Geno, our very own Kirk Gibson

I came down with a cold this week, so less “newsing” than usual.

I only made it to one of the two Braves playoff games this weekend. I arrived late to the 5-4 loss to Blue Earth, a team we beat twice earlier in the season. Energy was down when I arrived, and unfortunately my presence alone was not enough of a boost. The absences of Chris Glynn and then Geno Glynn when he pulled a hamstring early in the game were definitely felt. Chris was ejected during the regular season finale against Waterville. Apparently, there were some tensions between the umpire there and several Braves players and personnel. If I say more, however, I’ll be breaking my rule of insider trading. 

So back to Sunday. The highlight of the game, according to several people, was when Geno pinch-hit in the bottom of the ninth, pulled hamstring and all. We made jokes about Kirk Gibson and the like. Kirk Gibson, who could barely walk, was called in to pinch-hit (act as batter in place of another player) for a teammate during the ninth inning of the 1988 World Series. He hit a walk-off, game-winning home run and trotted–slowly–around the bases. Any other outcome would have likely resulted in an out.

Well, Geno got hold of the third pitch in the at-bat and delivered a high, slow chopper to third. Limping and all–more walking really, Geno nonetheless beat the throw to first. My favorite part was the third baseman who fielded the ball and tried to make the throw on the run. When he fielded the ball, I’d argue Geno and he were about the same distance from first base. But the third baseman didn’t realize Geno was walking to first base. It made it all the more fun when he bounced the throw in his haste, missing the fielder at first. Geno was safe by a mile. 

Our next contest is Saturday, at home against Minnesota Lake at 2 p.m. If we win, we’re guaranteed at least three more games and a trip to the regional round of playoffs. If we lose, well, we’re done. 

As for my newsing adventures this week, work continues on the new building at 111 West Elm Avenue. It rather seems like each project we complete simply makes it more evident that there’s another project to be taken care of. This will be our one time when the building is unoccupied, making it the simplest time to get work done. 

“I'm not out here to win a beauty contest.” - Kirk Gibson. 

“If you're a manager you can't get frustrated and be emotional. You have to continue to steer the ship, you can't let go of the wheel because who knows where it will go then.” - Kirk Gibson.