“We live at the edge of the miraculous.” ~Henry Miller
Baseball season is just around the corner, and there is lots to look forward to—pies in the face, soaring home runs (that sometimes land in San Francisco Bay where kayakers await), etc. I thought that a good article this week, since April 1st, Opening Day, is just around the corner, would be one on my favorite memories from last year. My limited exposure in 2011 eked out a Cardinals reverence, what did dedicated fan commitment lead to in 2012?
The dedication that Baseball players give to their sport is seen in flawless and spectacular fielding, in mammoth home runs, ripped line drives, and stolen bases under the radar—look to Mike Trout or Michael Saunders as an example. Great moments, or “Miracles,” are born, and have lasting effects that stay a lifetime. That is why I say, Baseball, wherever it is in a sentence—should be capitalized! Scroll below for a video link I affectionately like to call, “For the Love of Baseball.”
Ashley’s 2012 Baseball Memories:
- Dustin Ackley’s “bat wrap,” and solo home run Opening Day.
- John Jaso, and Lucas Luetge, walking our on the field during the Mariners first home game ceremony.
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John Jaso’s 1st clutch hit—against the Red Sox.
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John Jaso “Pies in Face” all game “champions.”
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Felix Hernandez’s Perfect Game, and when it trended on Twitter in the 7th.
- Me, attending Felix’s next home start against the Cleveland Indians—watching Trayvon Robinson make a diving catch (up close and personal) from front row in left field—receiving a free Felix Hernandez commemorative poster, and bright yellow t-shirt, neither of which I will ever throw away!
- Felix Hernandez 1-hitting the Yankees.
- Root Sports game replays.
- Aaron Hill’s hitting prowess in the away series against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
- Matt Cain’s No-Hitter. The starter for the Astros was my friend, J.A. Happ.
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John Jaso catching Felix’s Perfect Game—running to the mound upon completion.
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Always, Brendan Ryan in the 9th.
- Casper Wells gunning people out at home.
- Justin Smoak “turning it up”—in September.
- Franklin Gutierrez entering the lineup.
- Eric Wedge—Skipper!
- Brendan Ryan’s interviews and his home run in Arizona.
- Jesus!
- Mike Trout and Bryce Harper—their hustle, and rookie years!
- Dustin Ackley chasing a chicken across the screen.
- Felix Hernandez/Bernandez get psyched for new Mariners team commercials!
- Michael Saunders’ Grand Slam in his home country against the Toronto Blue Jays!
- Brendan Ryan’s twirls up the middle!
- Justin Smoak backhands!
- Tom Wilhelmson’s 12-6 curve.
- Erasmo Ramirez, working hard.
- Kyle Seager: 2-out RBI king.
- Ichiro moving on to the Yankees.
- The Ichi-meter, and the dedicated woman fan who sustained it.
- Mike Carp, meeting with Veterans, and getting a hit for his new-born daughter.
- Pablo Sandoval’s strong swing and his nickname.
- Melky Cabrera getting taken out of MLB after garnering All-Star MVP honors!
- Buster Posey’s comeback from a broken leg, to winning the MLB batting title and World Series.
- The combined No-Hitter, with Charlie Furbush, Lucas Luetge, Tom Wilhelmson, Brandon League, Stephen Pryor, and starter for 6, Kevin Millwood, all against No.1 rated Dodgers (at the time).
- Charlie Furbush’s lefty slider!
- Stephen Pryor’s 100 MPH MLB debut in Chicago.
- Mariners scoring 21 runs versus American League favorite Texas Rangers!
- Dave Sims and Dan Wilson announcing Perfect Game.
- Mike Blowers talking about his giant son.
- Quoting Buck Showalter!
- Two Mariner “Players of the Month”: Jason Vargas and Felix Hernandez (July and August, respectively). One “Player of the Week”: Justin Smoak.
- Jason Vargas not being traded midseason and his 14 wins.
- Kawasaki’s dancing in the dugout.
- Pitchers getting hits!
- Baseball Playoffs.
Ashley Crane is on Twitter. Follow her at @WildAshC
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