Baseball's all-star showcase did not disappoint
Wednesday, July 16, 2008 | 07:28 PM ET
Fans got their money’s worth over the all-star weekend, from the incredible home run derby to the game itself.
Did you see Josh Hamilton in the first round of the home run derby? He put on a video game-like display with 28 bombs. You've got to be kidding me!
For those fans who had not heard the background story of Josh Hamilton and his struggle with drug addiction, they got to see a young man determined to turn his life around, and boy has he ever. Just think, he didn't play baseball for the last three years and can dominate Major League pitching the way he does? Now to me, he is "The Natural.”
Then we have the all-star game and no one expected it to be the battle it turned out to be.
In the 15 innings, this game had it all. Some great throws from the outfield, web gems in the infield and how about the job Canadian-born catcher Russell Martin did behind home plate?
Pitching roster should be expanded
Both managers emptied their benches and bullpens which put them in a position to use players that they didn't intend to use, such as [Tampa Bay Rays left-hander] Scott Kazmir. Kazmir had just pitched Sunday and was on a pitch count. Roy Halladay came in looking strong and made the Jays proud. And look at what happened to [Phillies’ closer] Brad Lidge. He kept having to get up and almost threw an entire game warming up in the bullpen.
If these games are going to determine who has home-field advantage in the World Series, then I think the pitching roster should be expanded. It's better to have too much than not enough. It really would have been a mess for Major League Baseball if no one had scored in the 15th.
I was so impressed with Russell Martin from the way he handled the pitchers to the way he moved behind home plate … and oh yeah, this kid can HIT! Pretty good, eh? All in all, it was a fantastic send off to a great stadium that many will miss, including me. Remember, that was also my home for four years.
(Believe it or not, I’m playing in the last Old-Timer's Game in Yankee Stadium next month. Yes, I said Old Timers. When did I get old?
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Inside Baseball with Jesse Barfield »
About the Author
Jesse Barfield returns to the booth with the Rogers Blue Jays Baseball
on CBC broadcast team for the 2008 season as an analyst, after making
his debut with the program in 2007.
Barfield, a favourite with Canadian baseball fans, was selected by the
Blue Jays in the ninth round of the 1977 amateur draft, debuted with the
club in 1981 and helped the franchise reach the playoffs for the first
time in 1985.
A two-time Gold Glove winner with a cannon for an arm, Barfield led American
League outfielders in assists for three straight seasons (1985
– 87). Barfield was selected to the American League All-Star Team in
1986, a season in which he blasted 40 home runs to lead the majors while
driving in 108 runs. He was traded to the New York Yankees in 1989,
where he completed his playing career.
In 1,428 career games, Barfield was a .256 hitter with 241 home runs and 716 RBIs.
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Comments
Bert Jansen
I was very impressed with the opening ceremonies to see them introduce the Hall of Fame players and stationing them at thie respective positions and greeting the current All-Star Players. Very Classy indeed. It was sure great to see some of those players that I watched in my younger years.
Although I didn't get to see the entire game, the fact that it went 15 innings was great to see that the sides were evenly matched and eventually see the my favorite League win.
On a sad note, it's too bad to see that "The House Ruth Built" will eventually be torn down. Although I've never had the opportunity to visit there, I've seen many games via TV played there and it will a loss of history when it is eventually torn down.
Posted July 17, 2008 07:12 AM
Pery Canan
In my opinion this years All Star game was all about one very special moment....Josh Hamilton and the homerun derby.
Yea I know...Yankee Stadium hosted all the greats of years past and that was indeed special.
But to know the story of Josh Hamilton and how he came out of the darkness to shine brightly on this night serves as hope for all the others out there that are fighting drugs and assorted addictions. Thank you Josh for giving the Yankee Stadium faithful and the viewing audience a lesson on hope, faith and overcoming lifes struggles.
Posted July 16, 2008 11:43 PM