1989 Loma Prieta earthquake 3 was held in San Francisco on October 27 and Game 4 the following afternoon as the A's swept the Giants, four games to none. It is likely that the World Series game saved many lives, as Bay Area residents who would have normally been on the freeways were at home ready to watch the game when the earthquake hit. It is a rough estimate that thousands of people may have otherwise been on the Cypress Structure during the 5:00 p.m. rush-hour, as the structure was said to have carried 195,000 vehicles a day. Sources 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake The
The Baseball Network sold out all its advertising slots. This was considered an impressive financial accomplishment, given that one 30-second spot cost US$300,000. ABC, meanwhile, was able to have its primary broadcast team from 1989 return intact. Al Michaels served as the play-by-play announcer once again. Tim McCarver, who had just spent four years at CBS, returned as an analyst along with Jim Palmer. On the subject of Michaels returning to baseball for the first time since the infamous Loma Prieta earthquake interrupted the 1989 World Series, Jim Palmer said, "Here Al is, having done five games since 1989, and steps right in.