On September 23, 1908, Fred Merkle, a 19-year-old rookie for the New York Giants, committed one of the most infamous blunders in baseball history, now known as "Merkle's Boner."

It was a crucial game between the Giants and the Chicago Cubs, with the pennant race in the National League coming down to the wire. The score was tied 1-1 in the bottom of the 9th inning at the Polo Grounds in New York. The Giants had runners on first and third with two outs. Al Bridwell, the Giants' shortstop, singled to center field, apparently scoring the winning run as the runner from third base crossed home plate.

However, in the excitement of the moment, Fred Merkle, who was on first base, failed to touch second base. Instead, he ran directly to the clubhouse, thinking the game was over. The Cubs' second baseman, Johnny Evers, noticed Merkle's mistake and appealed to the umpires, claiming a force out at second base.

Amid the chaos and confusion, with Giants fans storming the field, the umpires eventually ruled that Merkle was out at second, nullifying the winning run. The game was declared a tie due to darkness, as there were no lights at the Polo Grounds at the time.

The "Merkle's Boner" game had significant implications for the pennant race. The Giants and Cubs ended the season tied, forcing a replay of the tied game. The Cubs won the replayed game, clinching the National League pennant, and went on to win the World Series.

Fred Merkle's baserunning mistake became a cautionary tale for generations of baseball players and a symbol of the importance of playing the game the right way until the final out is recorded. Despite his successful 16-year career, Merkle was forever remembered for this one infamous play.