October 3, 2015: 22

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22 stands out personally as a very special number. On Friday night, that number became special to Jake Arrieta as he recorded his 22nd win of the season.

It’s been 44 years since Fergie got 24 wins. The last time we got this close to this number was back in 2003 when Mark Prior got 18.  That was the last time I saw somebody this good. And oh yeah, Jake is better.

It’s been 45 years since 22 became special in my life.  My parents chose that day to get married. That’s special in itself, but not that special.  22 became bigger when I was born on that day 6 years later; the same August 22nd that my parents were married on.  Then 3 years later came my brother, on January 22nd. Then the following year, my sister on February 22nd.  Yeah, my parents had uncanny timing, and 22 became all of our favorite numbers.

It’s a must play at the roulette table. One night many moons ago at the Empress in Indiana, I was down to my last $10.  Already $200 in the hole, I was ready to leave. But I couldn’t leave with money in my pocket…somebody else has that toll money right?  So the $10 bill went on 22, and one roulette spin and loud scream later, I had $350 in my pocket. My friends knew what number had hit. One of them was born on October 22nd.

So when Mark Prior had that phenomenal year 12 years ago, I forked over the dough and got a beautiful home pinstripe Cubs jersey. No name on it, just the number 22. Yes, it was Buckner before him, and now it’s Addison, but it’s Prior to me, and always 22.
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He became my favorite pitcher that year. He got out of every jam he got into to until the bitter end. I remember him stoning the White Sox as me and the 2 other 22’s were in attendance at the Cell. One particular at bat I remember was Konerko. Down 3-0, Paulie took 3 straight looking, and Prior got the K.

Now, 12 years later, number 49 is pretty awesome. Being at his 20th win qualified as my best game ever in person. And now, 2 wins later, he finishes the regular season at 22. I can write about all the numbers, but to sum it up, he’s had maybe the best half of baseball ever. He’s been unhittable.

Now, the next season begins. We wait in anticipation of his next start on Wednesday night vs Pittsburgh. All those numbers go out the window, but 22 is what will be in the books. As the next season started for my family, and my first niece was born, take a guess what day?  Yeah, now an April one is in the books.

It’s not quite going to take 22 more wins for glory…only 12, but the most important number is 1. Get that first win Wednesday and we’ll take our chances. 22 runs would help, but most likely we’ll only need a couple. Jake will be on the bump with our season on the line.  I’m ok with that.

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