Mr. October (The Bronx Is Burning)

Infobox Television episode
Title = Mr. October
Series = The Bronx is Burning
Season = 1
Episode = 8
Airdate = Start date|2007|08|28
Production =
Writer = Gordon Greisman
Director = Jeremiah S. Chechik
Prev = Past Combatants
Next = Series finale

Mr. October is the eighth and final episode of the ESPN miniseries "The Bronx is Burning". It was first shown on August 28, 2007. It was directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik and written by Gordon Greisman.

Plot

The Yankees prepare for game six of the World Series back in New York. Martin talks to his wife in his apartment before leaving for the game, hoping she and their son will follow him later. Martin his given a two-year contract extension by the Yankees, which is announced by Gabe Paul before the game. Meanwhile, an article in Time Magazine quotes Martin as saying Reggie Jackson won't be on the team next year and calling him "baseball-dumb." Fran Healy reads the article to Jackson while Jackson practices in a batting cage, but he ignores Healy, instead focusing on his hitting. During batting practice, Jackson impresses all observers, including Steinbrenner and Paul, by hitting every pitch he sees over the fence.

The Dodgers score first in game six, getting two runs off Mike Torrez. In Jackson's first at bat, in the bottom of the second, he draws a four-pitch walk off Burt Hooton, while people all around the city of New York watch. Chris Chambliss follows with a two-run home run to tie the game. Trailing 3-2 in the fourth, Jackson comes up with Thurman Munson on first. He hits the first pitch he sees off Hooton into the right field seats to put the Yankees up 4-3. Next inning, Jackson once again hits a two-run home run on the first pitch, this time courtesy of Elias Sosa. The homer gives the Yankees a 7-3 lead.

Everyone is amazed at what they see, yet several onlookers around the city believe he can't do it again. In the eighth inning, Reggie comes to bat hearing the chants of "REG-GIE!" from the crowd. The new pitcher, Charlie Hough, throws a pitch and Jackson crushes it into the "black seats" in dead center field. His three home runs joins him with Babe Ruth as the only players to accomplish the feat in a World Series. The Yankee fans, dugout, and even Steinbrenner are amazed at Jackson's feat, and he gives a curtain call to acknowledge their appreciation. Mike Torrez finishes the Dodgers in the ninth, and the fans storm the field in celebration of the Yankees' first title in fifteen seasons.

In the locker room, the Yankees celebrate their world title, and Steinbrenner is given the World Series Trophy by baseball commissioner Bowie Kuhn. At the post-celebration party, Billy talks with his wife about what he is thinking. After the party, he is at a bar when a young woman asks if he is Billy Martin. He answers very lightly and takes a sip of his wine.

At the end, an epilogue briefly details the futures of the following key figures of the miniseries: Reggie Jackson, George Steinbrenner, Billy Martin, Thurman Munson, Gabe Paul, Son of Sam, Ed Koch and Mario Cuomo