After a long spring break it's time to pick up where we left off. Much has happened since our last victory over the Dodgers in March... including, most recently, another victory over the Dodgers in our last game, April 16th.
In between there was a victorious defensive gem against the Yankees resulting in a 2-1 win, a game against the Braves that our evil twins showed up to, playing in our place; and a picture day hit-a-thon game against the Cardinals that was very close until the wear and tear of the very long day caught up with us in the final frame.
But what does any of this have to do with Mickey Mantle?
I'm glad you asked.
Mickey Mantle played his entire 18 year major league career for the Yankees during which he won 3 American League MVP titles, was on 16 All Star teams, won 7 world championships, holds World Series records for most home runs (18); RBIs (40); runs (42); walks (43); extra base hits (26); and total bases (123). Add to that a triple crown in 1956 (leading the league in average; home runs; and rbi); and a gold glove. A tremendous player indeed. One of the greatest ever. And someone, whose many attributes can be found in each member of our very team:
From Daniel B's mastery with the bat, to Jonathan's gameday focus and desire to always give his best; from Alex's "baseball eyes" and ability to track a speeding ball to Nik's tenacity at the plate and habit of wearing pitchers down. I see it in Ethan's brute power and Matt's speed and finesse. In the strength of Ben's arm and the poetry of Jordan's all around play. It's there in Adam's knack for always knowing where to be on every play and in Daniel S's natural athletic prowess. In Sam's ability to gun runners down with pinpoint throws and Riley's love of getting dirty and sacrificing his body to make a play.
Before our last game, I threw out a challenge to all of our outfielders: The first team member to catch a fly ball in the outfield would receive a coveted Mickey Mantle baseball card. You may have noticed the extra security I hired to protect my bag, and the accountants from Enrst & Young standing by to verify that the card is indeed a genuine replica of a Mickey Mantle card.
While Daniel Shemano gave that card a run for its money with his barehanded scoop of a hit to left center, by game's end it was still under metaphorical lock and key in your skipper's bag. So the challenge remains. Who will be the first to claim the coveted card?
Whoever it is, one thing is certain in my mind...
"The Mick" may have been a lifelong Yankee... but his spirit is alive and well on the Mustang A's.
