That’s actually a pic from the All-Star game, but I’m assuming the fan who ran onto the field in Milwaukee tonight got similar treatment. Jeter seemed amused by it all, but I’m sure those close encounters can be a little scary at first.
What wasn’t scary was Tanaka’s uncanny ability to refrain from self-destructing on the mound, even after a shaky start or rough inning. He somehow finds a way to pull it together and win, which is what he did tonight and which is what true aces do. Love this guy.
Of course he had help. Solarte, the Wonder Kid, popped a three-run homer (he now leads the team in RBIs, and who would have predicted it). And McCann turned a nifty strike-him-out-throw-him-out double play.
I did have to laugh when Michael Kay and John Flaherty were going on and on about how Tanaka had to hit because it was a National League game and how he could get hurt like Wang did. Sheesh. You’d think pitchers never batted before. It’s time everyone stopped treating them like fine crystal.
I blame Wang’s injury on the third base coach who waved him through on that fateful play. Had he been held up he would still be in the rotation.
I don’t remember the circumstances of Wang’s injury, Dan. Was he hurt coming home? I know it was stepping on a base that did it. I just think it was fluky and not guaranteed to happen every time a pitcher leaves the security of the mound to hit, and that the protectiveness (Kay and Flaherty were saying Tanaka might not even dare to swing the bat) is overblown.
Harold, not sure how your comment got deleted – I must have clicked the wrong link on my phone, sorry – but I do share your concern about CC. Still, he’s ours for the duration and it’s incumbent upon the Yankees to figure out how he can be productive with less velocity, etc. I think they will. Hope so anyway.
Was so much fun when CC was a Brewer. What a great day in Milwaukee today, to honor Jeter and play the Yankees. Enjoyed your book!
The Brewers did a nice job of honoring Jeter, janmilwaukee. And so glad you enjoyed the book! Thanks for letting me know.