Yankee Fan Catches Jeter’s Home Run

While watching a sporting event, it is likely that one play by an athlete can change the outcome of a game.  Fans are used to seeing their favorite players make game-changing, clutch plays on a daily basis, but in some rare occasions, a fan can play a role in the outcome of a game.

On this day, October 9th, in 1996, twelve year old Yankee’s fan Jeffery Maier reached over the fence and deflected a Derek Jeter home run into the stands.  The play came at the botton of the eight inning of Game 1 in the American League Championship Series with the Yankees trailing  the Orioles 4-3.  Jeter smashed a ball to the right field wall and defender Tony Tarasco appeared to position himself for the catch when Maier reached for the ball. While it is an MLB rule that any fan reaching out to touch a ball is considered interference, the play was immediately called a home run for the Yankees.  Orioles fans and players were outraged by the play.

The Yankees went on to win the game, the series and eventually the World Series.  Maier received instant fame in New York for his contribution and was awarded the key to New York City by Rudy Giuliani.