While the Cubs were losing again to the Mets, and the Sox were leading the Yankees again, there was another game of note going on. I got the text from my buddy from LA; he had Michael Lorenzen on his fantasy baseball team. He’s been on a heater, storming up the standings, but was in trouble this week… that is, until the game finished in Philly. In my other fantasy baseball league, my brother in law picked up a pitcher in the morning, by the name of Michael Lorenzen… pickup of the year? Maybe.
I flipped to MLB network hoping they would show it; they didn’t at first. I was pissed, but when I flipped back a minute later, it was on. Top of the 9th in Philly, Lorenzen 3 outs from a no-hitter. I love no hitters. They are one of my favorite moments in baseball. As he got the 2nd out on a pitch just outside the strike zone, he was one away. They kept panning to his mother and wife w/his baby in the stands. They were excited to say the least, as was the whole stadium in Philly; I was excited too. I had no horse in this game, yet I was getting emotional. As the pop up to center field was secured, history was made… again. The no hitter was official.
There was so much happiness. Sure, maybe the opposing team is a little pissed, but for everybody else… elation. The Phillies celebrated on the field like they won the World Series. Lorenzen rose both of his arms throwing up the peace symbol as the crowd erupted. I wiped tears away in my basement in Chicago. It’s hard not to be romantic about baseball.
He had over 120 pitches; who cares!?! I don’t get these managers pulling guys out when they have a chance for history. If I was the manager, and I asked the guy if he was good, and he said yeah, then guess what… he’s staying in, as long as he’s got a chance at history, as long as he wants; pitch counts go out the window at that point. The guys on MLB network were applauding the Phillies manager for this decision, like it wasn’t a slam dunk, no brainer. Funny thing is, guys have been taken out with less pitches giving up no hits; it’s just crazy. What transpired after that last out… for Lorenzen, his family, the Phillies, their fans, and all fans of baseball… how can you rob us all of this potential goodness? I don’t get it.
I was happy to see it happen. I’d like to think even if it was against my Cubbies, I’d still be happy to see it. To be there for it… damn, that’s super cool; I wish one day I will be in attendance for one. Taking it a step further, since my dreams of throwing one are over, I think about my son… on the mound, with a chance at history, with his family in attendance; I would absolutely be losing my shit. Even if it wasn’t in the majors… college, high school… whatever works. I almost had it back in high school, throwing a one hitter, with that only hit off me turned in by a kid I played against in little league. Maybe my son will get his chance one day; that would be the ultimate.
Until then, I’ll enjoy this one, and look forward to the next. Every Cubs game we’re in attendance for, I secretly hope for it; maybe one day I’ll be right, because I have plenty of no-no love. Congrats Michael Lorenzen!
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