Recalling When Loma Prieta Interrupted the 1989 World Series ... and What Happened Next

Twenty-five years ago former Watsonville resident John Murphy and his brother Jim of San Bruno settled into their seats at Candlestick Park for Game 3 of the “Bay Bridge” World Series.

The Oakland A’s led the San Francisco Giants two games to none, but spirits were high at Candlestick as the opening pitch approached.

Then it happened. A major earthquake centered in the Santa Cruz mountains struck, rattling Candlestick and temporarily exciting the capacity crowd before the seriousness of the quake became apparent.

“Rock the A’s!” was the chant of many Giants’ fans and long-time Bay Area residents who were not fazed by quakes.

That was before the seriousness of the event became known. A quarter-century since we know the full story -- 60 dead, 3,700 injured and $8-$10 billion in damage. Due to the World Series, it was the only nationally televised major earthquake in history.

Related: 25 Years Since Loma Prieta: Are You Ready for the Next Big Earthquake?

Murphy of Prep2Prep.com in San Jose recalls the event, including the devastation in his former home of Watsonville where tent cities sprang up and the downtown area suffered heavy damage -- as well as farther north in Santa Cruz where lives were lost and a downtown was also disfigured. The entire story may be viewed HERE.

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Photo: A general view of Candlestick Park after the Loma Prieta earthquake hit prior to World Series game three between the Oakland Athletics and San Francisco Giants on October 17, 1989 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. The game was postponed for 10 days. (Photo by Rich Pilling/Getty Images)