I was reminded last night that today is the anniversary of what is arguably one of the most memorable performances by an opposing player in the history of UGA athletics.
Although resulting in a 23-11 Georgia loss to Auburn, and for the celebrated first night game played at Foley Field (even a portion of the Redcoat Band was in the stands), Bo Jackson’s three-home run performance in Athens on April 2, 1985, was truly spectacular—especially, the first home run Jackson hit off the Bulldogs. A capacity crowd of 3,217, or “at least 10 times greater than normal attendance at Foley,” according to the AJC (clipped below), witnessed a tape-measure shot by Jackson that might still be traveling if the ball hadn’t hit the light pole/fixture out in centerfield.
I’ll never forget that first home run by Jackson. When it hit towards the top of the light pole in center, I swear, the ball seemed to still be rising. Unfortunately, there’s no video from that night that I’ve found—and I’ve looked. A couple of years ago, Jeff Pearlman accurately described Jackson’s moonshot (around 1-minute mark of Facebook video) on The Dan Patrick Show (although I’m pretty sure The Natural was released before the home run and not “39 days” after).
After his initial home run, Jackson hit two more homers, followed by a double, to finish four-for-five with three home runs and 14 total bases.
I recall seeing a few of y’all over the years discuss here this game/home run. Anyone else remember this from 39 years ago today?
Although resulting in a 23-11 Georgia loss to Auburn, and for the celebrated first night game played at Foley Field (even a portion of the Redcoat Band was in the stands), Bo Jackson’s three-home run performance in Athens on April 2, 1985, was truly spectacular—especially, the first home run Jackson hit off the Bulldogs. A capacity crowd of 3,217, or “at least 10 times greater than normal attendance at Foley,” according to the AJC (clipped below), witnessed a tape-measure shot by Jackson that might still be traveling if the ball hadn’t hit the light pole/fixture out in centerfield.
I’ll never forget that first home run by Jackson. When it hit towards the top of the light pole in center, I swear, the ball seemed to still be rising. Unfortunately, there’s no video from that night that I’ve found—and I’ve looked. A couple of years ago, Jeff Pearlman accurately described Jackson’s moonshot (around 1-minute mark of Facebook video) on The Dan Patrick Show (although I’m pretty sure The Natural was released before the home run and not “39 days” after).
After his initial home run, Jackson hit two more homers, followed by a double, to finish four-for-five with three home runs and 14 total bases.
I recall seeing a few of y’all over the years discuss here this game/home run. Anyone else remember this from 39 years ago today?
