My in-laws treated our whole family to the Cardinals' game today. The game didn't go so well for us, and we lost 6 to 0. Of note, Ken Griffey Jr hit his 500th home run. St Louis being the decent town it is, we gave a standing ovation and curtain call for Griffey.
The home run wasn't necessary to win the game, but Griffey put in the effort and it paid off. The pitcher who pitched to him, Matt Morris, had earlier hit an easy line drive toward right field. It was within easy reach of the fielder, but the fielder mishandled the ball and Morris could have made it to first base safely. Unfortunately, and to my great surprise and disappointment, Morris "dogged it" on his way to first, thinking he was easily out. When the fielder made the mistake, Morris tried to speed up but it was too late.
For what these guys get paid, is it too much to ask him to sprint, no matter what, to first base?
This exact situation happened to Barry Bonds in yesterday's game against the Red Sox. He hit what looked like an obvious out to 2nd, but the ball was bobbled. When he finally started to speed up it was too late and he was out. At least he was booed!
Posted by: mjuster at June 20, 2004 11:32 PM
Ron, this kind of thing irritates me a bit too. However, whenever I see a pitcher make a less than serious effort to beat out a throw I like to remind myself how upset I would be if he went all out and strained his hamstring or something. Pitchers are fragile and sometimes its best to just let them be. Besides, he's the one with the L beside his name after his team loses.
Posted by: david at June 21, 2004 1:51 PM
I was really touched by the warm response Cards fans gave Griffey Jr. Joe Buck was saying he didn't think Mets fans would be as generous, and I bet he's right.
Also, I bet Griffey knew he'd get the 500th during yesterday's game. Heck, I'm starting to think even I could hit a home run if Morris was pitching.
Posted by: Rachel at June 21, 2004 2:14 PM
The Cards fans (myself included) gave Griffey Jr. the warm response he deserved -- it was great seeing him hit that 500th homer. Also, it happened with empty bases and it was pretty clear by then that his run would not be a game winning run. Easy to be generous!
Rachel, maybe Morris will take you up on your challenge.
Posted by: rkc at June 21, 2004 9:15 PM