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Major League Baseball announced the 2011 Managers of the Year as voted on by the Baseball Writers of America on Wednesday. Joe Maddon of the Tampa Bay Rays took the American League award, while Kirk Gibson of the Arizona Diamondbacks was awarded in the National League. Both managers led their respective teams to impressive seasons that included a trip to the postseason.

Joe Maddon: Maddon received 26 of the possible 28 first places votes; this is the second time in the past four years Maddon has been honored with this award. The Rays seemed unlikely to take a spot in the postseason in September, but somehow came back from a nine game defecit to earn the Wild Card spot over the Boston Red Sox. Their place in the postseason wasn’t decided upon until the last day of the regular season. Many thought it would be tough for the Rays to compete in 2011 considering they lost Carl Crawford to free agency, and a large portion of their bullpen. The Rays made the playoffs with a $42 million payroll. Maddon defeated Jim Leyland of the Detroit Tigers and Ron Washington of the Texas Rangers to win the award.

Kirk Gibson: Gibson received 28 of the possible 32 first place votes. This is an impressive win for Gibson who just finished in first full season as manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Gibson took a 2010 team that finished with a 65-97 and turned them into a team in 2011 that finished 94-68, and won the NL West Division. It was a “worst to first” scenario from one year to the next that rarely happens. Gibson defeated Ron Roenicke of the Milwaukee Brewers and Tony LaRussa of the St. Louis Cardinals to win the award.

The Good in Sports congratulates both Joe Maddon and Kirk Gibson for their much deserved awards and wishes them the best of luck in 2012.

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Dodgers General Manager, Ned Colletti, said, “This is a very special day not just for Sue, but for the Dodgers and Major League Baseball. The Dodgers have always been an organization of firsts and this promotion for Sue continues in that tradition.”

Falsone is also an integral part of an organization called “Athletes’ Performance” (AP) in Phoenix, Ariz. She holds the role of Vice President of Performance Physical Therapy and Team Sports. There is a new partnership between the Dodgers and AP, which Falsone will head up.

Falsone earned her Master’s degree in Human Movement Science concentrating on Sports Medicine at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. Since then, she has spent 10 years with AP and is also a Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Sports Physical Therapy (SCS), a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).

Falsone had this to say following the announcement of her new position, “It is a true honor to be given this opportunity with such a progressive and historic organization. My work with the Dodgers over the past few years as well as my time with AP will serve me well in taking this next step.  I look forward to helping develop innovative and creative programs to reduce injuries and keep our players on the field so that they can achieve their potential.”

The Good In Sports congratulates Sue Falsone for her recent historic promotion that sets a precedent and wish her the best of luck with the Dodgers.

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Copyright © 2011 The Good in Sports, Inc. All rights reserved.

SAN FRANCISCO — Any sports fan knows that to win a championship, you have to give it everything you’ve got. University of San Francisco (USF) baseball coach of 13 years, Nino Giarratano, helped coach his team to do exactly that, leading them to just their second ever NCAA tournament berth in the school’s history. What Giarratano’s players and family didn’t know, was at the end of the season, he would give more than just his knowledge and expertise on the field.

Giarratano’s 80-year-old father, Mickey, had gallbladder surgery at the end of last fall. What was supposed to be a short recovery ended up being a 45 day stay in the hospital. “My doctor said, ‘…your kidneys have shut down, and [we] have no answer why they shut down,’” Mickey says. He was then told he would need three four-hour dialysis treatments a week for the rest of his life. After asking what his options were besides dialysis, the doctor informed Mickey he could either attempt to get a transplant, or die. At 80-years-old, Mickey would not be on the top of any transplant lists. This was when Nino began to consider donating his kidney to his father.

Certain of his decision, Nino called his mother and told her that he wanted to give his dad a kidney. Nino had not consulted with his wife, or anyone for that matter, and asked that his mother keep it a secret until he was ready to tell everyone. Then, during a visit to Colorado that Christmas, Nino told his father of his decision saying, “All these years you and mom have given me everything – the least I could do is give you a kidney.” So, Mickey accepted.

Medical tests confirmed that Nino was a good match as a donor, but one obstacle still laid before the Giarratano’s: The 2011 USF baseball season was just getting underway and the surgery would have to wait until the end of the season. After a long season that included a West Coast Conference (WCC) Championship Title, a trip to the playoffs, and a third WCC Coach of the Year honor for Nino, the season finally ended on June 15. A gift eight months in planning, Nino would now be able to travel to Denver and give his father a kidney.

The surgery, which took place on July 11, lasted about five and a half hours. After the surgery, Nino was visibly sick, so much so, that his mother could only bear to be in his room for a short time. A nurse asked if there was anywhere he would like to go and Nino jokingly responded, “If you could get me to Yankee Stadium from this bed right here, I’d sure be happy.” Nino then asked to see his father. After working for about two hours to gain enough strength to walk, he was able to visit his father, who was doing well in recovery.

It has been over three and half months since the surgery, and both Nino and Mickey are in great health. Nino is back to work and was recently given a six-year contract extension by the USF Dons. Mickey is now able to enjoy his life and play golf again.

In a courageous and selfless act, Nino gave one of his kidneys to prolong his father’s life. “I don’t feel any different. I don’t feel superhuman like sometimes people look at me. I just feel the same. I think it was something I was faced with and hopefully somewhere down the road if this makes the world a better place, then good for it,” Nino said. “It’s out of character for me to want to be in the spotlight like this, but I want to become an advocate and speak for organ donors. The goal is to use my story to help find the world more good organ donors and more people willing to give life.”

Mickey raves, “A lot of people have come up to me over the years and said, ‘Nino is a special coach.’ You know what I tell them? I tell them, ‘Nino is a special son.’”

A special son and a special man, indeed. We are honored to present Coach Giarratano with a Gold Star for his incredible gift of himself both on, and off the field.

• A special thanks to our friends at Top Prospect Alert for the tip on this story!

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LaRussa leaves the game as a champion, innovator and the third winningest manager in MLB history. LaRussa’s managerial career began in 1979 when he was hired to manage the Chicago White Sox, a position he would hold until 1986.  In Chicago, LaRussa’s biggest accomplishment was winning the American League West Division in 1983.  He was let go after a 26-38 start in the 1986 season; this move is one White Sox Owner, Jerry Reinsdorf, has regretted for a long time.  LaRussa and Reinsdorf are still good friends to this day.  He posted a 522-510 record while on the south side.

Three weeks after being let go in Chicago, the Oakland Athletics hired LaRussa to take over as their skipper.  It was here LaRussa took his managerial career to a whole new level.  LaRussa took the A’s to three consecutive World Series in 1988-1990, winning it all in 1989 against the San Francisco Giants.  LaRussa is probably best known in Oakland for what he did with his bullpen, by converting starter Dennis Eckersley to the closer.  At the time, this was fairly new to MLB, and even Eckersley was not thrilled at first. LaRussa also started to really look at lefty-lefty and righty-righty match-ups.  Once LaRussa took his starter out, there was no telling how many relievers might appear in a game.  Many MLB managers took note and moves like these are common-place in the game today.  Eckersley later followed LaRussa to St. Louis and is number three on the all-time saves list with 390.  Following the sale of the A’s in 1995, LaRussa left the organization and headed for St. Louis.  LaRussa compiled a 798-673 record in Oakland.

LaRussa’s arrival in 1996 was welcomed by Cardinals fans everywhere. LaRussa would replace Joe Torre. During his 16 years as manager, LaRussa won seven division titles, took the Cardinals to three World Series and won two championships.  He managed the likes of Mark McGwire (also played for LaRussa in Oakland), Dennis Eckersley, Ozzie Smith and most recently, Albert Pujols.  His players always respected him and would always give 110%.  LaRussa also had the privilege of having the same pitching coach in St. Louis as he did in Oakland, Dave Duncan.  Duncan is known for how he deals with pitchers to get the most out of them.  I can’t imagine a LaRussa managed team without Duncan standing next to him in the bullpen.  Together, the two got more out their pitchers than most.  Following the recent World Series victory against the Texas Rangers, LaRussa announced he was retiring.  A shock to everyone in the baseball world.  Before the World Series ended, I heard a report from a Chicago radio station that he was reportedly coming back for a 17th year – that was a week ago.  He compiled a record of 1,408-1,182 at the helm in St. Louis.

Mr. LaRussa is known as a legend on the field but his off the field work should not be overlooked.  Tony and wife, Elaine, founded Tony LaRussa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) in Walnut Creek, Calif. years ago.  The foundation runs programs allowing cats and dogs to visit abused children, hospital patients and seniors.  It also works to save abandoned and injured animals.  The goal is to save helpless animals and make others smile who are going through tough times.

Tony LaRussa will be elected to the the Hall-of-Fame in five years.  His statistics as manager speak for themselves:

• LaRussa won 2,728 games in his career and is number three on the all-time list (John McGraw won 2,763 games and Connie Mack won 3,731 games).
• He won three AL Pennants and three NL Pennants.
• Three World Series titles, one in Oakland and two in St. Louis.
• LaRussa in the winningest manager in St. Louis Cardinals history with 1,408 wins.
• He earned three AL Manager of the Year Awards (1983, 1988 and 1992) and one NL Manager of the Year Award (2002).

We likely will not see a manager that had as much impact as LaRussa did in the game for a very long-time.  He changed the way managers use their bullpens, he frequently batted the pitcher in the eight hole, and he never cared how anyone viewed him.  Like him or not, he will go down as one of the best ever and he revolutionized baseball.

There is one question that remains: Does Tony LaRussa still have one game to manage?  His team won the National League Pennant, earning him the right to coach the National League in the 2012 All-Star Game in Kansas City.  Only time will tell.

The Good In Sports salutes Tony LaRussa for his accomplishments on and off the field and is proud to present him with a Gold Star in Baseball.  Thank you for the memories, Tony.

• If you would like more information about Tony LaRussa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, please visit:  http://www.arf.net

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The auction features items autographed by Gordon, as well as teammates Billy Butler, Jeff Francoeur and Luke Hochevar. The Diamond Dawgs are raising money for the ACS to honor two team members whose mothers lost their lives to cancer.

Gordon is also hosting a Playing for Pink Casino Night on Nov. 19 in Lincoln, Neb. The event will host appearances from Butler, Francoeur, Hochevar and Royals hitting coach Kevin Seitzer. MLB and former Nebraska Cornhusker players Joba Chamberlain, Brian Duensing and Tony Watson are also scheduled to attend.

The Rangers struck first in Game 7, getting two runs on three hits in the first off of Cardinals’ ace, Chris Carpenter. For Texas, the two runs scored in the first would be all they would get. They only managed three more hits the rest of the game. Trailing the Cardinals 3-2 in the bottom of the fifth, it started unraveling for the Rangers. The Cardinals loaded the bases and proceeded to get their next two runs courtesy of a walk and a hit batsmen.  St. Louis now lead 5-2 and added one more in the bottom of the seventh to make it 6-2.  From there, the Cardinals switched on the cruise control, called on Jason Motte in the ninth and soon started the celebration.  It is only appropriate to call this group of Cardinals a “Team of Destiny.”

Taking nothing away from the Rangers, it is mind boggling to think how close they were the night before.  Twice the Rangers had the Cardinals down to their last strike and twice the Cardinals got the key hit needed.  They just never gave up.  The Rangers have now lost the last two World Series, making them the fifth to team to do so since the early 1950’s (Atlanta Braves – 1991 and 1992, Los Angeles Dodgers 1977 and 1978, New York Yankees 1963 and 1964 and the Brooklyn Dodgers 1952 and 1953).  You can be sure they will be back again though, and in the near future.

The Cardinals’ road through the playoffs saw them defeat the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League Division Series and the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Championship Series.  For their manager, Tony LaRussa, it is the third time he has won a World Series.  Oddly enough, number three came 22 years to the day he won his first in 1989.  In 1989 LaRussa was managing the Oakland Athletics and defeated the San Francisco Giants in the World Series.

Following the World Series, it was no surprise to see David Freese of the Cardinals named the series Most Valuable Player; Freese also won the NLCS MVP.  It was much deserved as he played lights outs the entire postseason.  Freese set a record for RBI’s (21) and total bases (50) during that time and hit .348 (8 for 23) with one home run and seven RBI’s in the World Series.

World Series Stats of the Day:

• The home team has won game seven the last nine times.  The last road team to win game seven is the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1979.
• This is the first time in the past nine years the World Series lasted seven games.  In 2002 the Anaheim Angels (now the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim) defeated the San Francisco Giants.

Series Recap:
Game 1: Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2011, Busch Stadium – St. Louis, MO.
Texas 2, St. Louis 3
(WP: Carpenter) (LP: Wilson) (SV: Motte)

Game 2: Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011, Busch Stadium – St. Louis, MO.
Texas 2, St. Louis 1
(WP: Adams) (LP: Motte) (SV: Feliz)

Game 3: Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011, Rangers Ballpark in Arlington – Arlington, Texas
St. Louis 16, Texas 7
(WP: Lynn) (LP: Harrison)

Game 4: Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011, Rangers Ballpark in Arlington – Arlington, Texas
St. Louis 0, Texas 4
(WP: Holland) (LP: Jackson)

Game 5: Monday, Oct. 24, 2011, Rangers Ballpark in Arlington – Arlington, Texas
St. Louis 2, Texas 4
(WP: Oliver) (LP: Dotel) (SV: Feliz)

Game 6: Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011, Busch Stadium – St. Louis, MO.
Texas 9, St. Louis 10 (11 innings)
(WP: Westbrook) (LP: Lowe)

Game 7: Friday, Oct. 28, 2011, Busch Stadium – St. Louis, MO.
Texas 2, St. Louis 6
(WP: Carpenter) LP: Harrison)

The Good in Sports congratulates the St. Louis Cardinals for their World Series win in the 107th Fall Classic. We also congratulate the Texas Rangers for their terrific season and great play in the postseason. This has been one of the greatest postseasons of all-time.

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For the third year, Major League Baseball has dedicated the first four games of the World Series to various initiatives to help improve the lives of people in need. The first game of the Rangers-Cardinals series was dedicated to veterans and military families, with a special focus on Welcome Back Veterans. Game 2 focused on community service and the Roberto Clemente Award, which was awarded to Boston’s David Ortiz for his commitment to helping kids receive pediatric care in the US and Dominican Republic. The focus for Game 3 was youth; Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America were both recognized. Game 4 of the series highlighted cancer research, funding and awareness through Stand Up To Cancer.

MLB announced that they will dedicate tonight’s game to their ongoing Tornado Relief initiative. The dedication of this game hits especially close to home for fans at Busch Stadium, which is only about 250 miles from Joplin, M.O., which was devastated by tornadoes on May 22, 2011. The tornado took 162 lives, injured thousands and destroyed nearly 7,000 homes.

In addition to assisting victims of the devastating tornado that destroyed the Joplin community, the initiative will also serve victims of the “…more than 300 tornadoes [that] spawned a powerful storm system on April 26-27 [which] wiped out entire towns across a wide swath of the South, killing nearly 400 people. Alabama’s state emergency management agency reported the most destruction, followed closely by Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia and Virginia,” according to MLB.com.

MLB, along with the Major League Baseball Players Trust, made a contribution of $200,000 to Heart to Heart, which helped to treat nearly 6,000 people following the horrific disaster. Heart to Heart was one of the early responders following the Joplin tornado. Additionally, regional affiliates of Habitat for Humanity are working to rebuild homes in the Joplin community so families are able to move in by Thanksgiving. Habitat will continue to help rebuild even after the initial homes are occupied.

MLB will recognize children from the Joplin South Little League that participated in the 2011 Junior RBI Classic during the All-Star Week before the start of Game 7.

We applaud MLB for their efforts in raising awareness and supporting causes which exist for the betterment of society. We proudly award MLB with a Gold Star!

• Fans are encouraged to donate to Heart to Heart International and Habitat for Humanity by visiting MLBCommunity.org.

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Texas started the scoring in the first courtesy of a Josh Hamilton single that scored Ian Kinsler. Then, Lance Berkman quickly gave the Cardinals a one run lead with a two run homer to center.  Rangers starter, Colby Lewis, then did not allow another hit by the Cardinals until the bottom of the sixth inning when Berkman picked up an infield single.  When the sixth inning ended, the score was tied and the Cardinals had four runs on three hits.  Errors continued to hurt the Rangers as they have all postseason.  With the score tied at four, it looked like Texas had taken control of the game in the top of the seventh.  Adrian Beltre led off the inning with a solo home run and Nelson Cruz followed with another.  It was the eighth postseason homer for Cruz and it gave the Rangers a 6-4 lead.  The Rangers added another run in the inning to move to a 7-4 lead.

Going into the bottom of the seventh, Rangers’ manager, Ron Washington, rolled the dice and decided to bring in one of his starters, Derek Holland, from the bullpen. Holland pitched a perfect seventh and gave up a solo homer to Allen Craig in the eighth. The Cardinals trailed 7-5 going to ninth, and because of Holland’s appearance, he will not be starting game seven.

Rangers closer, Neftali Feliz, came in for the Rangers in the ninth to close it out.  He has been lights out all postseason.  Feliz allowed a one-out double to Albert Pujols and then walked Berkman.  Feliz got Allen Craig to strike out and the Rangers needed just one out for their first World Series title in team history. All that stood in the way for the Rangers was David Freese, who has been clutch the whole postseason for St. Louis.  The Rangers were one strike away when Freese delivered a triple to right, which tied the game.  The Rangers were playing a no-doubles defense and the ball hit appeared to be catchable by right fielder, Nelson Cruz. This game was going to extra innings.

In the top of the tenth, Elvis Andrus delivered a one out single to shallow center and Josh Hamilton followed with a two-run homer, giving the Rangers a 9-7 lead.  Again, the Rangers were just three outs away from the promise land.  In the bottom half of the inning, St. Louis quickly put runners on first and second with singles by Daniel Descalso and John Jay.  The Cardinals, out of position players, used pitcher Edwin Jackson to pinch hit for Jason Motte.  Tony LaRussa then changed his mind and pinch hit for Edwin Jackson with another pitcher, Kyle Lohse.  Lohse put down a sacrifice bunt that got Descalso to third and Jay to second.    Ryan Theriot then grounded out to third, which scored Descalso making the score 9-8.  Pujols was walked intentionally leaving it up to Berkman with two outs.  The Rangers needed only one more strike to close it out when Berkman singled to center and Jay scored.  Once again the game was tied and going to the eleventh.

The Rangers were able to get a base runner in the top of the eleventh, but nothing more.  David Freese led off the 11th for the Cardinals, the same Freese who tied the game in the ninth with a triple.  Freese got a pitch he liked and sent the ball over the center field fence giving the Cardinals a dramatic 10-9 win and forced a game seven. This was one of the most dramatic homers hit in World Series history when a team faced elimination, next to Bill Mazeroski’s homer in 1960 to crown the Pittsburgh Pirates World Series champs, Carlton Fisk’s homer for the Boston Red Sox in 1975 to force a game seven and Kirby Puckett’s home run in 1991 for the Minnesota Twins to force a game seven against the Atlanta Braves.

Game seven is Friday night in St. Louis.

We want to hear your thoughts about the game.  Did you watch it all?  Did you think it would end this way?  Is this the most exciting game you have ever seen?  Let us know!

World Series Stats of the Night:

• The Rangers have committed thirteen errors in sixteen postseason games this year.
• The Cardinals committed three errors in a World Series game; they haven’t done that since 1943.
• The Cardinals are the first in history to come back from a two deficit in the ninth or later twice in the World Series.

Game Recap:
Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011, Busch Stadium – St. Louis, M.O.
Texas 9, St. Louis 10 (11 innings)
(WP: Westbrook) (LP: Lowe)
The best of seven series is tied at three.

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In the bottom of the eighth, things got even more interesting.  The Rangers had runners on first and second when Cardinals manager, Tony LaRussa, went to the bullpen and brought in Mark Rzepczynski to face the lefty, Daniel Murphy.  When LaRussa made the change, he noticed no one was warming up in the bullpen,  so he quickly got on the phone and asked (for a second time) for Jason Motte to get loose.  Murphy hit a ball back to Rzepczynski, who couldn’t handle it, creating a bases loaded situation for Mike Napoli.

In this situation, LaRussa wanted to bring in Motte with the score tied, but he wasn’t loose due to the delay in getting him up and throwing.  Napoli then hit a two-run double to right, giving the Rangers a 4-2 lead.  LaRussa went out to make another pitching change, calling for Motte.  When Lance Lynn showed up, the skipper was shocked because he had decided Lynn wasn’t going to pitch in this game.

LaRussa instructed Lynn to intentionally walk Ian Kinsler, as he wanted to rest his arm.  As this was going on, LaRussa got back onto the phone and asked, again, for Motte to get loose.  Once Kinsler was on first, LaRussa went out and finally got Motte into the game.  According to LaRussa, the guys in the bullpen could not hear who he wanted to get loose, which is why Lynn ended up in the game and Motte wasn’t getting loose as instructed.  Before the explanation was given, anyone who watches baseball, like me, was scratching their head when LaRussa brought in Lynn to intentionally walk a batter and then go right back to the bullpen.

Later, Rangers manager, Ron Washington, brought in his closer (Neftali Feliz) in the ninth.  He got his second save of the series with the strikeout of Lance Berkman to end the game.

We want to hear from you, what were thinking when all of this transpired?  Let us know!

The teams will enjoy a day off before the series shifts back to St. Louis for the finale on Wednesday and Thursday (if necessary).  Weather in St. Louis is sure to have an impact, as temperatures will be in the low 50’s with rain expected.  A Rangers win on Wednesday would give them their first World Series title in team history.

World Series Stats of the Night:

• The Rangers have committed 11 errors in 15 postseason games.
• Mike Napoli is hitting .308 with two homers and nine RBI’s in the World Series.

Game Recap:
Monday, Oct. 24, 2011, Rangers Ballpark in Arlington – Arlington, Texas
St. Louis 2, Texas 4
(WP: Oliver) (LP: Dotel) (SV: Feliz)
Texas leads the best of seven series three games to two.

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Copyright © 2011 The Good in Sports, Inc. All rights reserved.

“We take our responsibility to the community very seriously at the Seattle Mariners. I’m proud that Mariners Care, our corporate partners and our fans have helped make such a positive and lasting impact on our community,” said Howard Lincoln, Mariners Chair and CEO.

Throughout the 2011 season, Mariners Care and their corporate partners supported over 1,500 charities. Some of the charities included were: Boys & Girls Club of Kings County, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and the Seattle Children’s Make A Wish Foundation.

As a result of being the home team of legendary Japanese outfielder, Ichiro Suzuki, the Seattle Mariners and the Mariners Care Foundation put an emphasis in relief money offered to the Japanese tsunami and earthquake relief efforts. In total, of the $1 million raised, the Mariners Care Foundation gave $110,000 to the relief efforts.

Despite struggling on the baseball diamond, the Seattle Mariners are one of the league leaders in charity and community work. As we noted earlier, since 1999, the Mariners Care Foundation has raised $12.5 million in donations. Aside from monetary donations, Mariners Care and the current members of its roster are often seen throughout the community lending a helping hand.

We are proud to award the Mariners with a Gold Star for their continued work in the community.

• If you would like to donate or volunteer with Mariners Care, visit their website at Mariners.com

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Copyright © 2011 The Good in Sports, Inc. All rights reserved.

The 4-0 Ranger victory evened up the series at two games a piece.  Both teams are back at it Monday night for one final time in Texas before returning to St. Louis for game six and game seven, if it is necessary.

World Series Stats of the Night:

• The last American League pitcher to make it at least eight and one third innings in a World Series game was Andy Pettitte, who did it in 1996 as a member of the Yankees.

Game Recap:
Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011, Rangers Ballpark in Arlington – Arlington, Texas
St. Louis 0, Texas 4
(WP: Holland) (LP: Jackson)
The best of seven series is tied at two games a piece.

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Copyright © 2011 The Good in Sports, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cardinals manager, Tony LaRussa, brought in Jason Motte to pitch the bottom of the ninth to send the series to Texas with a 2-0 lead.  The Rangers came into the game batting .195 in the postseason and were unable to do anything in the game, so far.  Ian Kinsler started off the ninth with a single to center and soon stole second.  Elvis Andrus followed with a single to center, which advanced Kinsler to third and Andrus went to second on the throw.  Second and third with nobody out meant LaRussa was making a call to the pen, he brought in the lefty Arthur Rhodes.  Josh Hamilton sent a fly ball to center, which was deep enough to score Kinlser and advance Andrus to third.  The score was now tied at one.  Once again, LaRussa went to the pen.  This time he brought in Lance Lynn to face Michael Young.  Young hit another fly ball and was credited with the second sacrifice fly of the inning, which scored Andrus.  Texas now lead 2-1 and took that lead to the bottom of the ninth.

Neftali Feliz came in to close out the game for the Rangers in the ninth.  He walked the first batter he faced (Yadier Molina) and struck out the next two (Nick Punto and Skip Schumaker).  Rafael Furcal stepped to the plate as the last hope for the Cardinals.  Feliz got Furcal to hit a fly ball to right, which ended the game.

The series now shifts to Texas and will resume on Saturday night at 8:05 ET on FOX.

World Series Stat of the Night:

• Coming into the game Cardinals pitcher, Jason Motte, had given up one hit and no runs in eight postseason games.  On Thursday he gave up two hits and two runs (one earned).

Game Recap:
Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011, Busch Stadium – St. Louis, MO.
Texas 2, St. Louis 1
(WP:  Adams) (LP:  Motte) (SV:  Feliz)
The best of seven series is tied at one.

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Copyright © 2011 The Good in Sports, Inc. All rights reserved.

Immediately following the accident, Andrews was rushed to Tampa General Hospital in Fla. One of Andrews’ visiting friends shared Andrews’ story with the folks in his hometown of St. Amant, La., which is where the Rays’ shortsop Reid Brignac is from. When Brignac heard the story, he and third baseman Evan Longoria visited Andrews in the hospital on consecutive days. According to Andrews’ mother, Toka, “After one of the regular season games that we attended as their guest, they were preparing to get on a bus, go to the airport and fly to Canada for series with the Toronto Blue Jays. The bus had to wait for Reid, who was talking to and encouraging T.J. after the game.”

Jeremy Coram, a former player from Andrews’ local high school and a Valdosta State University Blazers pitcher, devised a string to place on Andrews’ glove to help him pitch. This is similar to an idea that was used in the popular movie Soul Surfer – the story of Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack. Hamilton tied a string to her surfboard to help keep it steady. Similarly, Andrews uses a string that is placed in his glove to help keep it steady while he transfers his right hand to it after throwing the pitch. When he is batting he uses a prosthetic glove on his left hand.

Andrews and his teammates show true sportsmanship when working together and supporting one another. The obstacles that come our way give us a chance to grow and adapt. It is a true testament to a strong person who is willing to do what it takes to continue to the live the life they want. Andrews has adapted his game, but still works hard to be the true athlete he is.

We tip our hat and award Gold Stars to Andrews for his continued perseverance, to the Rays’ Brignac and Longoria for their support of Andrews during this time, and to Jeremy Coram for devising a system to allow Andrews to pitch!

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In my World Series Preview, I wondered what would happen with Nelson Cruz hitting seventh in a National League Ballpark (no Designated Hitter).  Rangers manager, Ron Washington, answered my question by moving Cruz up to the six hole and moving Catcher, Mike Napoli, down to the seven spot.  Ironically enough, it was Napoli who was responsible for both of the Rangers runs.  Napoli crushed a Carpenter pitch to right field that traveled 415 feet.  It was a two run homer that tied the game at two.

In the ninth, LaRussa called on Jason Motte to close down the Rangers.  On paper it did not seem easy; Motte had to face Michael Young, Adrian Beltre and Nelson Cruz.  For Motte, it did not matter who he faced, he got the Rangers 1-2-3 sealing the victory.

For the Rangers, C.J. Wilson took the loss.  He is now 0-3 this postseason.  Coming into the game, he was only the second pitcher to start game one of the World Series with an 0-2 record in the postseason.  The first was Tom Glavine of the Atlanta Braves in 1992.

World Series Stats of the Day:

• The last time the Cardinals won game one of the World Series by one run was in 1967.  Bob Gibson got the win for the Cardinals.
• The Rangers have now gone 12 consecutive postseason games without a starter going past the sixth inning.  That is a postseason record.
• The Cardinals are now 3-5 all-time in game ones of the World Series when the series has started at home.

Game two is Thursday night in St. Louis.  Colby Lewis will take the mound for the Rangers and he will face-off against Jaime Garcia of the Cardinals.

Game Recap:
Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2011, Busch Stadium – St. Louis, MO.
Texas 2, St. Louis 3
(WP:  Carpenter) (LP:  Wilson) (SV:  Motte)

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Texas earned their spot to the fall classic by defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Division Series, three games to one, followed by a four games to two win over the Detroit Tigers in the American League Championship Series. St. Louis punched their ticket with series wins over the Philadelphia Phillies and the Milwaukee Brewers. The Cardinals won the National League Division Series by a three games to two margin and the National League Championship Series four games to two.

The Cardinals will have home-field advantage courtesy of the National League defeating the American League in the All-Star Game in Arizona earlier this year, 5-1. This could play a critical role, as the Rangers will potentially play four games without the designated hitter. What kind of impact will this have on the Rangers Nelson Cruz? Cruz hits seventh in the batting order and made history in the American League Championship Series hitting six homers and driving in 13. You have to wonder if he will see the same kind of pitches with the pitcher only two batters away. It will be interesting to see how Cardinals manager, Tony LaRussa, will handle his pitching staff against Cruz and the rest of the Rangers lineup.

Game one will feature two of the games premiere starting pitchers. C.J. Wilson will take the mound for the Rangers. Wilson is 0-2 in the postseason. The Cardinals will send out their ace, Cris Carpenter. Carpenter is 2-0 this postseason.

World Series Schedule:

• Game One: Wednesday, Oct. 19, Busch Stadium, 8:05 ET (FOX)
• Game Two: Thursday, Oct. 20, Busch Stadium, 8:05 ET (FOX)
• Game Three: Saturday, Oct. 22, Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, 8:05 ET (FOX)
• Game Four: Sunday, Oct. 23, Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, 8:05 ET (FOX)
• *Game Five: Monday, Oct. 24, Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, 8:05 ET (FOX)
• *Game Six: Wednesday, Oct. 26, Busch Stadium, 8:05 ET (FOX)
• *Game Seven: Thursday, Oct. 27, Busch Stadium, 8:05 ET (FOX)

*If Necessary

Fast Facts:

• The Cardinals are playing for their eleventh World Series title.
• The Rangers are playing for their first title in team history.
• The Cardinals have played against the Rangers only once in interleague history, in Arlington.

World Series Stat of the Day:

• Tony LaRussa is the first manager to take two separate teams to the World Series three times. He did it with the Oakland Athletics and now with the Cardinals.

Who are you picking in the World Series? We want to hear from you!

The Good in Sports wishes the Rangers and the Cardinals the best of luck in the World Series.

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Cardinals advance to 2nd World Series in 6 years

ST. LOUIS — The St. Louis Cardinals used the long ball early and often in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series and it was more than enough as the Cards doubled up the Milwaukee Brewers 12-6 to win the series 4 games to 2. Led by a three-run HR by third baseman (and NLCS Most Valuable Player) David Freese in the first inning, they also received home runs from Rafael Furcal and Albert Pujols as they knocked out starter Shaun Marcum after one inning, and added 5 more runs off Chris Narveson over the next two innings to put the game away early. Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa worked his pitching staff almost flawlessly, as starter Edwin Jackson had his own struggles and was knocked out of the game after just two innings. Marc Rzepcynski earned the win in relief, throwing two innings and allowing one run and one hit.

Game 1 of the World Series will be Wednesday night in St. Louis, and while nothing has been officially decided, the smart money would be on Chris Carpenter getting the start for the Cardinals and C.J. Wilson getting the start for the Rangers.

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In the bottom of the third the Rangers bats woke up and did so with a vengeance.  The Rangers sent fourteen batters to the plate, picked up six hits and four walks on their way to a nine run inning.  This would be more than enough to put the game away.

Detroit was able to put three more runs on the board, but it was not enough.  The Rangers scored six more times, with two RBI’s belonging to the ALCS MVP, Nelson Cruz (Mr. October).  In the seventh, Cruz hit his sixth home run of the series.

The Rangers now await the conclusion of the National League Championship Series to see who they will play in their second consecutive World Series.

ALCS Stat of the Day:

• Nelson Cruz hit six home runs during the series and had 13 RBI’s, both are postseason series records.

Series Recap:
Game 1:  Saturday, October 8th, Rangers Ballpark in Arlington – Arlington, Texas
Detroit 2, Texas 3
(WP:  Ogando) (LP:  Verlander) (SV:  Feliz)

Game 2:  Monday, October 10th, Rangers Ballpark in Arlington – Arlington, Texas
Detroit 3, Texas 7 (11 innings)
(WP:  Adams) (LP:  Perry)

Game 3:  Tuesday, October 11th, Comerica Park – Detroit, Michigan
Texas 2, Detroit 5
(WP:  Fister) (LP:  Lewis) (SV:  Valverde)

Game 4:  Wednesday, October 12th, Comerica Park – Detroit, Michigan
Texas 7, Detroit 3 (11 innings)
(WP:  Feldman) (LP:  Valverde)

Game 5:  Thursday, October 13, 2011, Comerica Park – Detroit, Michigan
Texas 5, Detroit 7
(WP:  Verlander) (LP:  Wilson) (SV:  Coke)

Game 6:  Saturday, October 15, 2011, Rangers Ballpark in Arlington – Arlington, Texas
Detroit 5, Texas 15
(WP:  Ogando) (LP:  Scherzer)
The Good in Sports congratulates the Rangers for the series win and the Tigers for a terrific season.

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NLCS Stat of the Day:

• The St. Louis Cardinals have not had a starting pitcher make it through five innings in the first five games of the NLCS.  No team has ever made it to the World Series when this has been the case.

Before the game, Tigers manager, Jim Leyland, made it clear relievers Joaquin Benoit and Jose Valverde were not available.  This meant Leyland would rely heavily on Verlander and Phil Coke out of the pen.  And that is exactly what he did.

The Rangers struck first in this one courtesy of a Josh Hamilton sacrifice fly in the top of the first, driving in Ian Kinsler.  The scored stayed 1-0 until Alex Avila tied it with a home run to left in the bottom of the third for the Tigers.  That was the first of four home runs hit by Detroit.  Delmon Young hit two home runs, one in the bottom of the fourth and the other in the bottom of the sixth, which gave the Tigers a 6-2 lead.  Victor Martinez and Ryan Raburn also had home runs for the Tigers.

Texas did not go quietly in this one.  Down 7-2 in the top of the eighth Mr. October (Nelson Cruz) hit his fifth home run of the ALCS, a postseason series record, trimming the lead to three.  Cruz was the last batter Verlander faced after throwing a career-high 133 pitches.  The pitch Cruz hit was clocked at 100 mph on the stadium radar gun.  In the top of the ninth, the Rangers made it interesting against reliever, Phil Coke, but was only able to get one run.  Final score, 7-5.

The teams will enjoy a much deserved off-day tomorrow as they both head back to Texas for game six on Saturday.

ALCS Stat of the Day:

• In the bottom of the sixth the Tigers did something that never before has been done in postseason play.  Four consecutive batters – Raburn singled, Cabrera doubled, Martinez tripled, and Young homered.  The Tigers hit for the cycle.

Game Recap:

Thursday, October 13, 2011, Comerica Park – Detroit, Michigan
Texas 5, Detroit 7
(WP:  Verlander) (LP:  Wilson) (SV:  Coke)
Texas leads the best of seven series three games to two.

The Brewers and the Cardinals met Thursday night for game four of the National League Championship Series in St. Louis.  The Cardinals were playing for a two game lead while the Brewers were playing for the chance to get the series back to Miller Park.

The Cardinals scored their only two runs of the game courtesy of the long-ball.  The first solo homer came off the bat of Matt Holliday in the bottom of the second.  The ball barely cleared the fence but counted the same as a 500 foot blast.  Allen Craig gave the Cardinals a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the third with a 418 foot shot that landed in the Cardinals bullpen.

The Brewers got on the board in the bottom of the third.  Following a Prince Fielder double, Jerry Hairston doubled to left driving in Fielder.  Yuniesky Betancourt quickly singled to center, which scored Hairston and tied the game at two.

The score was tied going into the fifth.  With Nyjer Morgan on third, Cardinals starter, Kyle Lohse, out of the game, Ryan Braun singled to left to score Morgan off of Mitchell Boggs.  The Brewers added another run in the sixth courtesy of an error by Cardinals second baseman, Ryan Theriot, which scored Rickie Weeks.

Brewers starter, Randy Wolf, was lights out in this game.  He went seven innings, surrendered six hits, allowed two runs (both earned), walked one and struck out six.

The win for the Brewers ensures a game six in Milwaukee.  The Brewers and Cardinals will be back at it on Friday in St. Louis for game five.

NLCS Stats of the Day:

• This was the fourth consecutive game the Cardinals  bullpen had to pitch more than four innings.
• Randy Wolf of the Brewers is only the second starting pitcher to make it through six innings in this series.  The first was Zack Greinke in game one.

Game Recap:

Thursday, October 13, 2011, Busch Stadium – St. Louis, Missouri
Milwaukee 4, St. Louis 2
(WP:  Wolf) (LP: Lohse) (SV: Axford)
The best of best of seven series is tied at two.

The Good in Sports congratulates the Tigers and the Cardinals for their victories and wishes all teams the best of luck.

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Just like game two in Texas, this one went to extra innings.  With one out in the bottom of the 10th Austin Jackson was hit by a pitch with only one out.  That brought Ryan Raburn to the plate and Miguel Cabrera on-deck.  Jackson attempted to steal second but was gunned down by Mike Napoli.  With two outs, Raburn struck out to end the inning.

In the Rangers 11th, Josh Hamilton lead off by driving a double to left field off of Detroit closer, Jose Valverde.  With one out, Adrian Beltre was given an intentional pass to put runners on first and second.  Mike Napoli followed with a single to center that scored Hamilton.  Then stepped to the plate, the new Mr. October, Nelson Cruz.  In game two of the series, Cruz hit a walk-off grand slam home run to give the Rangers the win.  Cruz delivered again Wednesday in Detroit, crushing a 413 foot bomb to left-center that put the Rangers ahead for good, 7-3.

The series continues Thursday in Detroit, C.J. Wilson will be on the mound for the Rangers and faces-off against Justin Verlander of the Tigers.

ALCS Stats of the Day:

• With one out and nobody on the for the Tigers in the bottom of the eighth, Miguel Cabrera was intentionally walked.  That is only the 10th intentional walk in postseason history with the bases empty.  The others to do it were Barry Bonds (4), Alex Rodriguez (2), Albert Pujols (1), Frank Thomas (1), and Greg Luzinski (1).
• Nelson Cruz has played in 24 postseason games  and now has 10 home runs.
• Nelson Cruz is the first player ever to hit two extra-inning home runs in the same series.

Game Recap:
Wednesday, October 12th, Comerica Park – Detroit, Michigan
Texas 7, Detroit 3 (11 innings)
(WP:  Feldman) (LP:  Valverde)
Texas leads the best of seven series three games to one.

In St. Louis Wednesday night, the story line was set to be pitching, pitching and more pitching.  Yovani Gallardo going for the Brewers against Cardinals Ace, Chris Carpenter. That folks is why they play the games.

The Cardinals came to the plate in the bottom of the second with their hitting shoes on.  RBI’s by John Jay, Albert Pujols, Yadier Molina and David Freese gave them a 4-0 lead.  The only reason why Milwaukee stater Yovani Gallardo got out of the inning was because he got Molina to hit into a double-play with nobody out.

The Brewers put two on the board, against Carpenter, in the top of the second and scored their final run via a Mark Kotsay bomb to right field in the top of the third.  Kotsay started over Nyjer Morgan in center because his stats off of Carpenter were much better.  Brewers manager, Ron Roenicke, explained this to Morgan before the game and it paid off.

Both Carpenter and Gallardo handed the ball over to their respective bullpens in the sixth inning. The Brewers could not muster another hit after the fourth inning and did not have a base runner after the fifth.

The Brewers and the Cardinals will face off again on Thursday in Missouri.

NLCS Stat of the Day:

• Yovani Gallardo gave up four earned runs in the first inning, that is twice as many runs he had given up in his first 21 postseason innings pitched.

Game Recap:
Wednesday, October 12th, Busch Stadium – St. Louis, Missouri
Milwaukee 3, St. Louis 4
(WP:  Carpenter) (LP:  Gallardo) (SV:  Motte)
St. Louis leads the best of seven series two games to one.

The Good in Sports congratulates the Rangers and the Cardinals for their
victories and wishes all teams the best of luck.

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• Texas starter Colby Lewis came in to the game with 4-0 record in the postseason with a 1.67 era.
• Tigers closer Jose Valverde has now converted 52 saves in 52 chances this year.
• The Rangers were 1-10 Tuesday night with runners in scoring position.
• The Rangers four through seven hitters were 0-15 at the plate.

These same teams will be back in action Wednesday afternoon in Detroit.  Matt Harrison will take the mound for the Rangers and face-off against Rick Porcello of the Tigers.

Game Recap:
Tuesday, October 11th, Comerica Park – Detroit, Michigan
Texas 2, Detroit 5
(WP:  Fister) (LP:  Lewis) (SV:  Valverde)
Texas leads the best of seven series two games to one.

The Good in Sports congratulates the Tigers for their game three win and wishes all teams the best of luck.

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The Rangers won this game with great bullpen pitching and Nelson Cruz.  In the bottom of the seventh, Cruz hit a solo shot that tied the time.  In the eleventh, he came to the plate with the bases loaded and delivered.  Cruz crushed a grand slam walk-off home run.  This is the first time this has happened in post season history.

Oh yeah, the Rangers bullpen has not given up a run in the series.

The American League Championship Series now shifts to Detroit with game three on Tuesday.

Game Recap:
Monday, October 10th, Ranger Ballpark in Arlington – Arlington, Texas
Detroit 3, Texas 7 (11 innings)
(WP:  Adams) (LP:  Perry)
Texas leads the best of seven series two games to none.

In Milwaukee Monday night the Cardinals came in to the game looking to avoid going back to St. Louis down two games to none.  This night belonged to Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols.

Albert Pujols and the Cardinals made sure there was little doubt early about whether or not they brought their hitting shoes.  In the first, Pujols got the Cardinals on the board with a two-run jack.  The Cardinals never looked back.  The whole lineup produced and came up big.  Pujols ended the game going four for five with a homer, 3 doubles, and five RBI’s.

The Brewers scored their runs all by home runs.  In the bottom of the fourth Rickie Weeks hit a two-run homer to left to get the Brewers on the board.  The other run came when Prince Fielder blasted a homer  to right in the bottom of the eighth.

The Cardinals have now won five out of their last seven games at Miller Park dating back to the regular season.

The National League Championship Series now shifts to St. Louis and game three is Wednesday at Busch Stadium.

Game Recap:
Monday, October 10th, Miller Park – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
St. Louis 12, Milwaukee 3
(WP:  Lynn) (LP:  Marcum)
The series is tied at one game a piece.

The Good in Sports congratulates the Rangers and the Cardinals for their game two victories and wishes all teams the best of luck.

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Detroit scored their runs in the top of the fifth. Austin Jackson doubled in Ramon Santiago and later scored on a wild-pitch by Rangers starter Alexi Ogando.

Neftali Feliz was lights out in the ninth for the Rangers earning the save. He came in throwing gas, even hitting 101 mph a few times on the gun.

Game Two was scheduled for Sunday but postponed because of rain. The series will resume on Monday in Texas.

Game Recap:
Saturday, October 8th, Rangers Ballpark in Arlington – Arlington, Texas
Detroit 2, Texas 3
(WP: Ogando) (LP: Verlander) (SV: Feliz)
Texas leads the best of seven series one game to none.

The National League Championship Series got underway Sunday in Milwaukee between rival St. Louis Cardinals and the Milwaukee Brewers.

When the Brewers came to bat in the bottom of the first they were already down 1-0. That did not stop the Brewers from going into “beast mode” quickly. With a runner on base, Ryan Braun belted a two run, 444 foot home run to left center. The very next batter, Prince Fielder, was hit by a Jaime Garcia pitch. The umpires immediately issued warnings to both benches. The warning issued meant neither team could pitch much inside without resulting in an ejection.

Shortly thereafter, a home run derby was about to get underway. It began with a three-run homer for David Freese of the Cardinals, followed by a no-doubter by Prince Fielder and a two run jack by Yuniesky Betancourt of the Brewers.

The Brewers outlasted the Cardinals in game one 9-6. This was not one of Zack Greinke’s best starts but he got the win and is still undefeated at home. The series will continue Monday in Milwaukee.

Game Recap:
Sunday, October 9th, Miller Park – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
St. Louis 6, Milwaukee 9
(WP: Greinke) (LP: Garcia) (SV: Axford)
Milwaukee leads the best of seven series one game to none.

NLCS Stat of the Day: Going to back to 1990, the team to win game one in the NLCS has gone on to win the series 17 times. Only three times since then has this not been the case. The only two teams to win game one and go on to lose the series are the 1990 Pirates (lost to the Reds), the 1991 Pirates (lost to the Braves), and the 2005 Cardinals (lost to Houston).

The Good in Sports congratulates the Rangers and the Brewers for their game one victories and wishes all teams the best of luck.

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“As an organization, the Pirates and Pirates Charities could not be more proud to join as partners and play a part in the construction of the Miracle League Field of the Ohio Valley. The Miracle League Program is a special program and one that is near to our hearts,” said Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting. “We are honored and humbled to see the positive impact that these fields have made and will make on so many youths throughout the region. While today is an exciting day, nothing will be more rewarding for me personally than to see the smiles on the faces of these children as their proud parents and loved ones look on when the umpire yells ‘play ball.’”

Pirates Charities was founded in 2006 and has since then contributed more than $2.4 million for special projects in Pittsburgh, Bradenton, Florida, and Estorga, Dominican Republic communities.

The Good in Sports salutes the Pirates as they continue to help make dreams come true while having a positive impact in many communities!

• For more information, please visit: http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/pit/community/charities.jsp

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Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Milwaukee Brewers:
Game five was at a sold-out Miller Park in Milwaukee, included a first pitch by Commissioner Bud Selig and turned out to be the Nyjer Morgan show. Tony Plush anyone? Arizona got on the board first in the top of the third courtesy of a Justin Upton solo home run to right field.

The Brewers answered in the bottom of the fourth when Nyjer Morgan led the inning off with a double to deep right, and later went to third on a wild pitch by Ian Kennedy. Morgan scored when Jerry Hairston hit a sacrifice fly to second. The Brewers later took the lead in the bottom of the sixth when Rafael Betancourt singled in Ryan Braun.

John Axford was on the mound for the Brewers in the 9th looking for a save that he could not get. Willie Bloomquist reached first on a bunt single that scored Gerardo Parra. The score was tied and it took extra innings for the Brewers to close out the Diamondbacks.

In the bottom of the 10th Chris Gomez started the inning for the Brewers off of J.J. Putz with a single to left and later stole second base. With one out, Nyjer Morgan stepped to the plate and delivered with a single to center field. The Brewers are headed to the NLCS for the first time in 29 years.

Series Recap:
Game 1:  Saturday, October 1st, Miller Park – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Arizona 1, Milwaukee 4
(WP:  Gallardo) (LP:  Kennedy) (SV:  Axford)

Game 2:  Sunday, October 2nd, Miller Park – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Arizona 4, Milwaukee 9
(WP:  Saito) (LP:  Hudson)

Game 3:  Tuesday, October 4th, Chase Field – Phoenix, Arizona
Milwaukee 1, Arizona 8
(WP:  Collmenter) (LP:  Marcum)

Game 4:  Wednesday, October 5th, Chase Field – Phoenix, Arizona
Milwaukee 6, Arizona 10
(WP:  Owings) (LP:  Wolf)

Game 5:  Friday, October 7th, Miller Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Arizona 2, Milwaukee 3
(WP:  Axford) (LP:  Putz)

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Philadelphia Phillies:
The story of this game is exactly what it should have been… pitching.  Cris Carpenter was on the mound for the Cardinals facing Roy Halladay of the Phillies.  Two of the greatest pitchers in baseball who are not only professionals, but friends off the field.

As expected, the scoring was low.  The Cardinals scored their first and only run of the game in the top of the first.  Rafael Furcal led off the game with a triple to right center field.  Skip Schumaker quickly doubled to right and drove in Furcal.  As far as runs go, that is all she wrote!  The Phillies season came to an end in the bottom of the ninth inning when Ryan Howard grounded out to second.  On the play, Howard injured his left Achilles.  As of right now the severity of the injury is unknown.

Roy Halladay went eight strong inning for the Phillies and only gave up the one run.  Cris Carpenter was lights out for the Cardinals, throwing a three-hit complete game shout-out.  It is the 13th shut-out for the Cardinals in postseason history.

Series Recap:
Game 1:  Saturday, October 1st, Citizens Bank Park – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
St. Louis 6, Philadelphia 11
(WP:  Halladay) (LP:  Lohse)

Game 2:  Sunday, October 2nd, Citizens Bank Park – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
St. Louis 5, Philadelphia 4
(WP:  Dotel) (LP:  Lee)

Game 3:  Tuesday, October 4th, Busch Stadium – St. Louis, Missouri
Philadelphia 3, St. Louis 2
(WP:  Hamels) (LP:  Garcia) (SV:  Madson)

Game 4:  Wednesday, October 5th, Busch Stadium – St. Louis, Missouri
Philadelphia 3, St. Louis 5
(WP:  Jackson) (LP:  Oswalt)  (SV:  Motte)

Game 5:  Friday, October 7th, Citizens Bank Park – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
St. Louis 1, Philadelphia 0
(WP:  Carpenter) (LP:  Halladay)

The National League Championship Series gets underway Sunday in Milwaukee.  It is sure to be a good one as Kyle Lohse takes the mound for the Cardinals, and Zack Grienke will be on the hill for the Brewers.

The Good in Sports congratulates the Milwaukee Brewers and the St. Louis Cardinals for advancing to the National Championship Series and wishes them the best of luck.

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The Yankees got on the board in the fifth inning when Robinson Cano homered to right field.  In the seventh, the Tigers ran into trouble when the Yankees loaded the bases against Matt Scherzer and Joaquin Benoit.  With one out, Benoit got Alex Rodriguez to strike out and then proceeded to walk Mark Teixeira, which brought in a run to make the score 3-2.  Nick Swisher then struck out to end in the inning.  In the ninth, the Tigers brought in their closer, Jose Valverde, who sent down the Yankees 1-2-3 to close out the game and the series.

The Tigers will now face the Texas Rangers in the American League Championship Series.  The series gets underway Saturday in Arlington, Texas.

Series Recap:
Game 1:  Friday, September 30th, Yankee Stadium – New York, New York
Detroit 3, New York 9
(WP:  Nova) (LP:  Fister)
*Game was cut short because of rain and completed on Saturday, October 1st.

Game 2:  Sunday, October 2nd,  Yankee Stadium – New York, New York
Detroit 5, New York 3
(WP:  Scherzer) (LP:  Garcia)

Game 3:  Monday, October 3rd, Comerica Park – Detroit, Michigan
New York 4, Detroit 5
(WP:  Verlander) (LP:  Soriano) (SV:  Valverde)

Game 4:  Tuesday, October 4th, Comerica Park – Detroit, Michigan
New York 10, Detroit 1
(WP:  Burnett) (LP:  Porcello)

Game 5:  Thursday, October 6th, Yankee Stadium – New York, New York
Detroit 3, New York 2
(WP:  Fister) (LP:  Nova)

The Good in Sports congratulates the Detroit Tigers for their series win against the New York Yankees and wishes them the best of luck in the American League Championship Series.

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Game Recap:  Philadelphia at St. Louis, Busch Stadium – St. Louis, Missouri
Philadelphia 3, Cardinals 5
(WP:  Jackson) (LP:  Oswalt) (SV:  Motte)

Facing elimination, the St. Louis Cardinals had one thing on their mind Wednesday: a final game at Citizens Bank Park Friday night.  The Red Birds welcomed Matt Holliday back to the lineup, after dealing with a hand injury that kept him out of the starting lineup the whole series.  Holliday went 1-3 and scored two runs.

The big story of the night was David Freese. Freese hit a two-run double in the 4th that put the Cardinals ahead, and in the bottom of the 6th, he hit a two-run homer to straightaway center, which sealed the deal for the Cardinals.

Game five will feature two of the great pitchers in baseball, Cris Carpenter vs. Roy Halliday.

Game Recap:  Milwaukee Brewers at Arizona Diamondbacks, Chase Field – Phoenix, Arizona
Milwaukee 6, Arizona 10
(WP:  Owings) (LP:  Wolf)

The Arizona Diamondbacks brought their bats to the park Wednesday night belting four home runs on their way to a win against the Brewers.  The home run parade started in the first inning when Ryan Roberts took Randy Wolf deep with the bases loaded.  The very next batter, Chris Young, followed with a solo shot of his own.  This would be Young’s first of two homers in the game.

Aaron Hill got into the action in the sixth going deep off of Chris Narveson. The call of the night has to go to Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson: Arizona had runners on second and third with two outs and their pitcher coming to bat. Gibson made the tough call and pinch-hit for starter Joe Saunders and sent Collin Cowgill to the plate. Cowgill came through by belting a single the left that scored two. Game five is Friday night in Milwaukee.

Great stat of the day: Since the inception of the League Division Series in 1995, the National League has never seen both series go all five games. It has happened only once in the American League. In 2001, the New York Yankees defeated the Oakland Athletics and the Seattle Mariners outlasted the Cleveland Indians.

The Good In Sports raises their cap to the Cardinals and the Diamondbacks and wishes all teams the best of luck in their final contest Friday.

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The hero of Tuesday’s clincher was Adrian Beltre, who signed with the Rangers during the off-season.  Beltre, who entered the game hitting 1-11 in the series, proceeded to go 3-4 with three home runs in today’s contest.  Beltre is now the sixth player in Major League history to hit three home runs in a post-season game (Others: Adam Kennedy, ANA 10/13/02, George Brett, KC 10/06/78, Reggie Jackson, NYY 10/18/77, Bob Robertson, PIT 10/03/71, Babe Ruth, NYY 10/09/28 and Babe Ruth, NYY 10/06/26).

Neftali Feliz recorded a save in each of three Rangers victories during this series.

Series Recap:

Game 1:  Friday, September 30th, Rangers Ballpark in Arlington – Arlington, Texas
Tampa Bay 9, Texas 0
(WP:  Moore) (LP:  Wilson)

Game 2:  Saturday, October 1st, Rangers Ballpark in Arlington – Arlington, Texas
Tampa Bay 6, Texas 8
(WP:  Holland) (LP:  Shields) (SV:  Feliz)

Game 3:  Monday, October 3rd, Tropicana Field – St. Petersburg, Florida
Texas 4, Tampa Bay 3
(WP:  Lewis) (LP:  Price) (SV:  Feliz)

Game 4:  Tuesday, October 4th, Tropicana Field – St. Petersburg, Florida
Texas 4, Tampa Bay 3
(WP:  Harrison) (LP:  Hellickson) (SV:  Feliz)

The Good in Sports congratulates the Texas Rangers for their series win against the Tampa Bay Rays and wishes them the best of luck in the American League Championship Series.

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The Rangers kicked off the beginning of the postseason with game one of the ALDS by honoring the memory of Shannon Stone, a Rangers fan who fell to his death at Rangers Ballpark earlier in the season. Stone and his six-year-old son, Cooper, traveled three hours from their home in Brownwood, Texas to see the Rangers take on the Oakland Athletics when Stone reached over the railing to catch a ball thrown up by Rangers centerfielder Josh Hamilton.  Stone lost his balance and fell to the ground about twenty feet where he eventually went into cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead within the hour. Club owner Nolan Ryan has been in constant contact with Stone’s wife, Jenny, and the rest of the Stone family since the horrific accident on July 7, offering any sort of assistance the team can provide.

A few weeks ago, after conversations with Hamilton about his willingness to participate, Ryan called to invite the Stone family to game one of the ALDS and ask if Cooper would be interested in throwing out the first pitch to his favorite player, Hamilton. Though Cooper has wanted to return to the stadium since the incident occurred, his mother has not been ready to return. Ready to face the struggle, the Stone family returned to Rangers Ballpark yesterday to honor Shannon.

With close to 50,000 fans in attendance for last night’s game, fans rose to their feet, many teary-eyed, to watch Cooper toss the first pitch. Wearing a Rangers jersey with Hamilton’s number 32 and “Cooper” stitched across the back, Cooper was joined on the mound by his mother and Ryan. After Hamilton caught the ball, he joined the Stone family for the first time and embraced Cooper with a hug first, and then his mother, Jenny. In a statement issued by the club, Jenny stated, “They have turned a difficult return to The Ballpark into a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Cooper. Nothing could be more exciting for a boy than throwing out the first pitch to his favorite player. We are glad and grateful to be here to see the Rangers start their march to the World Series.” After the opening ceremonies, Cooper, Jenny, and six other guests sat in the first row behind home plate to watch the game.

The Rangers have also announced they will build a statue of Shannon and Cooper to be placed outside the home plate entrance of the stadium, which should be unveiled by opening day of the 2012 season. Additionally, the club brought in over $150,000 through an auction sponsored by Fox Sports Southwest for a memorial fund on the family’s behalf.

The Good in Sports recognizes the Texas Rangers for their honorable action in remembering Shannon Stone and allowing his family a special day at the ballpark.

• To donate to the Shannon Stone Memorial Fund, please visit: https://secure.mlb.com/tex/community/shannon_stone_fund.jsp

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The win for the Cardinals combined with the Braves loss means the St. Louis Cardinals clinch the NL Wild Card.  The Cardinals clinched the spot by winning 23 of their last 32 games played.  The Braves had an eight and half game lead over the Cardinals on September 2nd.

AL:
Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles:  This game was moving right along until the seventh inning.  With the Red Sox leading 3-2, rain moved into Baltimore and caused a rain delay that lasted over an hour. The Orioles were down to their last out in the bottom of the ninth with Jonathan Papelbon on the mound for the Red Sox.  Papelbon gave up two doubles and a single allowing Baltimore to score two runs and win the ballgame.  Boston’s hopes now rested on what happened in the game between the New York Yankees and the Tampa Bay Rays.

New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays:  This game got ugly early and by the eighth inning, the Rays were losing 7-0.  Powered by Evan Longoria’s three-run homer, the Rays scored six runs in the 8th.  The Rays followed that inning by scoring a run off the bat of Dan Johnson, who hit a solo home-run in the bottom of the 9th with 2 outs.  This game was going extra innings.  In the bottom of the 12th inning, moments after Baltimore beat Boston, Evan Longoria stepped to the plate and hit a walk-off home-run. The Rays beat the Yankees 8-7.

The win for the Rays, combined with the loss by the Red Sox, means the Tampa Bay Rays will represent the American League in the playoffs as the wild card winner.  For the Red Sox, their winter started much earlier than they wished.  The Red Sox had a nine game lead over the Rays on September 3rd.

This was by far the most exciting night of baseball I have experienced in my life.  Some are calling this the best night ever in MLB.  The Cardinals and the Rays had very little chance of making the playoffs just a few weeks ago and tonight they both stamped their tickets.  Tonight was a great one for MLB and for the regular season to end this way is just amazing.  The Good In Sports congratulates the St. Louis Cardinals and the Tampa Bay Rays for their postseason births.  We also salute MLB for one of the most memorable and exciting evenings of baseball ever.

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Here are Wednesday’s match ups:

NL:
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Atlanta Braves:  7:10 PM ET
Blanton (1-2, 5.03) vs. Hudson (16-10, 3.23)
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Houston Astros:  8:05 PM ET
Carpenter (10-9, 3.59) vs. Myers (7-13, 4.31)

AL:
Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles:  7:05 PM ET
Lester (15-9, 3.49) vs. Simon (4-9, 4.85)
New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays:  7:10 PM ET
TBD vs. Price (12-13, 3.35)

If either race ends in a tie, there will be a one-game playoff on Thursday.  In the National League, St. Louis would host Atlanta and Tampa Bay would host Boston in the American League.

We always like a positive story at “The Good In Sports” and this is not only positive, but exciting at the same time.  There is not much that can beat a good playoff race.  Best of luck to the teams and enjoy game 162.

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Recently, the Arizona Diamondbacks nominated left-handed pitcher Joe Saunders. Saunders was a first round draft pick (12th overall) in 2002 by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He made his Major League debut in 2005 and was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks on July 25, 2010 for Dan Haren and minor leaguers.

Since coming to the Diamondbacks, Saunders has not only made a difference on the field, but off the field as well. Saunders and his wife, Shanel, founded “Team Saundo” in 2009 and the “Team Saundo Backpack Program” earlier this year. Team Saundo assists people battling life threatening illnesses and gives them an opportunity to see a ballgame. Not only do individuals get to see a game, Saunders meets with each person before the game.

The backpack program provides less fortunate children with school supplies and other needs for the school year. Through June 5, 2011, the program had purchased 2,000 backpacks and collected $3,500 worth of donations. Saunders does not stop there either; he also contributes to other organizations like the “Baseball Assistance Team” and the “East Valley Women’s League”.

The Good In Sports salutes Joe Saunders for all he does for the community and proudly awards him with a Gold Star.

• To see all the nominees and vote for the 2011 Roberto Clemente Award, visit web.mlbcommunity.com. Voting ends on October 8th.
• Follow Saunders on Twitter @TeamSaundo.

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The Good In Sports congratulates Matt Kemp for his dedication to the Los Angeles Dodgers and Major League Baseball.

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Via the Tampa Bay Rays: The Rays Baseball Foundation and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association’s Educational Foundation (FRLA) are teaming up for the annual “Shirts Off Our Backs” promotion. The promotion will run throughout the final Rays homestand (September 23-28).  Proceeds will benefit both foundations supporting youth and education programs.

There will be over 300 volunteers on hand, wearing blue “Shirts Off Our Backs” T-shirts, at Tropicana Field throughout the six-day fundraiser. All fans who donate will receive scratch-off cards giving them the opportunity to win a wide variety of prizes donated by numerous sponsors totaling more than $450,000 in value. Included in the prizes are game-worn jerseys signed by Rays players, which the players will personally present to the winners at the conclusion of the Rays-Yankees game on Wednesday, September 28.

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Rivera’s record is not likely to be broken in our life-time.  The closest active pitcher is Francisco Cordero of the Reds.  He is in his 16th MLB season and has 323 saves.  The Good In Sports salutes Rivera’s accomplishments on and off the field and congratulates him for number 602.

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Is this a team of destiny? What made this more special was watching Jim Leyland lead this team.  Ask his players, they enjoy playing for this man.  That was the case in Pittsburgh, Florida, Colorado and continues today in Detroit.  Things looked as if they could go bad for the team back in Spring Training when Miguel Cabrera was arrested for driving under the influence.  Leyland stood in Cabrera’s corner and helped him during this rough point in his life.  How fitting it was for Cabrera to receive the throw from Inge at third to record the final out against the Athletics.  Minutes later Cabrera got a big hug from Leyland just like every other player on this team.  Leyland, one of the most emotional managers in baseball, had tears in his eyes.

Jim Leyland now has four division crowns on his resume (three with the Pirates and one with the Tigers), two National League Manager of the Year Awards, one American League Manager of the Year Award and has been to two World Series.  He is 1-1 in World Series, winning his first as manager of the Florida Marlins in 1997.  What will become of the 2011 Detroit Tigers?  Stay tuned because with their pitching anything is possible.  Justin Verlander is 23-5 and Jose Valverde is 45 of 45 in save opportunities.

The Good In Sports congratulates Jim Leyland and the Detroit Tigers on their American League Central Division title.

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Royals Wives will collect new and gently-used coats on Friday from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday from 5-7 p.m. outside of the Diamond Club, located across from the Majestic Team Store on the plaza level. Fans are encouraged to donate coats of all sizes – adults, boys, girls, toddlers and infants – as well as winter accessories such as gloves, hats and scarves.

In addition, the wives will sell mystery bags that include a baseball autographed by a Royals player for a $20 donation and player autograph cards for a $10 donation. For details, visit www.royals.com/community.

All items collected and funds raised will benefit Jackets for Joplin, which is being administered by Bright Futures. The grass-roots, community-based program works to create partnerships and utilize community resources to help children while strengthening families and the entire Joplin community.

In addition to supporting the Coat Drive, Royals fans can continue to support the Joplin relief effort by texting “REDCROSS” to 90999 to donate $10 to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Fans are encouraged to visit www.royals.com/joplin for more details on the club’s disaster relief efforts and updated information on how they can help.

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“On behalf of the entire New York Yankees organization, we would like to express our support to all of those affected by Hurricane Irene here at home on the East Coast and those affected by the devastating wildfires in Texas,” said New York Yankees General Partner and Vice Chairperson Jennifer Steinbrenner Swindal. “We are eager to support the efforts of wonderful organizations like the Red Cross and Salvation Army who are already on the ground making a difference in so many lives. Our hearts and prayers are with all those suffering during this difficult time as they begin the process of rebuilding.”

The Yankees are sending $100,000 ($50,000 a piece for the Salvation Army and the Red Cross) for hurricane relief efforts and $25,000 ($12,500 a piece for the Salvation Army and the Red Cross) for Texas Wildfire relief.  For their generosity and goodwill “The Good In Sports” salutes the New York Yankees with a Gold Star.

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Since its outset, the Grand Kids Foundation has given back more than $80,000 to schools and programs across the country through funds both raised and donated. Because there are no overhead costs, the foundation is able to give away 100% of the proceeds. The foundation’s proceeds go to purchase school supplies for youth in need, as well as purchase supplies and books for schools whose funds are not enough to fulfill the need. In accordance with the mission and vision of the Grand Kids Foundation, proceeds also go to establish and purchase equipment for baseball programs in inner cities.

In 2009 Granderson wrote and published a children’s book, All You Can Be: Dream It, Draw It, Become It!, that chronicled stories of his childhood and encourages children to follow their dreams. All royalties from the book are given directly back to the foundation. The book includes artwork from fourth grade contest winners in Michigan.

The Grand Kids Foundation has plans to expand and provide grants to schools for art programs, field trips and educational computer supplies in the future.

Because of his continued support and philanthropic efforts of youth education, Granderson was awarded the MLBPA Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award in 2009, and has been nominated three times for the Roberto Clemente Award – twice in Detroit and once in New York. For this, we also award Curtis Granderson with a  well-deserved Gold Star!

• For more information, please visit: http://grandkidsfoundation.org/

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Via the Indians: The Indians donated $5 of each ticket sold by the participating non-profit organization back to the Charity. Also, $1 from every overall ticket sold for today’s game was donated to Our Lady of the Wayside. The current in-kind donation total is $508,601with 11 out of 13 area non-profit organization participating in Fill the House for Charity!

The Indians also provided promotional support to help raise awareness for the Charity and its event date. This included radio and TV network promotions, a webpage dedicated to Fill the House for Charity− indians.com/fillthehouse− inclusion in the game day’s Batter Up! program, a scoreboard feature showcasing the organization, various Indians autographed auction items and inclusion in pregame activities.

Included in pregame festivities was Geno, a resident at the Lakewood OLW, who fulfilled his 30-year old dream and threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Danielle Danburg sang the national anthem and Dominic Zido as the “play ball” kid.

Another great job by our friends in Cleveland!

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Ocean View Little League, representing the West and the U.S. in the Little League World Series, became world champions after a 2-1 victory against the Japanese team from Hamamatsu City on August 28. Ocean View’s victory marked the sixth time in the last seven years that the U.S. has won the title, but the first time a team from Orange County became world champions.

Great work, LA! How cool! Not only do they get to see a game, they get to see LA vs SF!

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So he has combined both into the driving forces behind his charity foundation, The Pujols Family Foundation. And this isn’t just some foundation for show – The Pujols Family Foundation is one of the more active charity endeavors you’ll ever come across, whether it’s hosting a celebrity golf outing for nine straight years, to taking kids and their parents on a fishing trip, to heading down to the Dominican Republic once a year to see firsthand how his contributions are bettering the lives of others.

Another driving force behind Pujols’ charity is his faith. Indeed, faith is one of the three tenets of his foundation’s vision statement: “In the New Testament we are called ‘to look after orphans and widows in their distress’ (James 1:27 NIV). We will live out our faith by improving the standard of living and quality of life for impoverished children and orphans in the Dominican Republic through our outreach to the most impoverished communities and villages.”

The two other tenets of the vision statement are Family and Others:

Family: “We did not choose Down syndrome. Down syndrome chose us.” … Our goal is to promote awareness, provide hope and create supportive and memorable events for the families and children who live with Down syndrome.

Others: At the core of the Pujols Family Foundation is the belief that every person is special in the sight of God. We will strive to provide extraordinary experiences for people with disabilities and/or life threatening illnesses. ….

The events that the Pujols Foundation supports are as wide and varied as the talents Pujols brings to the ball yard. For instance, in October, the foundation is hosting “Autumn Prom,” an invite-only event for people with Down Syndrome to get dressed up and dance the night away.

In Dec., he and his wife, Deidre, are hosting “O’Night Divine,” a Christmas celebration at the Chase Park Plaza in St. Louis.

And a recent event featured a private gathering at Grant’s Farm on a Monday (when the park is usually closed), allowing nearly 900 people to come and go throughout the day and experience all that the park has to offer.

Grant’s Farm is the 281-acre ancestral home of the August Busch family, housing more than 900 animals of approximately 100 different species. Former President U.S Grant founded and farmed a portion of the acreage in the 1850s, giving the park its name.

And, for the past four summers, the foundation has partnered with local grocery chain, Dierbergs Markets, to offer cooking classes to young people with Down Syndrome and their parents. This year’s menu included a BLT salad, barbecue chicken-melt subs, and taco tater sticks. More than 250 people attended this summer’s eight “Batter-up Cooking Experience” programs.

Because of the level of hands-on involvement that Pujols is showing to causes near and dear to his heart, we are honored to award Albert and the entire foundation a Gold Star. And we’re sure that while Pujols’ address may change next year, his caring and support of those around him will only continue to grow.

• For more information on the foundation, please visit http://www.pujolsfamilyfoundation.org, which includes a blog, a quarterly newsletter, and information on upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.
• Special thanks to Lory Ankiel for bringing up this foundation for a Gold Star!

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BCF Week featured seven days of activities at Miller Park and in the community.  BCF’s focused areas of interest are Health, Education, Recreation and Basic Needs, and the week’s activities supported and created awareness for initiatives related to these causes.

Among the highlights of the week-long activities was an “Ultimate Auction” that offered one-of-a-kind memorabilia items and unique experiences.  The auction alone raised over $28,000.  “An Evening with Hank Aaron” hosted by Hall of Famer Hank Aaron and “The Pink Tie Guy” hosted by Brewers Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Melvin also were among the activities.

Through Brewers Community Foundation, the Brewers continue with their pledge to serve as leaders in the community.  Brewers Community Foundation harnesses the pride, passion and commitment of Brewers fans, players and other supporters to positively impact the lives of children and their families in Greater Milwaukee and Wisconsin.

Kudos to the Brewers for continuing to do great things for their community!

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I noticed that although he always had a mitt, I had never seen either a ball or a

Every now and then, we are fortunate enough to come across a story about a unique individual
who, without even knowing it, profoundly touches our lives in powerful ways. Several months
ago, we at The Good in Sports found such a story and individual and what happened next was
simply awesome.

Through the exquisite writing of Angie Smith, author of the blog “Bring on the Rain,” we
and hundreds of others around the country were introduced to Norris, a 32 year old man with
Down syndrome who loves the Atlanta Braves and lives for baseball. Angie’s narrative on
Norris shows us a very special kid at heart whose fierce love of the game teaches us that
greatness comes from within and that winning is a mindset as much as it is an outcome. We
were incredibly moved by both Norris’ heart and his unwavering passion for America’s favorite
pastime.

The Good in Sports wanted to do something special. We learned that Norris’ dream was to
one day play with the Atlanta Braves. What began as a simple quest to try to get a very special
Braves fan an official jersey, blossomed into something bigger than we could have ever hoped
for. We reached out to the Atlanta Braves and they reached back with big hearts and extreme
generosity. The Braves invited Norris and his family to Atlanta for an exclusive experience with
the team.

When Norris and his family arrived at Turner Field, they were brought down to the field to take
batting practice with the team. Atlanta Braves infielder Brooks Conrad presented Norris with
his very own official jersey with his name on it and welcomed him to the team. For this day,
Norris was an Atlanta Brave. While on the field, Norris met Rookie of the Year contender Craig
Kimbrel, Dan Uggla, and Martin Prado, who gave Norris one of his wristbands. Following
batting practice, Norris and his family experienced a behind the scenes tour of the stadium and
then enjoyed a great win by the Braves as they defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 8-1. Norris
was in the stands when one of his favorite players, Dan Uggla, hit two homeruns.

The Braves made one very special fan’s lifelong dream come true and gave him an experience
he will never forget. Norris was an Atlanta Brave and, on that day, a star. It was a priceless
gift and a spectacular reward for someone whose childlike innocence, determination, love of the
game, and belief in himself is an inspiration to ballplayers of all ages.

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On July 15, 2011, the Houston Astros started to select one veteran for each home game for the remainder of the season as their veteran of the day.  This veteran is given two tickets to the Astros game, and $15 that can be spent at the ballpark.  The seats that the veteran is given isn’t just for any two seats though.  The seats are specifically designed with a patriotic theme in order to be easily recognized and honored at the game.  Fans are given the opportunity to nominate their favorite veteran to be awarded these tickets on the Houston Astros’ website.

In honor of their tribute to veterans, not just on a one-time basis but for the rest of the season, we here at The Good In Sports would like to honor the Houston Astros franchise with a Gold Star.  We believe strongly in patriotism, and nothing is more American than patriotism and baseball.

• To nominate a veteran to be honored, please visit the Houston Astros’ website here.

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The Loney’s Lounge Video Game Party is a community initiative started by the first baseman where he invites several of his teammates to join the group of kids from RBI-LA. The event is in its fourth season and was created by Loney, who is an RBI alumnus and an active gamer.

How cool is this initiative? Kudos for Loney for using this avenue to connect with kids!

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Copyright © 2011 The Good in Sports, Inc. All rights reserved.

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