Loma Prieta Aftermath: How The Sports Press Covered The Bay Bridge World Series

Are you aware of the impact of the Loma Prieta earthquake?

The Loma Prieta earthquake had a high impact on the mental health of those residing in the Bay Area and its adjoining counties. 

Huge interruption 

In 1989 an earthquake of 6.9 magnitudes rocked the entire Bay Area and beyond on the fateful day of October 17th. The Loma Prieta earthquake struck a cruel blow about thirty years back at 5:04 pm. Such a calamity changed the mindset of the individuals residing in the Bay Area region. 

Substantial impact

This disaster had a significant influence on the planning undertaken by the city officials to combat the next big one when it strikes in the future. The shaking hardly lasted for fifteen seconds and managed in ripping apart the entire region. Seismic activity along San Andreas Fault line triggered one of the worst earthquakes. This disaster struck just on the eve of A’s-Giants World Series.  

Devastating impact

The third game of the World Series was scheduled to start at the Candlestick Park in San Francisco. Game 3 was supposed to begin at 5:35 pm, and when the quake hit, there were already thousands of spectators in the gallery. This was the first earthquake of massive scale in the United States of America, which had vast live coverage on television. 

Terrible effect

It was because of the impending contest between the Giants, and A’s that traffic was less on the Bay Bridge. If it had not been of the significant baseball game, then the number of casualties would have risen drastically. Despite that perspective, the death toll was as high as sixty-three, and injuries reported were around three thousand. 

Significant destruction

On that tragic day at Candlestick Park, more than sixty thousand fans from all across the country had gathered. On top of that, there were several thousand fans who were glued on the television set. In the United States, as soon as people switched on for Game 3, they saw a horrifying sight unfurling in front of their eyes. 

Structural damage

The nation at large saw the chaotic situation unfolding in real-time. Talks were doing the rounds about the cancellation of the entire World Series. Some people were even discussing the rescheduling of the games at a new venue in Los Angeles. Eventually, the game finally occurred after a gap of ten days on the 27th of October.

Better prepared

A disaster of this magnitude was able to shake the local community and beyond on the whole. The management officials were vigilant and were on their toes to detect any untoward event. The ushers were provided flashlights, and Federal Bureau Investigation officials were brought in for giving aid to relief efforts if needed. 

Planning in advance

Earthquakes may strike without any warning. No one is aware when the next one will strike, but planning well in advance may help in the minimization of impact. Identification of the potential hazards and making practical plans beforehand will reduce the chances of severe injury and fatality.