It's the 30th Anniversary of the 'Pine Tar Game,' Let's Enjoy it in GIF Form

Today marks the 30th anniversary of the infamous “Pine Tar Game” between the Kansas City Royals and New York Yankees on July 24, 1983. You remember, the game where George Brett homered, only to have the call reversed minutes later as a result of too much pine tar on the bat. Then, Brett went apeshit in one of the classic moments over the last 40 years in baseball.

It’s hard to think of a non-playoff game that’s been discussed after the fact more in the last 30 years. Brett, now hitting coach with the Royals, is still getting asked about it. There are, of course, oral histories of the game. Retroactive columns questioning the logic of the game and glossy network news features. (The best story was earlier this month from the Wall Street Journal, if you’re keeping score at home.)

But what if the Pine Tar Game happened in 2013?

It would be prime fodder for the media du jour: GIFs!!! Of course making, spreading and sharing a GIF on a 1983 computer would take hours, if not days, but that’s beside the point.

Inspired by this hypnotic Phil Nierko strikeout that popped up again on Reddit this week, we’ve decided to go back through the archives and GIF some of the better sports moments on their anniversaries. Congrats Mr. Brett, you lead us off.

Timeless.

[GIFs via @mshamburger1]