Well here we are folks. The MLB playoffs are off and running. And since my St. Louis Cardinals didn’t make it in this year my only interest was watching the Cincinnati Reds get swept. So how about we take a little trip through the season that was?
Epic Game
The Cardinals had an epic game against the New York Mets on April 17. Fox started broadcast of this game at 3:00 CST. Almost seven hours and 20 innings later the Cardinals lost to the Mets by a score of 2-1. Felipe Lopez (infielder) got the loss in this game. Maybe that should’ve been an indication of how the Cards season was going to end up.
Let’s not forget about Mother’s Day, right? Some flowers, candy…a perfect game? Thank you Dallas Braden for ruining any chance I may have of getting my mom the perfect gift. The Oakland A’s hurler didn’t allow one of the 27 Tampa Bay Rays players he faced to reach base.
Slow down there Mr. Braden, you’re not the only one who can pitch a perfect game. Not to be outdone, on May 29 “Doc” Roy Halladay of the Philadelphia Phillies decided to join in on all of this fun. Doc shut out the Florida Marlins 1-0. As we all know he wasn’t done there. He decided to go ahead and throw himself a little no-no against the Reds to start the post season off on the right foot.
We said goodbye to Ken Griffey Jr. who made his last MLB appearance with the Seattle Mariners on May 31. A few days later on June 2 Junior announced his retirement. With a career plagued with injuries he still managed to play for 22 seasons in the bigs. We'll see you in Cooperstown, Junior.
The rookie phenom, better known as Stephen Strasburg made his much anticipated debut with the Washington Nationals. Fanning 14 Pittsburgh Pirates, he was just one K short of the rookie record. Later on in the season he was put on the DL. On September 3 Strasburg had Tommy John surgery and will likely be out all of next season.
Another perfect game? You have to be kidding me. No, umpire Jim Joyce wouldn’t allow that. On June 2 Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga had the Cleveland Indians in his sights. He hadn’t allowed any hits or any walks. In the bottom of the ninth with two outs Jason Donald had the count even at 1-1. Donald tapped a slow grounder to second and was thrown out. But Joyce called him safe ending Galarraga’s bid for the third no hitter of the season. Joyce saw the replay after the game and emotionally admitted he’d made a mistake. I have to admit though; Galarraga handled the situation with class. Chevy even presented him with keys to a Camaro as if he did pitch the perfect game.
Solemn All-Star Game
The National League won its first All-Star Game since 1996. But the 81st MLB All-Star Game wasn’t a very eventful one for the New York Yankees or for baseball fans as a whole. The same day as the game “The Boss” George Steinbrenner passed away. He turned the Yankees franchise into one of the most dominate franchises in sports history. And just two days earlier the voice of the Yankees, Bob Sheppard passed away.
The National League won its first All-Star Game since 1996. But the 81st MLB All-Star Game wasn’t a very eventful one for the New York Yankees or for baseball fans as a whole. The same day as the game “The Boss” George Steinbrenner passed away. He turned the Yankees franchise into one of the most dominate franchises in sports history. And just two days earlier the voice of the Yankees, Bob Sheppard passed away.
This season also saw Alex Rodriguez join
the elite 600 home run club. He joins Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Ken Griffey Jr., and Barry Bonds*.
Goodbye, Lou
We also saw the retirement of Lou Piniella, Bobby Cox and possible Joe Torre and Tony LaRussa.
Now what am I supposed to do now that my post season is over for myself? Well, my St. Louis Rams are starting to show a little sign of life. With a 2-0-0 start the St. Louis Blues are looking pretty good. So to all of you whose teams didn’t make, I feel your pain. For those whose teams did, I hope they get their butts whooped. I’m just kidding, good luck to them all and let’s hope for a great World Series.
Goodbye, Lou
We also saw the retirement of Lou Piniella, Bobby Cox and possible Joe Torre and Tony LaRussa.
Now what am I supposed to do now that my post season is over for myself? Well, my St. Louis Rams are starting to show a little sign of life. With a 2-0-0 start the St. Louis Blues are looking pretty good. So to all of you whose teams didn’t make, I feel your pain. For those whose teams did, I hope they get their butts whooped. I’m just kidding, good luck to them all and let’s hope for a great World Series.
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