Jonny Gomes said it best.
"This was a storybook season with a storybook ending."
Jay Bruce, who many fans thought should be sent to the minor leagues in mid-season, paid off Dusty Baker for the faith that he had in him.
"I wasn't thinking about a home run. I wanted to hit the ball hard," a champaign soaked Bruce said.
He hit the ball hard in the sixth off tough lefthander Wandy Rodriguez with the bases loaded but former Red Jeff Keppinger turned it into a double play. Leaving the game tied 2-2.
Faith was rewarded again on the first pitch from another lefthander, Tim Byrdak.
"No team has dealt with adversity like this team does," said Gomes, who also popped out with the bases loaded in the sixth inning.
The script had been written as Gomes said. Bruce hit it high and far into the September night. The ball landed well over 400 feet on the green terrace in front of the batter's eye in centerfield. The blast set off fireworks and a very wet celebration.
As Bruce rounded thirdbase, he saw a crowd at home plate jumping for joy as he cast aside his batting helmet ."I saw the guys that I worked so hard with all year long. I wouldn't be here without them."
The winning pitcher was Aroldis Chapman. Chapman got most of the attention in spring training as most people assumed that St. Louis would capture the Central Division again.
No one really expected the Reds $30 investment to pay off so soon.
Chapman preserved the tie with some 100 mile an hour pitches, two strikeouts and a ground out.
Bruce, however, has been a star on the rise for a long time. He came alive when the team needed him most, down the stretch, with his game winning heroics, Bruce has hit .358 with nine home runs and 16 RBI in his last 17 games.
The much criticized manager, who has now taken three different teams to the playoffs was drenched, jumping up and down, and enjoying the celebration.
"This is a special group, special guys and a special feeling. I love this team big time," Baker said.
His boss was drenched but equally pleased.
The man who brought Baker in Bob Castellini, who said at the time he bought the team, "We're just not going to lose anymore," calmly talked to reporters.
"We knew we had the combination and the depth. We have a lot of work to do but it doesn't get any better than this in life."
Cincinnati Sports News and Commentary
About Me
- Gary Schatz
- I am a freelance writer. I've covered the Cincinnati Reds, Bengals and others since 1992. I have a background in sales as well. I've sold consumer electronics, advertising and consumer package goods for companies ranging from the now defunct Circuit City to Procter&Gamble. I have worked as a stats operator for Xavier University, the University of Cincinnati, the College of Mount St. Joe and Colerain High School.
Your syntax was good. Aroldis Chapman only cost the Reds thirty dollars? Boy that's awefully cheap. How did the Yankees miss that one? I think I'm going to have to send this to your high school english teacher for further evaluation. One final thing was Dusty Baker jumping up and down by himself or was he hugging a member of his coaching staff?
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