On this date: Steve Finley hit his walk-off Grand Slam 17 years ago

It’s a shame the Dodgers and Giants aren't playing each other this weekend as two great teams finish their seasons. The matchup has provided so many great memories over the years.

It was 17 years ago today that Steve Finley walked to the plate with the bases loaded and score tied, with hopes of clinching the NL West with a hit. Not only did Finley deliver, the lefty provided one of the most exciting Grand Slams in baseball history.

Down 3-0 entering the ninth inning, the Dodgers sent eight men to the plate, culminating with Finley hitting the ball a mile into the late afternoon sky at Dodger Stadium. With the score tied and just one out, Finley just needed to get the ball into the outfield for the winning run to come across.

With the players already in celebration as the ball launched into the air, legendary Dodger broadcaster Vin Scully exclaimed, “Wherever it goes, the Dodgers have won.”

It’s not even clear that Cesar Izturis or Jayson Werth ever touch home during the scrum around home plate. But what a moment.

While hope remains very thin, the possibility of a Game 163 between the Dodgers and Giants remains intact.

Dodgers links

• Albert Pujols sat down with Jim Hill for the local CBS to talk about his career and his time with the Dodgers.
• Mike Lupica over at MLB dot com writes that the Dodgers are the best team in baseball, even if they finish second in the division.