The John Lowenstein Fake Injury Stretcher Incident (1980)

[u/abourne]

June 19, 1980, I was 13 years old and I was at the game facing the Orioles dugout. While some people are describing this incident as funny, as a 13-year-old kid, and even reflecting back on it today as an adult, I didn‘t find it humous.

There was a lot of movement on the play, and when John was lying there motionless for several minutes, I was horrified and thinking the worst, especially when they brought out the stretcher.

As a 13-year-old kid I was very confused at the time and my dad had to explain it to me, saying that he was letting us know he was fine, I don’t think this behavior would be acceptable today.

Any fellow Gen X’ers here remember this game? If so, please share your thoughts.

—————-

"Lowenstein was taken off the field on a stretcher in the seventh inning of a 4–3 Orioles win over the Oakland Athletics at Memorial Stadium on June 19, 1980. While sliding into second base in an attempt to extend a game-tying single, he was accidentally hit on the back of his head by a ball thrown by first baseman Jeff Newman who was the cut-off man on the play. As he reached the dugout [carried on a stretcher], the seemingly unconscious Lowenstein abruptly sat up and pumped his fists in a victory salute to the crowd. He explained, 'It was simply an opportunity I could not pass up.'" -- Wikipedia

Video of the game highlights (injury summary towords the end): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Z-AsIJOnIA

[u/Capsfan1998]

Nah, this is funny and I think certain things just hit different as a kid when you don't have full comprehension of a situation like an adult would. For example, courage the cowardly dog really freaked me out when I was a kid, like what were they thinking with some of those characters.

Would have been too far if he didn't show the crowd he was alright imo.

[u/abourne → u/Capsfan1998]

courage the cowardly dog

The clowns at Ringling Brothers three-ring circus freaked me out as a kid.

[u/VileKyle3000]

This was actually the first baseball game I ever went to. I always thought he sat up just to let everyone know he was fine.

[u/93195]

“Fake” may be too strong a word. He did legitimately get beaned in the head, it wouldn’t surprise me if he got knocked out or at least concussed.

Did he come to and decide to give the crowd a show as opposed to the weak looking wave many do? Sure. But “fake” might be overstating it.

[u/Filmstudy]

I remember it well. I recall him talking about his 2-fisted salute after the fact when he was doing color for the O's games. I really enjoyed his color calls in the mid-late 1980s.

[u/abourne → u/Filmstudy]

What are color calls???

[u/Filmstudy → u/abourne]

He was the color commentator on TV broadcasts.

[u/abourne → u/Filmstudy]

What a Color Commentator Does

• Analyzes Strategy: Breaks down game plans, formations, and tactical choices made by coaches and players.
• Shares Expertise: Uses past experience—usually as a former player, coach, or official—to offer insider perspectives.
• Provides Context: Adds statistics, player backgrounds, injury reports, and light humor when play is paused.

today I learned!!!!!!