Today in Postseason History: 1985 Royals rally to force World Series Game 7 (with a little help)

The year was 1985. Michael Jordan was the NBA's reigning Rookie of the Year and everyone was drinking "New Coke." It was a thing. Really, look it up. And the Royals were looking for their first World Series championship in franchise history.

The Royals trailed their in-state rival Cardinals in the series, 3-2. In Oct. 26's Game 6, they were behind 1-0, heading into the bottom of the ninth inning. Pinch-hitter Jorge Orta led off the frame with an infield single thanks to a very generous call from umpire Don Denkinger:

Despite pleas from Cardinals skipper Whitey Herzog, the call stood and the rally had started. Royals first baseman Steve Balboni followed with a single to left to put runners on first and second with no outs. A failed sac bunt-turned-putout at third, a passed ball and an intentional walk of Hal McRae later, and the Royals sent Dane Iorg to the plate with one out and the bases full. Iorg came through:

That was pinch-runner Onix Concepcion following Ortega across the plate for the win. And that rally poured over into Game 7 the following night when the Royals hung 11 runs on the Cards to win the '85 Fall Classic.