Flashback #39: Brant Brown Game (1998)

As of 670 The Score's 20th Anniversary on January 3rd, the station has begun to reveal (in chronological order) the Top 100 Chicago Sports Stories that have occurred since they first went on the air 20 years ago. Once all 100 of these "flashbacks" have been revealed, fans will be able to vote for which stories they believe are the most significant in the 20 year history of The Score. To see all of the Flashbacks that The Score has posted so far, please visit 670 The Score's 20th Anniversary page.

September 23, 1998 - Brant Brown game in Milwaukee

Alas, the infamous Brant Brown game in Milwaukee.

With four games left in the 1998 season, the Cubs were tied with the Mets for the Wild Card playoff spot. The 159th game of the season featured a matchup between the Cubs and the Brewers in Milwaukee County Stadium.

What took place in this game simply left Cubs fans speechless, and prompted one of the most famous radio calls from Ron Santo's career.

Entering the seventh inning, the Cubs owned a 7-0 lead --  that's when things began to unravel for the North Siders. After two hits and a walk loaded the bases, a double by Jose Valentin scored two runs. By the end of the seventh inning, the Brewers had cut the lead to 7-4.

The Brewers posted one more run in the eighth inning, making the scoring 7-5 heading into the ninth.

Leading off the bottom of the ninth for the Brew Crew, Mark Loretta singled to left, and Jeff Cirillo doubled down the left field line. With runners on second and third with one out, the Cubs intentionally walked Jeromy Burnitz, loading the bases.

Next up was Marquis Grissom who fouled out to third baseman Gary Gaetti. The Cubs were clinging to a 7-5 lead with the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the ninth.

That's when Geoff Jenkins hit a lazy fly ball to left fielder Brant Brown.

Brown ran to make the play, but dropped the fly ball, scoring three runs for the Brewers, giving them the win, 8-7.  Brown was credited with an error on the play.

"I don't know how to explain it," said Brown, who went to left field in the eighth inning as a defensive replacement. "The bottom line is I clanked it and we lost the game. You can say the wind, you can say the sun, but those are elements you play with every day. Hopefully, it doesn't cost us that much."

Although Chicago would end up making the postseason due to the victory over the Giants in the 163rd game, the Brant Brown game defines the 1998 season.

The Score will continue to release a new Flashback each weekday until they reach 100. Check back tomorrow for a new one, or check out all of the previous Flashbacks: 670 The Score's 20th Anniversary »