I just wanted to say 'Thank You", regardless of what happens tonight. I have a sneaking suspicion this may be the last time we as media and fans ever get to see you pitch, and I wanted to make sure I got these thoughts out on paper before you go. No, I am not a member of Red Sox Nation, in fact seeing you get traded for Carl Pavano and the equivalant of three bags of baseballs still angers me, and knowing that you were acquired for Delino Deshields makes me smile. I was an Expos fan, and I remember the things you did for that team. You were the shining light in a stadium that had seen many come and go. Many like to forget you won the Cy Young in 1997, but I consider that one of the last great moments in Expos history. The moment I remember most didn't happen in Montreal. It was Saturday, August 30th, 1997, in a little place called Yankee Stadium.
Watching the Yankees/Expos game on WPIX, you completely handcuffed the defending champs in that day. Your pitching line was excellent, not a perfect game or anything, but it was the first time I saw you pitch against the big boys of the AL and knew how special of a pitcher you were. I am sorry the Expos were owned by cheapskate morons and traded you to a city that spent years alternating between moaning and loving you (don't get all revisionist history on me Red Sox Nation, you guys had the exact same love/hate relationship with Pedro that you did with Manny Ramirez, the only difference is Pedro hasn't been busted for PED's. Heck, they have both knocked down old men). You delivered for them, though, and you brought Red Sox baseball to a level many had hoped for for years. So tonight, when you walk into the Bronx, albeit the new stadium, and you take the mound, realize you aren't just pitching for Phillies fans, Red Sox fans, or anti-Yankee fans, you are pitching for Expos fans. With that I say 'Viva Le Expos!". Turn back the clock tonight, and make it feel like August 30th, 1997 again. Give 'em hell Pedro, give'em hell.
0 comments:
Post a Comment