Review of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake

A look back at local, national and world events in the Deseret News archives.

On October 17, 1989, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Northern California, killing 63 people and causing up to $10 billion in damage.

It was the first major earthquake in California. For many readers, this earthquake was memorable for one reason: baseball.

The 1989 World Series saw a showdown between two teams from Northern California after a few games. The San Francisco Giants were scheduled to host the Oakland Athletics that evening. Oakland had won the first two games, but Game 3 would take place at the Giants' legendary Candlestick Park.

But the earthquake, officially the Loma Prieta earthquake, occurred about 30 minutes ahead of schedule and the sport became secondary.

First, details about the earthquake and its consequences.

Historians say the massive earthquake that struck the San Francisco Bay Area caused 63 deaths, nearly 3,800 injuries and estimated property damage of over $6 billion. Sections of Interstate 880 in Oakland and a section of the Bay Bridge collapsed and required repairs.

It was the strongest earthquake to hit the area since the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.

Here are some articles from the Deseret News archives about the quake:

SF area still on edge after 1989 earthquake”

“The disaster claims two church members and shakes the lives of many others.”

“The number and strength of the earthquakes are increasing”

“Figures and facts about the big earthquake”

“The Bay Bridge can reopen a month after earthquake damage”

66% of Utahns expect a major quake, 71% are prepared.”

“Let’s eliminate seismic data lag”

Back to MLB action. Baseball officials had to decide whether to end the World Series. The Bay Area was prepared for the showdown.

Commissioner Fay Vincent announced no games would be played until city officials approved it. The parks suffered only minor damage.

Historically, the World Series was played during the World Wars and the Great Depression.

The NFL played a full schedule two days after President John F. Kennedy was shot, and in 1981 the NCAA played its championship basketball game on the day President Ronald Reagan was shot.

In fact, the game would eventually be played ten days later. Oakland won the next two games, completing the sweep over the rival Giants. and so the “Bay Bridge Series” also became known as the “Earthquake Series”.

Here are a few baseball stories from the Deseret News archives about a challenging natural disaster:

“A replay of one of the scariest moments in sports broadcasting history.”

“Outtakes from the quake, 30 years later”

“How television fared when reporting on the quake”