What if?
That question is everyday language, it's commonality can be likened to the average person wondering what he should eat for lunch.
The consideration seems to be more aligned with sports. Sports writers, given tight deadlines, may produce two separate leads to document the differing possible outcomes.
One play may stand out and encapsulate the essence of the event covered. Another a few moments later may change everything.
I wanted to take the time to recognize a lead -- and game story -- that, for now, will not be read nor heard, thanks to the heroics of the St. Louis Cardinals, namely Lance Berkman and David Freese, who produced game-tying hits, and in the case of the latter, a walk-off home run.
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Grimacing with every swing, limited by a strained left groin, what a time for the reigning AL MVP Josh Hamilton to come through with his first post-season home run of 2011.
That question is everyday language, it's commonality can be likened to the average person wondering what he should eat for lunch.
The consideration seems to be more aligned with sports. Sports writers, given tight deadlines, may produce two separate leads to document the differing possible outcomes.
One play may stand out and encapsulate the essence of the event covered. Another a few moments later may change everything.
I wanted to take the time to recognize a lead -- and game story -- that, for now, will not be read nor heard, thanks to the heroics of the St. Louis Cardinals, namely Lance Berkman and David Freese, who produced game-tying hits, and in the case of the latter, a walk-off home run.
---------------------------------------------------
Grimacing with every swing, limited by a strained left groin, what a time for the reigning AL MVP Josh Hamilton to come through with his first post-season home run of 2011.
Hamilton lifted a low Jason Motte fastball into the left-center stands of Busch Stadium for a 9-7 win Thursday in Game 6 of the World Series.
Hamilton's moonshot lifted the Rangers out of historical misery and completed the transformation from his days of substance abuse and misery to become the hero, the idol -- the star the world thought he'd be when selected No. 1 overall back in the 1999 draft.
The victory secured Texas' first championship in the franchise's 50 year history, breaking what had been the third longest drought in the MLB.
Hamilon's game-winner came after the St. Louis Cardinals rallied to tie the game in the bottom of the ninth.
Down by two, St. Louis native David Freese poked a Neftali Feliz two-strike, outside fastball over the head of Nelson Cruz for a two-run triple with two outs.
Hamilon's game-winner came after the St. Louis Cardinals rallied to tie the game in the bottom of the ninth.
Down by two, St. Louis native David Freese poked a Neftali Feliz two-strike, outside fastball over the head of Nelson Cruz for a two-run triple with two outs.
Albert Pujols started the rally with a one-out double. Lance Berkman walked. Craig struck out looking, setting the stage for Freese.
But the perseverance of the Cardinals, who rallied from a 10 1/2 game deficit in the NL Wild Card standings as recently as Aug. 25 to reach the postseason and then World Series, was outshined by the flexing flames permanently inked on Hamilton's left forearm. A tattoo, among dozens more, that serve as a constant reminder of Hamilton's troubled past.
Like with his addiction, Hamilton's groin injury was a misstep away from relapse. But he battled, he grinded and ultimately came through at the most opportune time.
His story continues to be a work in progress, but at least for now, he can celebrate with more hardware and some sparkling grape juice.
But the perseverance of the Cardinals, who rallied from a 10 1/2 game deficit in the NL Wild Card standings as recently as Aug. 25 to reach the postseason and then World Series, was outshined by the flexing flames permanently inked on Hamilton's left forearm. A tattoo, among dozens more, that serve as a constant reminder of Hamilton's troubled past.
Like with his addiction, Hamilton's groin injury was a misstep away from relapse. But he battled, he grinded and ultimately came through at the most opportune time.
His story continues to be a work in progress, but at least for now, he can celebrate with more hardware and some sparkling grape juice.
1 comment:
Good idea about the choice for lunch. Haggy is harsh with Hamilton's recovery, though.
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