In spite of my headline, the Tigers didn’t win by a field goal. They actually were playing a baseball game.
Sometimes baseball becomes a crazy game. The Tiger’s 17-14 victory over the Twins today was one of the strangest I have seen in a long time. Here are some of the stranger statistics from the game. The Tigers were ahead 10-0 but needed to score 4 runs in the ninth inning to secure the victory. Total runs scored=31. Total hits=31. Tigers batting average with runners in scoring position =.611. Number of pitches =401 (205 by Tigers and 196 by Twins) The average is around 270. The winning team scored 17 runs without a homerun while the losing team hit 7 homeruns. The two teams combined for a 23-batter, 14-run, 14-hit fourth inning. Minnesota had both of their catchers hit grand slam homeruns in back-to-back games. There were 16 walks and 98 batter appearances. The poor plate umpire did over 400 squats.
More on Simone Biles. Today I received a text from my good friend Richard Kerns, who is one of the best all around athletes I have ever been associated. Richard played Division 1 college baseball and he owned a gym in the Mobile, Alabama area so he knows what it takes to complete at a very high level. Here is his text to me. Tom: Interesting to hear about the “twisties”, mentioned with Simone Biles. I recall a similar experience when I used to dive. While on a platform doing a hand-stand dive with a double twist. I lost track in the middle of dive and smack, hit the water sooner than anticipated. And in my case, it surely wasn’t the Olympics. Fortunately, I hit the water in a good position, although i still received some bruised ribs and the sting was quite intense. The dangers in gymnastics, platform diving and other competitive activities, go unnoticed because, these athletes make it look easy. It’s not, and if your head isn’t right, a mistake could cost you more than a medal or the “W”. The pressure of representing country, team and the huge expectations on the individual, based on past success is unimaginable for most. When one loses the focus and edge necessary to compete, win and stay healthy on that level, it can have dangerous consequences. If you look at her eyes during the vault, she is wide-eyed, trying to get her bearings to land. Scary
I am a little late getting started tonight since Leah, my granddaughter Alexis and I went to see the Young American Dinner Theater at Boyne Highlands. The three of us started going at least five years ago. This year’s show is in my opinion the best I have seen. Due to Covid-19 they reduced the number of performers in half and for the first time had a live band. The focus was on singing with dance being secondary. I am looking forward to going again next week, with Katy’s family.
Stay safe. Social distance. Wash your hands regularly. Wear your mask properly. Schedule your vaccine.
Orchid of the Day: The performers in the Young American Dinner Theater
Onion of the Day: The pitchers in the Tigers/Twins baseball game today.
Quote of the Day: “I thought I would never ever say this when a team has scored 13 runs, but the Tigers need to score a few insurance runs.” Jack Morris, Tiger TV announcer, when the Tigers came to bat leading 13-12 in the top of the 9th inning. The Tigers scored 4 insurance runs and they needed every one of them.