Thank You Jamie Moyer

Having played baseball for some 26 years, I still feel like I can put the catchers gear on and get behind the plate again. As a matter of fact, the Quincy Gems have asked me to do just that for an exhibition game this summer. I still haven't agreed to that one yet, but I would love to. Not sure I can last long back there behind home plate. One thing I am sure of is... that I can still hit a baseball. I frequently spent time in the Quincy Park District's Batting Cage until I fouled a ball off my leg "crushing" my tibia a few months ago. I haven't been there yet this season, but I will be soon. Like I said, I know I can hit and still play, I just need a designated runner from home plate to first base. So with a great deal of interest, I have been watching a phenomenal performance this year in baseball. Every season Major League Baseball teams take a chance on a young player in hopes he will help their team win the World Series. Such was the case for the Chicago Cubs, who in 1986 saw 23 year old Jamie Moyer make the Cubs roster as a rookie. It's well documented, the Cubs didn't win the World Series with Moyer pitching for them but they did give him his start. It's a start that has not finished. Moyer, who has pitched for the Cubs, Cardinals, Rangers, Orioles, Red Sox, Mariners, and Phillies, is currently hurling for the Colorado Rockies at the age of 49. Earlier this week he won his 268th game pitching 7 shutout innings against San Diego making him the oldest pitcher in history to win a Major League game. His fastball was recorded around 78 MPH, some 20 MPH slower than most in baseball these days. I was told by the Quincy Park District a few years ago that the fast pitch baseball machine pitches the ball at 78 MPH. Well, I was smashing a few baseballs around at that speed before my leg injury so I know I can still do it. If Jamie Moyer is in the Major Leagues throwing pitches at 78 MPH there is still hope for me. Thank you Jamie Moyer for keeping my dream alive even at my age (older than Jamie).