Everyone is going to be talking about the massive grand slam that Big Papi David Ortiz hit to bring the Red Sox back from a four run deficit in the eighth inning of tonight’s AlCS game in Boston. There is a good reason for that too. Ortiz is one of the most clutch hitters in MLB history. So much so that when he stepped up to the plate with the bases jacked that I fully expected him to go yard.
The Red Sox went on to win the game 6-5 on an RBI single in the bottom of the 9th from Jarrod Saltalamacchia.
Since everyone else will be breaking that home run down in detail I wanted to focus on something that happened on the very same play. In fact, I think it was the essence of what makes sports great.
If you haven’t seen the video then you need to go take a look at it. What you will see other than a masterful piece of hitting is an incredible effort from Tigers 38-year-old outfielder Torii Hunter.
Hunter was on a dead sprint right from the crack of the bat and came only inches away from making the game saving grab. In the process, Hunter managed to crash over the outfield fence and onto his back in the celebrating Boston Red Sox bullpen. His effort was absolutely amazing. Hunter completely sold out to try to make a play for his team.
To me that is what sports are all about. That is why I am a fan. The effort and heart that Hunter possesses is something that I can’t put into words, but its special to watch a guy like that play.
There is another thing that happened on that play that proves why sports are great as well.
Right when Hunter fell into the Red Sox’ bullpen the celebrating Sox pitchers went over to him right away to make sure he was okay and to call for help. They could’ve (and some say should’ve) been caught up in the moment but still went to check on a fallen opponent. That was true sportsmanship and I was very glad to see it.
Baseball is a wonderful sport and I am glad that I am a fan after a game like that.
JMoneySports 