A Classic Series

Every year (except 2010,2011 and 2023) people ask me who I’m rooting for in the World Series. My response is always the same. I want it to go seven games, with the last game going into extra innings. That way the season lasts longer! That’s exactly what we got. This year’s Fall Classic was truly a classic, and will be remembered for many years as one of the most entertaining ever. And although the final result wasn’t what I wanted, I have to admit I thoroughly enjoyed each game.

There was a little bit of everything. Outstanding pitching, tremendous defensive plays, dramatic home runs, great base-running, and clutch hits. There were also critical errors, blown saves, blunders on the base path, errors, and failures to hit with men in scoring position. There were questionable decisions to debate and second guess. With the extra inning games, we saw the equivalent of an eight and a half game Series! What more could you ask for other than a different final result?

You will remember that I predicted the Dodgers would win, but I really wanted to be wrong. It was interesting that for all the talk about the Los Angeles starting pitching, the Toronto starters did a better job - except for the brilliance of Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The Blue Jays never figured him out. He won three games, allowing just 2 runs and striking out 15 in 17 2/3 innings. After throwing 96 pitches on Friday night, he came on in relief and pitched the final 2 2/3 to earn back to back wins. Shades of Randy Johnson and Grover Cleveland Alexander.

Future Hall of Famers Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman had their moments, but their stats were overshadowed by the performances of the Blue Jay hitters. Max Muncy and Will Smith got the clutch homers, and the Dodger offensive heroes were role players like Miguel Rojas. And CF Andy Pages literally ran over LF Kike Hernandez to rob Ernie Clement of a double that could have changed the game’s outcome. The Dodgers found a way to win.

In 1960 the NY Yankees outscored the Pirates 50-33, but lost the Series on Bill Mazeroski’s home run in game 7. In those days I was a Yankee fan. (I was too young to know better) Mantle, Berra, Ford, series MVP Bobby Richardson. I was very disappointed when NY lost.

In the 70’s I was a big fan of the Big Red Machine. Bench, Morgan, Rose and Perez. Until last night, the Reds were the last National League team to repeat as World Champions, in 1975 and 1976. This year Toronto scored 34 runs and the Dodgers had 26, but LA won the Series. I was disappointed.

I had a story ready to go about this year’s Toronto Blue Jays, but the ending is going to have to be re-written. I’ll post that on another day. Baseball season is over for now, but pitchers and catchers report in February.

That’s one man’s opinion - what’s yours?

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