(Original Caption) 7/14/1970-Cincinnati, OH- On a single to center hit by Chicago Cubs' Jim Hickman, Cincinnati Reds' Pete Rose scores the winning run in the 12th inning, colliding with Cleveland Indians' catcher Ray Fosse. The run gave the National League All-Stars a 5-4 victory.
If there is a 2020 Major League Baseball season and All-Star Game, fans will undoubtedly hear about Ray Fosse. And when Ray Fosse’s name is spoken, Pete Rose must follow close behind. Fosse will be remembered because this year commemorates the 50th anniversary of the All-Star Game, which ended with a violent collision at home plate in which Rose’s desire to win an exhibition game changed the course of Fosse’s promising career. Pete Rose scored the winning runs at home.
The 1970 MLB All-Star Game, the first to be played at night, took place in Cincinnati two weeks after Riverfront Stadium opened. The Reds’ Pete Rose asked Indians pitcher Sam McDowell to supper the night before, and young Cleveland catcher Ray Fosse joined them. The players and their wives concluded the evening at Rose’s house. The following night, Rose and Fosse would finish up at home plate. The National League trailed 4-1 in the All-Star Game entering the bottom of the ninth inning, but they tied thanks to a Dick Dietz home run, an RBI single by Willie McCovey, and a sacrifice fly by Roberto Clemente. Rose finished the inning by striking out.
The game was deadlocked in the 12th inning until Rose and Billy Grabarkewitz hit two-out doubles. Jim Hickman next hit to center field, and Amos Otis delivered a throw that pushed Fosse a few steps along the third base line. The ball and runner came almost simultaneously, and Rose bowled over Fosse, causing him to fumble the ball and effectively ending the game. Rose was later chastised for being overly aggressive, although the episode was consistent with his hard-charging style throughout his career.
