Today marks the 23rd anniversary of the Loma Prieta Earthquake, which occurred during the World Series between the Giants and the Oakland A's, October 17, 1989. Thousands were injured in the 6.9 magnitude quake, and 63 people were killed — most of them in the collapse of the Cypress Viaduct in Oakland.

The Cypress Viaduct was a double-decker structure that was part of I-880, which used to run through the center of West Oakland. (The entire structure was removed over what is now Mandela Parkway, and the freeway re-routed further west, through the Port.) It was built in the 1950s, partially on marshland, and during the quake a large portion of the upper deck pancaked onto the lower deck, crushing and killing 42 people in their cars.

One driver was also killed when a small portion of the Bay Bridge's soon-to-be-replaced eastern span collapsed, and his car plunged over the edge down to the lower deck.

And as many of you know, damage from the quake forced the closure and ultimate demolition of the Embarcadero Freeway — giving us the lovely vistas, renovated Ferry Building, and wide promenade we have today — as well as big sections of the Central Freeway, which originally terminated at Franklin and Golden Gate.

Below: ESPN special report following the quake.