This is Why We Love
the Game
Last night
something magical happened. A playoff game in Pittsburgh transported us all
back to a time when baseball was more than just a game. A crowd that was so
starved for success came out in force and not only affected the game but
brought out the fan in all of us, making us care for a team and a city that we
don’t call our own.
Between the
crowd energy the players were able to feed off of being unlike anything seen on
a baseball field in a long time, and Francisco Liriano continuing to turn back
the clock this year and pitching lights out, the Cincinnati Reds didn’t stand a
chance. When Marlon Byrd, playing in his first postseason game after 11 seasons
in the big leagues hits a home run during his first at bat you knew the night
would be unforgettable.
Then there
was Russell Martin, a consummate professional and underrated clutch player whom
this Yankee fan feels should still be in pinstripes. People balked at his
decision to join the Pirates, but all he has done is brought veteran
leadership, tremendous game calling, and great camaraderie to a team needing
all of the above. Martin hit two home runs last night becoming only the second
player in history to have a two home run game in Pittsburgh during the playoffs
(the other being Mickey Mantle). Besides the emergence of Jason Grilli as an
unstoppable force in the ninth inning, and Andrew McCutchen playing like an
MVP, Martin is the biggest reason for the turnaround of this team. His ability
to call a game and get the most out of his pitchers is remarkable.
The
aforementioned MVP McCutchen had a stellar game last night, introducing himself
to the baseball world that knows little about this Pirates team. He reached
base in his first four postseason at bats and almost came up with a ball in
center that seemed like he ran ten miles to catch. He may not be as widely
known as the Cabrera’s and Pujols’ of the world but this postseason that will
change.
Having won
the wild card game assures the Pirates that their playoff journey will continue
and they now move on to face division rival St. Louis in the NLDS. If
Pittsburgh can come out of St. Louis with a split, and the crowd shows up for
games three and four like they did last night, both of which I fully expect to
happen, then Pittsburgh will find itself one series away from playing for a
championship.
The magical
journey that started in April keeps on moving, and all fans outside of St.
Louis, Los Angeles, and Atlanta should pray it continues because this team,
these fans and this story are great for the game. I keep using the word journey
because I don’t think there’s a better way to describe a 162 game season that
continues to the playoffs, and also it’s fitting because after the game last
night, that was the band blaring over the speakers in the Pirates clubhouse.
Since day one this team hasn’t stopped believing, and after last night, they’ve
converted many more on the midnight train to the national spotlight.
