I don’t know what Phil Humber is doing in this list
In a refreshingly self-effacing manner, Chicago White Sox pitcher Phil Humber made the statement that most baseball fans considered themselves on Saturday.
Safeco Field witnessed the 21st “perfect game” pitched in major league baseball. It’s a real “page turner“ of a story about Humber. He was a great prospect in the 2004 draft but elbow pain, resulting in Tommy John surgery, arrested his career at the New York Mets. Moves to the Minnesota Twins, Kansas City Royals and Oakland A’s failed to ignite Humber’s promise and was picked up by the White Sox. Interestingly, in only his sixth start, Humber took a no hitter into the seventh inning until ‘A-Rod’ blasted one down the park to spoil the possibility. That didn’t happen for the Mariners and Humber’s name will forever be in the records alongside Cy Young, Sandy Koufax et al.
It has been a week for records as Jamie Moyer of the Colorado Rockies became the oldest pitcher to win a game at 49 years and 150 days. Moyer used all of his experience to stop the Padres with cutters and a 78 mph fastball that just proved to be too elusive. There are many great facts about this story including 6 of the Padres not being born when he made his major league debut. He also precedes the Rockies themselves by a good 7 years, such is the longevity of his career. I’m sure that Moyer will add to this record throughout the season.
Although the season is in its infancy, balloting has already begun for the 83rd All Star Game to be held in Kansas City. I can’t help but feel that this is slightly premature especially when you have two months to cast your vote. Well, 25 votes per email address to be precise. My favourite part of this process is that the balloting is sponsored by Firestone, the tyre company.
It was NBA vs MLB at Tropicana Field when ex NBA player, and Tampa resident, Matt Geiger impeded Carlos Peña from catching the ball against the Minnesota Twins. This isn’t the first time this season that the Rays have been involved in an incident involving fan interference in description if not as defined in MLB rules. Rule 3.16 clearly states that a player must take care if he reaches into the spectator area. If so, why are fans ejected from the ballpark? In Mr Geiger’s case, he was “relocated” to another seat. He was also subjected to the fans vitriol for stopping Peña from taking a catch.
The Tampa Bay Rays have been on the up over the past week or so. After winning the last game against the Red Sox, they have beaten the Blue Jays over their series at the Rogers Centre plus beating the Minnesota Twins in a home series. A 12-2 rout of the Blue Jays being the most noticeable result. A comprehensive 5-0 win over the Albert Pujol’s Angels continues a fine run of form. The formidable Texas Rangers await over the coming weekend though….
I have a confession to make. I had a realisation whilst watching the Rays-Blue Jays game late at night last week. I have seen another MLB ballpark….it was just called the SkyDome when I visited. My only excuse was that it was in the 90’s. With a perfect game being pitched early on in my “baseball fan life”, what next? Perhaps it is destined that the Rays go all the way to the World Series? Unsure? Ask yourself if, before Saturday, you considered Phil Humber as a candidate to pitch a perfect game.
