was a bizarre and unforgettable foul ball, leaving everyone in the stadium in awe. Maybe not foul per sey, but a “fowl” is a bird, so take that!

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