/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/15975581/paul_lo_duca_tag_travis_lindquist_getty_images_72087078.0.jpg)
On October 4, 2006, the Mets and Dodgers played Game 1 of the National League Division Series at Shea Stadium. John Maine started for the Mets, Derek Lowe for the Dodgers. It was the Mets' first postseason game in six years.
The two teams went quietly in the first, but Maine got into early trouble in the second, allowing a leadoff single to Jeff Kent and another single to the next batter, J.D. Drew. Russell Martin followed with his own single to right, which Shawn Green fielded and fired home for what was bound to be a close play at the plate.
Paul Lo Duca was at home awaiting the throw, which he caught before applying a tag to the sliding Kent. Moments later and almost inexplicably, Drew came sliding into frame, waved home by Nobody Knows and, presumably, trying to catch Lo Duca off his guard. It didn't work out, and Martin's single wound up as one of the most unusual double plays you'll ever see.
After the game, Cliff Floyd said, "You smile. It's a funny play — to us. I think we took a breath after that play. I think right then, we decided we like playing in the postseason."
Got a retro GIF request? Send it to gifs@grission.com.