Friday, August 21, 2009
Behind Enemy Lines
For the better half of the 2009 MLB season I have been covering games for STATS Inc. I mainly enter game data off the broadcasts and occasionally analyze specific pitch data when called upon.
In June, STATS had an opening for a live press box reporter. They asked me if I would be interested. I don’t need to tell you my response. It turned out that the offer was somewhat bittersweet, however. The only opening they had at the time was at Fenway. I took it without hesitation.
I had only been to Fenway once in my life. My 15 year old Connecticut All-Star team had made the regionals in Pittsfield, MA in the Summer of 1995. Our success was mainly due to Craig Breslow’s left arm and my uncanny ability to bunt. Our gracious Massachusetts hosts awarded every team with a trip to Fenway at the end of the Summer. On September 3rd, Tim Wakefield pitched 8 strong innings of 4-hit ball to beat the California Angels 8-1. I was indifferent. I was more concerned with eying the scoreboard, as the Yankees were blowing an 8-5 lead against the A’s in the Bronx (a game they would eventually lose 10-9 in 10 innings with Eckersley getting the win).
My first game as a press box reporter came on Sunday, June 20th this year, between the Braves and the Red Sox. And who else should be the starting pitcher for the Red Sox but Tim Wakefield. That’s right, my second game ever at Fenway, 14 years after my first, and the same guy is toeing the mound. Somehow Nick Green would manage a walk-off HR in the ninth to win the game for Boston.
I’d be lying if I said this wasn’t the best opportunity I’ve ever had. That may sound kind of sad. But, I really do appreciate every game I get to cover (even if I have to suffer through “Dirty Water” after the last out). And two months after my first game, the powers that be finally saw fit to assign me a Yankees-Red Sox game. I have been planning to make the most of this opportunity, particularly by posting to RLYW things I think some of you all might find interesting. When the Yankees take BP, I’ll try and go down and snap a shot or two, or even get some audio to post. I hope I can bring you something worthwhile.
Stay tuned.
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