The Day The Series Stopped

The Day the Series Stopped begins with the highly anticipated Game 3 of the World Series between the San Francisco Giants and the Oakland Athletics, taking place on October 17, 1989, at Candlestick Park. As the television broadcast commences, with legendary sportscasters Al Michaels and Tim McCarver sharing play-by-play duties for ABC, the crowd at Candlestick Park is electric with anticipation and excitement. The stage is set for an iconic matchup between two storied teams from the same metropolitan area, pitting rival fans against each other in a display of hometown pride. As Michaels and McCarver introduce the starting lineups and the pre-game festivities, the atmosphere at Candlestick Park is palpably tense. This game has the potential to be a defining moment for both teams, with baseball enthusiasts from across the Bay Area flocking to witness the clash of two local powerhouses. Meanwhile, viewers tuned in to the broadcast from the comfort of their homes, eagerly awaiting the start of the game. At precisely 5:04 p.m. Pacific Time, disaster strikes. The ground begins to shake violently beneath Candlestick Park, sending fans scurrying for safety as the earth trembles beneath their feet. Al Michaels' voice is a calm but urgent presence over the broadcast, as he struggles to convey the unprecedented chaos unfolding on the field. 'This... is the Earthquake. The Earthquake. I've heard of 7.0 but this is an earthquake with a 7.1 off the richter scale. The stadium is in anarchy... the roof of the upper deck is off.' As the quake tears through the stadium, the sound of screams and panic fills the airwaves. Fans and players alike are caught off guard by the sudden seismic event, which leaves destruction in its path. The once-thriving venue is transformed into a chaotic scene of panic and fear, with fans rushing to safety and debris raining down from the collapsing upper deck. With chaos reigning supreme at Candlestick Park, the world watches in horror as the devastating power of the Loma Prieta earthquake makes its presence known. In the days that follow, a community shaken by the trauma and destruction comes together in a display of resilience and solidarity. On the surface, it seems as though the baseball series has been relegated to the back burner, as the focus shifts to the immediate needs of those affected by the disaster. Yet, in the midst of this heartbreak and devastation, the true spirit of the Bay Area begins to reveal itself. Despite the trauma and uncertainty that has engulfed the region, the community comes together, united by their love for their city and their determination to recover from the ravages of the earthquake. The film masterfully captures the raw emotion and chaos that unfolds at Candlestick Park that fateful evening. The earthquake serves as a poignant reminder of the power of nature and its often unpredictable nature. Amidst the destruction, the resilience of the human spirit and the strength of community bonds shine through. As the days that follow the earthquake see rescue efforts ramp up and recovery efforts gain momentum, it becomes clear that the true spirit of competition will endure despite the chaos. Eventually, on October 28, the Oakland Athletics, in Game 4 of the World Series, would face off against the San Francisco Giants in the first-ever interleague World Series game in Candlestick Park.