Joe Oliver and Billy Bates are inseparable in Reds history.

        Throw those two names at Reds fans - even quasi-casual ones - and their minds will flip back automatically to Game 2 of the 1990 World Series.

        “Batesie, get ready!” ordered Reds manager Lou Piniella in the bottom of the 10th. Bates, 5 feet 8, 165 pounds, had yet to have a hit for the Reds (0-for-8), being a late-season callup who made the postseason roster only because Billy Doran was hurt.

        Counseled Reds batting coach Tony Perez: “Put the ball in play, and run like hell!”

        Oakland's Dennis Eckersley quickly got Bates down 0-and-2, but Bates chopped a third straight strike - and ran like hell. Hard-charging third baseman Carney Lansford could only swipe at it.

        Oliver ripped a pitch down the third-base line and Bates scampered home for a 5-4 victory.

        “I've dreamed about this sort of thing,” Oliver said. “Reality is a lot more exciting. This isn't dreamland, although it feels sort of like it.”

        Here's what's also worth recalling:

        Reds relievers worked 7 1/3 scoreless innings after starter Danny Jackson was pulled. Scott Scudder and Jack Armstrong were spectacular, as were Norm Charlton and Rob Dibble, who got the win.

        Billy Hatcher's seventh consecutive hit, a World Series record, was a doozie - a triple off Jose Canseco's glove in right-center to lead off the eighth.

        This was also the night of the Tom Browning All Points Bulletin. Browning left the park for the hospital when he was told his wife was in labor. Piniella, realizing he might need the Game 3 starter to work some extra-innings relief, had Reds broadcaster Marty Brennaman put out an APB on the radio.

        That had a happy ending, too: Tucker Thomas Browning, 6 pounds, 10 ounces, was born that night.

Cinergy farewell begins tonight Watch stadium's greatest moments online Greatest Stadium Moments Countdown, No. 8: Game 2, 1990 World Series Greatest Stadium Moments Countdown, No. 9: Browning's Perfect Game Griffey will play final two at Cinergy Reds-Phillies series preview Reds 5, Pirates 4 Reds Box, Runs Reds coaches await word Royals coach attacked by fans Dodgers hang in wild-card race Athletics nudge Angels out of first

Bengals' Warrick: I deserve the ball
Bengals Notebook: Farmer fast healer
Falcons have running back controversy
NFL Notebook: Browns keep QB mystery
Bob Hayes played, lived and died in fast lane
UC has to bring best vs. Ohio State
Hamilton grad leads locals on Ohio St.
Buckeyes vow they won't overlook UC
Buckeyes preparing to go without Clarett
Pusateri packs punch in Miami secondary
Prep football schedule
Preview of top Cincinnati games
Preview of top Northern Ky. games
St. X-Moeller pits brother vs. brother
Moeller expects sellout
Kings QB rules the field
Prep Football Notebook: Mount Healthy healthy again
Beechwood-Highlands game might be last
Sibling rivalry prepared NewCath RB
More Player of the Year candidates
Boys golf results
Boys soccer results
Girls field hockey results
Girls golf results
Girls soccer results
Girls tennis results
Girls volleyball results

• Return to Reds front page...