What Were They Thinking?

In the '97 World Series, Indians righthander Orel Hershiser gave up two three-run homers on a sinker and a slider, respectively, to the Marlins' Moises Alou, a dead fastball hitter. On April I at the Astrodome, Hershiser, now a Giant, faced Alou, now an Astro, with two runners on base. Alou launched his third three-run blast against Hershiser in a span of five at bats. Hershiser had decided to try a sinker again this time—only the pitch didn't sink.