Twenty-five years ago today, Kansas City Royals legend George Brett hit a single in his final at-bat. Texas Rangers reliever Tom Henke had his catcher let George know that he was going to see nothing but fastballs, so it was up to him to find one and do something with it. Pitching great Nolan Ryan also retired that year and was in uniform to bring out the lineup card, but was on the disabled list and didn't pitch. Kansas City sent Brett out for the card exchange as well; Brett and Ryan would be on the same stage again July 25, 1999 to enter the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame, along with Robin Yount and Orlando Cepeda.
The game was also the final one played at Arlington Stadium. The next year the Rangers began playing at The Ballpark at Arlington and Arlington Stadium was blown up.
I was a seminary student who spent too much on a ticket for the ninth row, third-base side, in order to watch and take pictures of Brett's last hit. Ate more than a bit of ramen for the next several weeks, but it was worth it.
No comments:
Post a Comment