He got game
With things somewhat slow in our local baseball world, as both teams appear certainties for the playoffs, let's explore another timeless topic: Who are your favorite players to watch?
I don't necessarily mean the guy you root for the hardest, because he plays for your favorite team. I'm thinking more of players you simply enjoy seeing, because their game stands out among the masses. The aesthetically pleasing players.
This occurred to me last night, as I watched Orlando Hernandez pitch terribly for the Mets. Even in such games, however, it's fun to see El Duque - his leg kick, his arm angles, his scowls at umpires. El Duque also delivered my all-time, favorite individual moment that I personally witnessed _ when he fielded a Rey Ordonez grounder, couldn't get the ball out of his glove and then fired the entire glove to Tino Martinez for the out, on June 5, 1999.
If El Duque is my favorite pitcher, I'd call Ichiro Suzuki my favorite everyday player. He has such speed and grace, and he always seems to be smirking, as if he's getting away with something by receiving such a nice paycheck for playing baseball. His inside-the-park homer in this year's All-Star Game will go down as one of the Mid-Summer Classic's all-time highlights.
Which players do you enjoy watching the most?
No blog the next couple of days, as I'm taking off for Rosh Hashanah. Happy New Year to all who observe, and I'll see you again on Monday.
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Comments (4)
My favorite everyday player...Jose Reyes...he's like a little kid with his ear to ear grin...and his flight around the bases during his triples is electrifying...as for pitchers, I'll take Pedro Martinez for his pure guile and enthusiasm.
My favorite player to watch was Jeremy Burnitz. When he came to the plate, I knew exactly what I was getting... 3 Home Run cuts. I used to get pissed off when he took a pitch, like I was gipped from watching another violent homer cut.
Second favorite was Phil Plantier. My little league coach berated the heck out of me, in front of my parents, for attempting to swing liek him in a game. When he was done, my father picked up where he left off.
Jeter.
Derek Jeter. All that matters to him is winning, but he has fun doing it. I consider myself lucky to have gotten to watch him play all these years on a daily basis.