LHP Jim Poole, who gave up World Series-winning HR, dies at 57

Field Level Media|published: Sat 7th October, 21:39 2023

Oct 3, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; General view of the MLB wildcard logo displayed on a base before the game between the Minnesota Twins and the Toronto Blue Jays during game one of the Wildcard series for the 2023 MLB playoffs at Target Field. credits: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Left-hander Jim Poole, who pitched for eight teams in the majors but is perhaps best known for allowing a World Series-clinching home run, died Friday of ALS complications, according to his alma mater, Georgia Tech. He was 57.

Poole, who made all 431 of his appearances as a reliever, was diagnosed with the disease in 2021.

He was 22-12 with a 4.31 ERA and four saves in 11 seasons covering 363 innings.

In Game 6 of the 1995 World Series, while pitching for Cleveland, the then-Indians trailed the Atlanta Braves 3-2 in the best-of-seven series.

Poole entered in relief of Cleveland starter Dennis Martinez in a scoreless game with runners on first and second and two outs in the bottom of the fifth. He struck out Fred McGriff to end the threat.

With the game still 0-0 going to the bottom of the sixth, however, Atlanta's David Justice led off the inning with a homer for what proved to be the only run of the game. Poole also played for the Cleveland team that reached the 1998 American League Championship Series.

—Field Level Media

Latest