The Shot Heard 'Round the World
A phrase from Emerson's poem, applied to historic and sports moments.
The phrase "shot heard round the world" has been applied to several dramatic moments in sports history.
Quick Facts
- Date
- June 15, 1994
- Location
- Continental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford, NJ
- Player
- Hakeem Olajuwon
- Opponent
- New York Knicks
- Series result
- Rockets win 4-3 to claim NBA Championship
- Key assist
- Vernon Maxwell
Lore & Background
In baseball, the "Shot Heard 'Round the World" refers to the game-winning walk-off home run by New York Giants outfielder Bobby Thomson off Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher Ralph Branca to win the National League pennant on October 3, 1951. In association football, the shot heard round the world refers to Paul Caligiuri's winning goal for the United States men's national soccer team in the final qualifying round for the 1990 FIFA World Cup on 19 November 1989. In golf, the shot heard round the world refers to an albatross (or double eagle) made by Gene Sarazen on the 15th hole in the final round of the 1935 Masters.
Did You Know?
- The phrase originates from the opening stanza of Ralph Waldo Emerson's 1837 poem "Concord Hymn".
- Internationally, the phrase is primarily associated with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo on 28 June 1914.
- The phrase has been applied to feats in sports, including baseball, association football, and golf.
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