The Call (Kansas City Royals)

In Kansas City Royals baseball lore, "The Call" most commonly refers to the called third strike by umpire Don Denkinger on Kansas City Royals batter Jorge Orta in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 6 of the 1985 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals. With the Royals trailing the Cardinals three games to two in the series, and trailing in Game 6 by a score of 1-0, Orta led off the bottom of the ninth. He hit a ground ball to Cardinals first baseman Jack Clark, who flipped the ball to pitcher Todd Worrell covering first base. Denkinger called Orta safe, though replays clearly showed that Orta was out.

The Cardinals vehemently protested the call, but Denkinger stood by his ruling. The call is considered highly controversial and one of the most infamous umpire decisions in baseball history.

The Royals subsequently rallied, scoring two runs in the ninth inning to win Game 6 by a score of 2-1. They then went on to win Game 7, securing their first and only World Series championship to date.

"The Call" remains a point of contention and discussion among baseball fans, particularly those of the Royals and Cardinals. It is often cited as an example of a pivotal moment where an umpire's decision dramatically altered the outcome of a game and series. While the Royals went on to win the series, the controversy surrounding the call continues to be debated.