Russ Hodges' famous call of Bobby Thomson's 'Shot Heard 'Round the World'

Times staff writer Bill Shaikin's obituary on Bobby Thomson, who helped the New York Giants beat the Brooklyn Dodgers with his ninth-inning home run in the deciding game of a three-game playoff for the National League pennant in 1951, notes that the home run, later called the "shot heard 'round the world," inspired one of the most famous moments in sports broadcasting.

Here is Giants announcer Russ Hodges, calling the action for WMCA radio in New York:

"Hartung down the line at third, not taking any chances. Lockman without too big of a lead at second, but he'll be runnin' like the wind if Thomson hits one.

"Branca throws. There's a long drive. It's gonna be, I believe — the Giants win the pennant! The Giants win the pennant! The Giants win the pennant! The Giants win the pennant!

"Bobby Thomson hits into the lower deck of the left-field stands! The Giants win the pennant! And they're going crazy! They're going crazy!"

MLB.com has audio of Hodges' screaming call.

-- Claire Noland

Photo: Bobby Thomson gets mobbed and has his head rubbed by his New York Giants teammates after hitting a home run to eliminate the Dodgers and advance to the 1951 World Series. Credit: Associated Press