THE STORY
In Game 7 of the 2003 American League Championship Series on October 16, 2003, at Yankee Stadium, Boston Red Sox manager Grady Little chose to keep pitcher Pedro Martinez in the game during the eighth inning with a 5-2 lead. Martinez allowed four consecutive hits, including a two-run double by Jorge Posada, tying the game at 5-5. The Yankees won 6-5 in the 11th inning on Aaron Boone's walk-off home run. (mlb.com)
TEAMS / PEOPLE:
Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees
WHY IT MATTERS
This decision is widely debated as a pivotal moment that led to the Red Sox's elimination from the 2003 postseason and contributed to the eventual dismissal of Grady Little as manager.