What determines the awarding of a game ball?
1. The team has to win.
2. The winner of the game ball has to contribute significantly and measurably to the win.
3. Extra consideration may be given to a player whose performance not only contributes to the win at hand but also seems capable of contributing to the team’s fortunes going forward (such as Tim Wakefield allowing a weary bullpen to get some needed rest).
4. Style counts.
In some ways, the four guidelines run in descending order of importance, but the relatively unimportant fourth point actually goes the farthest in defining the nature of this exercise. I am not an able Sabermetrician, though I do very much respect those who are and try to incorporate as much statistical analysis as my little brain will allow into consideration of baseball matters. And I am by no means whatsoever a baseball insider in terms of my baseball skills or placement in the professional ranks of the game. I’m a fan, for whatever that’s worth. For me, a season is a collection of moments, some good, some bad. The best of the moments transcend the usual course of events to become truly memorable.
So while the efforts of young pitchers Justin Masterson, Hunter Jones, and especially Michael Bowden were huge keys to the Red Sox sweep-clinching victory last night, the game ball has to go to the Jacoby Ellsbury, who not only helped win the game with two runs scored but who etched this game into the memory of Red Sox fans everywhere with an exceedingly rare and electrifying straight steal of home.
And beyond mere style points, the straight steal of home also seemed to unnerve Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte, who quickly surrendered a run-scoring hit to the one Red Sox batter who to that point had proven unable to join in the weekend’s festivities, JD Drew. More than that, the joy that Ellsbury’s steal brought to the team was plain to see in the faces of his teammates, such as an exuberant Mike Lowell, and his manager, who was shown with his arm around Ellsbury soon after the daring theft. Francona had a relaxed smile on his face, as if all the pressure of his grueling profession had been lifted from his shoulders. In baseball, blessed are the bringers of joy.
The updated standings:
Bay 2
Wakefield 2
Beckett 1
Drew 1
Lester 1
Youkilis 1
Bailey 1
Lowell 1
Ellsbury 1
Pedroia .5*
Masterson .5*
*Game ball split due to disagreement between author choice and commenters’ choice.
Topics: Jacoby Ellsbury
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