Ladies and gentlemen is
accompanied by the Lord Ford
High School Choir and the Christ
Tabernacle Choir from Brooklyn
C. C. was accompanied by the
North more high school choir and
the Christ Tabernacle Choir of
Brooklyn in center field.
We welcome 34 midshipmen of the
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in
Kings Point Long Island
representing the giant U.S. flag
for tonight's ceremony.
Now with our groups representing
many of the brave committed men
and women who've been working
long difficult hours as part of
the rescue efforts going on at
the World Trade Center.
Please welcome members of the
NYPD Port Authority police
department New York state port
officers the San Francisco Fire
Department Station 1 National
Disaster Medical System anymore
New York hospital in Queens St.
John's Queens Hospital Mary
Immaculate Hospital EMS Division
and New York University Downtown
Hospital.
These rescue workers are joining
the Big in and around the dying
flag in the same way that
Americans from all walks of life
have come together to help in
the wake of these tragic events.
At this time we ask that you
please direct your attention to
Diamond Vision for a special
message from the New York Mets
to be followed by a moment of
silence and a 21 gun salute in
memory of those who are no
longer with us.
Every American was shocked by
the disastrous events of
September 11th but for New
Yorkers this attack was even
more personal.
Many of us have families where
other loved ones that were
touched by the tragedy and all
of us know someone among the
thousands of brave committed
volunteers and rescue personnel
who have come together in lower
Manhattan.
And at this time we ask that you
please rise remove your caps and
join us in a moment of silence
reflection and prayer in memory
of the victims in support of
their families.
And on behalf of everyone who
has been hurt by these attacks
please remain standing for the
singing of the Star Spangled
Banner which was written by
Francis Scott Key.
One hundred and eighty seven
years ago today our national
anthem will be performed tonight
by Mark Anthony see by the
dawn's early light What so
proudly we hailed At the
twilight's last whose broad
stripes and bright stars through
the sky or the ramparts we
watched Were so gallantly
streaming And the rocket's red
the bombs bursting GAVE PROOF
THROUGH THE NIGHT THAT AFTER
THAT.
WHO SAY DOES THAT STAR SPANGLED
BANNER YET for the mother of
three a moving tribute here at
Shea Stadium.
Somber at the appropriate
moments and also in other
appropriate moments.
It had the sense of a revival.
Chants of USA from the crowd
here at Shea a standing ovation
given earlier to the mayor Rudy
Giuliani.
And then when members of the
police department and the fire
department and emergency medical
technicians and the Port
Authority of New York and New
Jersey Police Department came on
the field their efforts were
recognized and the celebration
goes on in tribute to those
hundreds whose lives have
already been playing to the
thousands who remain still
listed as missing but for whom
hopes of survival become dimmer
by the hour.
Over six thousand people are
still listed as missing.
Fans on their feet a cry of USA
now beginning from the upper
decks flags waving proudly signs
and banners everywhere.
And now another stirring round
of applause for the Color Guard
as it departs the centerfield
gate preceded by the New York
Police Department nightmares.
It's not just a wonderful pain
here tonight at Shea Stadium his
baseball comes back to New York
for the first time since the
tragic events of September 11.
More applause is some Mets go
out to the field to loosen up in
preparation of this game.
Mike Piazza out there Jay Payton
mets.
Many of them still in the dugout
how he rose.
I didn't know what to expect
tonight.
I thought perhaps there would be
more tears than there were.
But it turns out there were more
jeers than I thought it was a
combination event tonight.
I think Manny to this point it's
very much a cathartic event.
As much as anything else and
Mayor Giuliani has had so much
to do with initiating the
healing process never mind just
keeping people's minds as stable
as possible under the
circumstances will you please.
Well hello love the New York
Fire Department.
He Ghazi Terry and Mary from the
Port Authority Police Department
Richard mentally and from
National Disaster Medical System
to be more.
Senator Dodd said honorary
catchers are Robin Ventura John
Franco and Todd zeal and how
lighter gentlemen do.
It's your mentioning and ladies
and gentlemen is a moment with
us tonight.
Tonight seated behind a plane
the hardest thing was John City
Council Speaker Peter Malone and
New York City Mayor Rudy
Giuliani.
And now ladies and gentlemen
it's up to thousands who lives
in New York Max now Mayor
Giuliani once again receiving
such warm support from everyone
not only here in the ballpark
but I think around the rest of
the nation Ralph because really
the mayor of New York City the
mayor of Los Angeles maybe
Chicago have always been to an
extent these national figures
but never more so I don't think
than in the wake of this tragedy
and what really Jim Rudy
Giuliani has done to help begin
the healing process has been
nothing short of heroic.
Above and beyond a season that
started with such a happy note
of raising the national league
championship flag another day
here and now down to our
celebration here today of the
rejuvenation of New York.
You just saw a banner honoring
the New York Police Department
the Fire Department.
You've also got to acknowledge
the wonderful efforts of
everyone else who have been
involved notably the Port
Authority Police the EMS people.
And I think it's safe to say
certainly this comes under as
sad a set of circumstances as
you can imagine.
But the respect the admiration
and I don't think it's a stretch
to say even almost universal
love directed towards those
agencies the police in
particular is unprecedented in
the history of New York City
maybe in the United States
because this has been such a
national disaster now the
regrouping of our country and
getting back to wherever we were
getting back right now to what
is at hand at sea.
Most important game the New York
Mets have to play in this
season.
Well the crowd seems pretty well
prepared for baseball.
I'm not sure that mentally
everyone here might have felt
that way even Monday Tuesday and
Wednesday watching.
But right now the Mets start
play just five and a half games
out of first place.
And so Bobby Cox the manager of
the Atlanta Braves presents this
starting lineup it's brought to
you by bud.
That's Marcus Giles the rookie
second baseman followed by Julio
Franco the returning veteran and
then Chipper Jones Brian Jordan
Ken Caminiti Andrew Jones Harvey
Lopez Ray Sanchez and Jason
Marchi from Staten Island.
Ironically enough the starting
pitcher for the Atlanta Braves
and that's the batting order
that will go after Bruce Chinn a
former break and Bruce comes in
with a record of three and one
for the New York Mets and he has
a way to have a big season on
his shoulders get some money.
He had boardwalks and it's not a
good outing on September 8th.
He has a wonderful pick out move
the best on our staff and we're
about set to go and Houston
started the ball game for the
New York Mets and notably Chan
and everyone else connected with
the New York Mets terms of
uniformed personnel wearing
those camps that pay tribute
Chen's case to the fire
department or the police
department or the Port Authority
police.
And there's an interesting story
brewing behind that as well as
Giles takes ball one from Bruce
chin and that is that the Mets
would like to continue to wear
these caps for the rest of the
season.
Now Major League Baseball
mandates that uniforms and all
caps and accessories conform to
strict requirements.
And so they've needed to receive
special permission to wear these
caps permission that we are told
is scheduled to be discontinued
after tonight.
But there are some defiant
people in that Mets dugout who
say that no matter what Major
League Baseball MLB properties
might say they want to wear
those caps for the remainder of
the season.
So it'll be interesting to see
what results two balls and one
strike to Marcus Giles and chin
misses with a slider down and in
three balls in one strike Giles
the fifty third round pick of
the Braves back in 1996 but he's
since the big leagues this year
and has had a very productive go
of it.
It's off the glove of Piazza
four ball four and Giles might
not have realized it at first
takes his time getting down to
first base but the walk gives
the Braves a lead off base right
to bring up Julio Franco the
Mets defensively brought to you
by New York Lotto teachers zeal
at first with Alfonso at second
the third baseman Robin Ventura
and at shortstop Ray or don't
years in the outfield see Yoshi
Shin Joe is left with J Payton
in center and around in right
it's Matt Lutton So here's Julio
Franco taking on the inside
corner four strike one is really
a difficult thing to look at to
do Franco farmer Matt the
retired from baseball went down
to Mexico and played and then
was brought back to the Mexican
leagues bad Latin he a motion
this night has got to be
extremely difficult on a player
like Bruce chin he is not a
veteran he's new to the Mets and
so he has overcome that and
apart from the circumstances
surrounding this game it's just
the challenge of chin facing his
former teammates as he slips a
fastball pass Franco to go in to
the only stance that Chan has
made this year against Atlanta
came while with the Philadelphia
Phillies and that did not go
well back that was his last
start as a Philadelphia Phillies
he went to innings and gave up
seven hits and seven runs he's
trying to prove
something to his former team he
was ahead of Julio Franco who
stays alive Franco a dominating
batter for the Cleveland Indians
and then acquired by the Mets
and never could quite put it all
together he had some injuries
while with the Mets was happy to
be in New York his home area and
then out of baseball and played
in Mexico had a great year and
Mexico this year and brought
back to the majors by the Braves
picks a big cut there it is
Julio Franco who last had played
in the major leagues with just
one game one at bat for Tampa
Bay two years ago back Franco
and also played for the same
team that Bobby Valentine
managed in Japan cheap a lot of
team back in nineteen ninety
five while the ball not hit hard
and a perfect setup for a double
play good play by zeal an easy
out for the double play starting
to return to normal.
Chipper Jones hearing it from
the fans that he founds the
first pitch back no balls one
strike the chipper.
Now the big year for Jones 36
homers 94 runs batted in Jones
now playing left field for the
Braves their entire infield
right now is different from
where it was at the beginning of
the year.
Breaking ball.
Oh and two different jobs has
hit 300 against in medicine
eight to his last six seasons.
Twenty six this season three
ninety five last year.
Four hundred and ninety nine
three fifty six and then the 8 3
7 and ninety seven and eight and
ninety six.
He has been the toughest batter
for the Mets over that period of
time.
That's just a little more than a
half season.
Eighty six games with the pro
right.
Those numbers they come out to
be something very special.
Chipper on a twelve game hitting
streak but Bruce Chan ahead of
him on the count with two out
nobody on just getting started
at Shea behind the fastball is a
wall against left and pitching
has hit three forty eight with
six home runs.
Is it better in the home run
department against right hand
pitching shoe is a better and
stronger hitter from the left
hand side of the plate breaking
ball and the count two balls and
two strikes Braves come in
having salvaged the final game
of the series that they played
with the Phillies last night at
Veterans Stadium they lost the
first three inviting the
Phillies to stay right on their
heels.
Philadelphia starts play tonight
just a game and a half behind
Bobby Cox in the Atlanta Braves.
The Mets are five and a half
back six in the lost column and
then will run the council.
Phillies had the better of the
schedule down for the remaining
games Alina has six games with
the Mets and penalties had the
easier way to the National
League Eastern time.
They've got games left against
Florida 10 and 2 against the
Marlins.
So a payoff pitch on the way
from Walk the Line drive double
play and then Chipper Jones
looking and the brains are done
in the first Atlanta doesn't
score the Mets.
Coming right up MLB at home as
presented by Scots who knows
that some of the best games are
played in the backyard Scots
grow more good the Atlanta
Braves did not score top of the
first inning.
So here come the Mets to face
Jason Maki out of Staten Island
and for New York.
Matt Lawton will lead off in
right field followed by a Gano
Alfonzo at Second the Mets
batting order brought to you by
four and then Piazza Venturi him
Joe Zito Payton or Dhoni is and
chin now Jason Maki out of
Huntsville High School in Staten
Island Ralph and a record of
three in eight earned an average
of four point two for CBS and
the nation.
Scott reporter was born in
Manhasset good fastball and mid
90s hard cider stands up and
he's had the worst run support.
And when a pitcher in the Major
Leagues.
How bad.
Just two point eight runs per
game that he started this being
his 14th start of the year.
No other pitcher in Major League
Baseball has had the last run
scored for him.
Then he has and the fastball
tipped by lost McCown 0 and 2
for Jason Markey.
The emotions have to be running
awfully high tonight as well
because one of the firefighters
missing in the world trade
center attack Michael Cammarata
was a teammate of Jason Mark.
He's on the South Shore Little
League team which played to the
1991 Little League World Series
difficult night for Jason Markey
in particular.
That's like the laugh Chipper
Jones hesitated before coming on
to make the catch.
The thing about Jason is in fact
he'd played in that championship
game here at Shea Stadium.
He grew up as a Yankee fan.
Well obviously nobody in this
ballpark holding that against
him tonight.
Now with the reception that
Mayor Giuliani received 1995 and
1996 Markey pitched Titan Ville
High Staten Island to straight
New York City championships so
Alfonzo back in business after
the injured finger one ball
those strikes to funds.
He was batting average creeping
up to a more respectable 248.
But one thing that looks pretty
apparent Ralph is that his bat
his swings seemed to be
virtually pain free to his reign
and much better person has hit
well in the last month or the
year and at said a few games bad
finger and that did.
But then he's got to get the
swing back.
Could you tell.
Almost by looking at his swing
the difference between when the
back was hurting and when it's
not no question about it he
could tell because it is moving
so early in the and the pits on
the way he can.
He now is staying back and
hitting the ball like he did in
his good years with the Mets.
Very encouraging sign because
Fonzie of course will have
several months to wrest that
back and get it as close to a
hundred percent as possible
before next spring training.
They were at one point wondering
whether or not Alfonzo would be
able to finish this season.
Two balls and a strike with
Piazza waiting on deck on the
outside corner good pitch by
marquee its 2 and 2 Alfonso
didn't like that call at all
while a bell is a home plate
umpire on the count even knew
Alfonso when he hits it out to
right field should be easy for
Brian Jordan and that's the
second out.
So a couple of fly balls against
marquee here on the first down
Mike Piazza.
You know Mike's all right.
After a season which has also
been punctuated with various
Nixon bruises on the one hand
home run and Pittsburgh earlier
in the week he on runs in that
series and one of them turned
the game around to the Mets
Favre and Mike has really become
a New York area.
No it is a graze worn in Jersey
New Jersey has been the
spokesman for the Mets
throughout this catastrophe.
He does live fairly close to the
site lower Manhattan two balls
no strikes to Piazza many of the
Mets including Piazza have
visited the site and visited
with various agencies and
representatives of those who
have been affected by the attack
pounded South Park just
yesterday.
Bobby Valentine John Franco Al
Leiter Todd.
Robin Pantera John Sterns and
Mets PR director J.
Hollis all went downtown with
out any fanfare or attention.
No cameras were around but the
hard hats on went right deep
into the site at ground zero as
you would imagine.
Each man and talking to them
today very profoundly affected
by the sea.
How could you not be.
John's son plays Little League
for a coach who apparently has
been lost in the attack.
Full count now to Piazza but I
will say Ralph that in talking
to players and just being around
the scene today there seems to
be some semblance of an upswing
in the general mood and demeanor
of the players from what it
appeared to be in Pittsburgh
earlier in the week.
Time does heal wounds.
It's going to take a long time
but gradually you see the
reaction getting better all the
time.
Breaking ball the outside is way
to second as Chipper Jones makes
the slow approach marketed want
to throw him a 3 2 fastball and
he still got burned right down
the line and by femininity and
not played too well by Jones and
pats able to get a two base hit
out of hard ground ball.
Jones is playing in that the
basic game was a shortstop and
then moved to third base Amina
who was inspired by the braids
in the Latin part of this season
and taken over with her third
base.
Jones going to day after you.
Then Tara going after the first
pitch no balls one strike to
Robert one hit that he had and
Pittsburgh was a homerun.
And Terrell with a off year and
he is an important cog to this
ballclub 20 home runs 55 runs
but then hitting that to 30 and
he is a backup man too.
Piazza exactly a thousand rubies
for Robin van der 1001 waiting
at second base things about the
way the winner of the division
is determined is that if you
played only the teams and kind
of the games and your division
the Mets would be in first place
the Phillies would be in second
and the Braves would be in third
where the games played against
the clubs in your own division
like they do in football.
So Marky with a fastball strikes
out Robin van turn and the Mets
are done in the first two out
double by Piazza who's stranded
at second one in the bucks no
score.
We are back at Shea Stadium
among those in attendance
tonight.
Mayor Rudy Giuliani who has been
such a source of inspiration and
strength for so many people
during this trying time and
first off.
Mr. Mayor congratulations on the
yeoman effort that you have
performed.
What did tonight's ceremony
tribute mean to you and what did
you think it meant to those in
New York and in the area.
It meant great recognition for
our police officers and
firefighters or EMS workers and
port authority police ever.
Everyone I know how much it
means to them.
And I particularly wanted to be
here because I thought what the
Mets did the other night in
wearing our hats.
It was just a wonderful
wonderful thing it uplifted the
spirits of thousands of people
who were working at the site at
a time in which they absolutely
needed to have their spirits
uplift.
And I just thought it was one of
those beautiful human things I
had seen.
Well and this entire tribute in
what the Mets have done all week
long has been very heartfelt.
I know Wally Bell the home plate
umpire came over to you after
the first batter Marcus Giles
was up and gave you a baseball.
Was that all about he said
Please give it to somebody that
where it would be important and
I said we're going to give it to
one of the one of the children
at the Family Center who's lost
their lives lost their father
and we'll find someone we'll get
the Mets I'm sure to sign it.
Well well very well.
Again a very nice gesture by
Wally Bell and of course you
will make sure that that gets
done.
This might be the loudest amount
of cheers you were received at
Shea Stadium.
I told Pete of long before that
things will be back to normal
when they booming Chester County
Yankee fan you know and they all
know it and they give me.
Usually when I walk in here they
start yelling things like go
back to the Bronx go back to the
brothers.
I happen to root for the Mets in
the National League.
I'm rooting for them big time
although I did go over and shake
hands with everybody from the
Atlanta Braves.
I mean that was one of the
thing.
One of the points that I think
we want to make is that America
is together 1000 percent
together.
Atlanta and New York every place
now we get on on the baseball
field we're gonna be there.
That's the way it should be
between the lines of the Mets
looking for victory.
Do you think they can pull off
this improbable some say
impossible dream heavily
praying.
I know I told Bobby Valentine
that and I told Jeff Wilpon that
this would be an absolutely
wonderful thing.
I think if they can do it.
But the mere fact that we're
back and we're having baseball
we have so many people in the
stands and this is the way life
gets back to normalcy.
And they have to.
People have to enjoy the parts
of life that are good.
You can't concentrate just on
the tragedy.
Without a doubt life does move
on in an unbelievably trying
time.
Speaking to some of the players
some of the fans they're not
concerned clearly by their
attendance here well the players
had to be here.
But the fans attendance here by
security concerns anything
extraordinary that had to be
done.
I mean the city is so used to
handling so many situations so
perhaps greater than anything we
can we take extraordinary
precautions now about
everything.
So if there's a gathering we
have more police we do more
surveillance.
We do more looking at just
natural in the wake of a tragedy
like that we do it whether it's
here or it's a church service or
a synagogue service.
So yeah there was a little extra
there will there will be
probably for some time.
But it's so wonderful that these
people in such large numbers
have the confidence to come out
and defend them.
This will encourage other people
now to go out and do the things
they should.
All right.
Two quick things one I should
point out that Council president
Peter Valone is a few seats away
and I apologize.
A When I met him last year.
Well perhaps he can win one from
you in what would be an
unbelievable Subway Series.
The final question for me sir is
what if people still wanted to
do something.
What do you tell them.
When I tell them to do it.
They have special expertise.
They should volunteer and
volunteer at the Family Center.
Volunteer at the Javits Center
if they if they if they can if
they can help if they have
expertise in the area.
But if they if there's nothing
else they can do.
In addition maybe making a
donation to one of the charity
by the Twin Towers charity or
the charities that will get
money directly to the families.
They can just go about their
lives.
I mean go back out to
restaurants go to stores go to
movies go to plays Go go back
out there and lead your life
because it says to the terrorist
cowards who attacked us that
they're not going to stop us.
We're going to mourn and we're
going to feel grief but we're
going to lead our lives.
They're not going to stop a
democracy.
Mr. Mayor you've given so much
of your time so many people want
some of your time I appreciate
you're giving some of it to us.
This is the national pastime
that means a lot.
And I think we probably learned
that when they went back the
other night and everybody was
wearing the cap.
It had an electrifying effect.
Well for everyone in New York
and in the area graduations to
the Mets their extraordinary
humanity and generosity is very
much appreciated.
Well Mr. Mayor you have done a
yeoman's job.
Rudy Giuliani here at Shea
Stadium.
We'll take a short break.
We'll come back at the bottom of
the second inning scoreless
between Atlanta and the Mets as
baseball returns to New York New
York Mets baseball is brought to
you by your Tri-State quality
forward store on the five of the
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We'd love to see you smile and
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Office Depot.
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businesses that Office Depot
last of the second at Shea.
Just about everyone in this
ballpark wearing some agency's
heart on its sleeve tonight as
this game is scoreless with Shin
Joe Ziegel and Payton set to
face Jason Markey for the
Atlanta Braves and that's on the
outside corner nothing and one
change out 273 10 homers fifty
one runs batted in no balls two
strikes to see Yoshi Shin Joe
went five out of 10 at
Pittsburgh 1 and 2 encouraging
Ralph as this season has
progressed.
Here we are in September and
Chicago is still getting key
hits and driving in runs and
finally having made some pretty
good adjustments.
One of the things that he had to
adjust to resist disaster right
here in this country.
Tough things about the Japanese
players in there two regular
players from Japan to Japan in
Major League Baseball they do
not go to any endorsing
functions breaking ball got him
there.
And that's the second strikeout
for Jason Markey for what reason
I don't do not know about each
pitcher off to a pretty good
start New York Marriott marquee
pitching matchup features the
work of Jason Markey Bruce Chen
bats have they only hit in the
ball game line but right at
Franco at first and Todd zeal is
gone.
One pitch and then the second
out recorded two out.
Nobody on Jay Payton will be
named Paul zeal took a soft line
graph and turned it to a double
play right here and this ball
hit like a bullet.
Game play by Franco basically as
a second baseman or an
infielder.
I guess you call a first baseman
an infielder but not really a
first baseman Franco hit the
ball that seal caught for the
double play.
But Jay Payton steps in now for
the Mets.
Ralph this Atlanta infield
totally revamped from the one
that opened against the Mets at
Turner Field back in April.
We're on for a second short and
third and no one to J.
Silvio theirs was released.
He was the second baseman.
I feel for Cal a tremendous
young shortstop season ending
injury filed away 0 and 2 unless
Bobby Cox the manager of the
Braves wins 15 of his next to 16
ballgames.
It will be the worst record that
the Braves have had under Bobby
Cox he has had a fantastic
record plus he did a nice job
with the Blue Jays and the
American League as well only
manager in Major League history
with a 10 consecutive season of
five 80 percent or better.
Was Casey Stengel and Bobby Cox
right behind in how they go
around.
No according to the first base
Marty Foster it's two and two
other thing and bad Bobby Cox is
that he leads the league in
being thrown out of the games
this year and thrown out 10
times a couple of nights in
Philadelphia this week.
That Carroll has had the lineup
caught his hand very early last
night here is back to his former
big league catcher and manager
he got fired with his team in
first place.
When you this one things a death
count even to pay two out.
Nobody on here.
Well the center.
ANDREW JOHNS with room sighed
retired three up three down from
the Mets and the second and at
the end of two here at Shea
Atlanta and the Mets remain
scoreless so many people want to
do so much to help and so let's
give you some phone numbers and
locations where you can help
make donations.
National Disaster Relief Fund
had 1 800 HELP NOW.
Of course the Web site at the
top w w w dot Liberty unites dot
org.
The New York State World Trade
Center Relief Fund 1 800 8 0 1 8
0 9 2.
And the United Way September
11th Fund the 2 1 2 2 5 1 4 0 3
5 or 1 800 7 1 0 8 0 0 2.
I'm sure we'll be able to get
that up at some point later in
the game.
Casey didn't have the pencil and
paper handy Ralph this is a
pretty poignant site.
This is a top the scoreboard
where the Mets have long
featured the entire skyline
including the World Trade Center
that has been at least for the
time being memorialized as such
a nice gesture.
Harvey Lopez takes a strike.
Nothing in tune to the Braves
catcher be followed by Ray
Sanchez and Jason Markey.
Will he be the Braves catcher
next year.
Ivy Lopez could become a free
agent.
Layton foul down the right field
but still nothing and two
nineteen ninety five Ivy Lopez
hit scream fifteen the first
brave catcher that hit over 300
since Daughtry went through 15
in 1966 can be pretty sure he
won't catch tomorrow with Maddox
pitching still owing to Paul
Barkow is pretty much Maddox's
personal catcher this year which
really is to say that anybody
but maybe Lopez over the years
has been Maddox's personal
catches not comfortable pitching
to still nothing and to third
ball fouled off in a row by
Lopez weren't quite a piece of
Piazza other catch his day in
baseball by being a personalized
catcher Ray Sanchez waiting on
deck chin we'll throw that
fastball up and sometimes out of
the strike zone right there he
picks up strike up just that way
bird strike and all three have
been high fastballs he does not
toe that hard but he throws you
that slop drop and that sets up
pass ball which is not really
too much into the pass or not
even in the 90s so Ray Sanchez
picked up from Kansas City to
play shortstop first going went
down with the injury one ball in
those strikes to Sanchez he's
been around with the Cubs the
Yankees the Giants and the
royals and that's it.
Through the whole so Sanchez
delivers the first Atlanta hit
and the Braves with a one out
base runner Jason Markey.
In all likelihood we'll try and
buy him over with Glenn Hubbard
somewhat familiar face former
Braves second baseman now the
first base coach it's
interesting Ralph as emotional
as the crowd was during the
ceremonies and during the first
inning.
Things have quieted down quite a
bit unusual for a Shea Stadium
Brad one ball in those strikes
particularly with the Braves
here particularly with this game
having such significance
relative to the pennant race.
Circumstances have dictated that
people are reacting at their own
pace and terror coming in part
from third and the fans Paul
misses.
So it's 2 and 0 on the pitcher
Jason Markey Well the one thing
you want here you want to make
sure you do get it out.
You want some batter but
certainly don't want to walk
that's a strike two balls and
one strike on marquee.
And again the corners spent
Torah and third zeal at first
becoming hard deal has been
going to the mound and talking
to first gen.
I never bet.
Keith Hernandez taught him
Weltman.
Amy this time zeal had to reach.
This is new to Burstyn.
He hasn't had the games that
were the Mets play this play all
the time on left them pitching
and the first baseman off the
bank.
And there is a signal where he
goes back to the bat when he
does go there and it's done on a
signal not by chance that's low
and it's three and one time Zia
had take it a step back towards
the bag and then dashed down the
line but now it's three ball to
the strike on Jason Maki
marquee.
Not a good hitter.
You would think three and one
but would still be on take maybe
as it takes out if you get a
left hand pitcher marquee does
bunt but it goes foward he's got
another crack it's three to.
The question here is whether or
not the runner would be going
what the pitch Green to can't
and the other question is
whether or not he will swing
away or while they but again
tempted by Markey with a full
swing sounds at that time
Sanchez was not running from
first base close gets caught
between first and second zero
late getting the throw to second
zeal thought the runner was
coming back to first base
Sanchez had started down the
line and then stopped and so
zeal evidently hearing that he
was going to come back to the
back takes the ball to the back
right here you look at Zale he's
thinking that the runner is
going to win back the first and
loses the chance to get the
runner trapped up first.
So in order the sacrifice was
done by the strikeout sacrifice
means give yourself up against
they don't care how you do it.
Jason Markey though will not get
credit for his sacrifice.
But Sanchez does steal second
base so he's in scoring
position.
Now Marcus Giles wanted know
Mike Piazza is going to have a
word with Bruce chant want to
remind you about a scheduling
change as far as the television
schedule is concerned.
Tomorrow's game which was
originally scheduled to be seen
here on FOX Sportsnet has been
changed to the WB Channel Eleven
and so we will next join you on
Fox Sports Net Sunday afternoon
for the final game of this three
game series.
Matlock then we'll start it with
Geico Mets on Dec. 12 30 and
then a little after one o'clock.
Al Leiter will throw the first
pitch he'll face Tommy Glavin
Greg Maddux and Steve Bracks all
tomorrow night.
Wanted to Giles with Sanchez at
second check now with four
strikeouts that he's won and won
the Giles Sanchez not much speed
at second base Chen misses
upstairs with a fastball it's 2
and 1 easy play for lightning
right here and the side retired
so the Braves leave a runner in
scoring position no runs a hit
one left middle of the third
still scoreless this copyright
telecast is presented by
authority of the New York Mets
Sam may not be reproduced or re
transmitted in any form in the
accounts and descriptions of
this game may not be
disseminated without the
expressed written consent of the
New York Mets right here at Shea
no score would go to the last of
the third and a variety of
patriotic signs and displays are
present here in the ballpark
tonight I would estimate upwards
of 40000 plus in the ballpark
tonight obviously it took people
longer than usual to get in
mostly because of the added
security and of course the
parking spots that were taken
away insensitivity the parking
farther away we're not driving
at all and so it was somewhat of
a late arriving crowd as well.
Looks like they'll have forty
thousand or so this fall on the
outside corner to Ray or don't
use is that a good one.
He's played very good baseball
for the Mets in the last couple
of months one and one to Ray
take what he's done over the
last forty seven games.
That's almost a third of the
season and in that stretch he
said 3 0 5 and his head 3 0 2
and this month make that 333
this month Brian Jordan drifting
back and there's one out so I
don't is flies to write five in
a row retired by Jason Markey
and he'll bring up Bruce chin
chance six set of forty three as
a hitter this year adding up to
140 low favorable 10 from Panama
City and Panama 2 and 0.
He was attending classes to get
a engineering degree at Georgia
Tech.
He's of Chinese descent and a
lot of Chinese people emigrated
to Panama to work on the canal.
That's around the time that
Bruce's grandfather made the
trip to Panama only he did work
on the canal cause his family
settled in Panama.
It's where Bruce grew up.
Two balls two strikes with the
greatest hitters of all time in
Japanese baseball was sadder all
scored low eights.
The great home run hitter hit
over 800 home runs and the
Japanese league and he was
right.
Chinese descent third strike out
from our Aki to out.
Nobody answered little more.
Learn a little more about Jason
Maki.
He's the subject of our
Panasonic fast facts 1996
graduate patent bill high school
in Staten Island played baseball
and basketball and was a member
of the National Honor Society.
And his debut on June 6 year ago
down and away to Matt lock and
slide the left field in the
first inning.
Each team where they hit the
outside has it for the Mets.
That was a double.
Ray Sanchez is single for
Atlanta doing and nothing.
Florida and Philadelphia
scoreless as they go to the top
of the sixth inning at the vet
off the inside corner three
balls it's no stretch think
ahead here of Lawton should draw
walk Marky will have to concern
himself no doubt with luck
trying to steal his way to
Second Turkey hits the outside
corner three and one to the hole
blocked by Giles and that
retires the side seven and a
rope and retired by Jason Marchi
let's go in order in the third
Fran Healy we'll take you
through the next three scoreless
and Shea Well back here at Shea
Stadium the Mets in the Braves.
Now we'll take a look at our
Aflac trivia question and
Robinson tour became the fifth
player to record his wasn't
thousand RBI while playing for
the Mets.
Who are the other four Ralph had
to guess I have no clue.
Really had to be someone to
played a while here.
I think clean on Jones is one
strawberry striped v2 by Rusty
Sapp.
He played here long enough to
get a thousand.
Yeah.
Probably.
How about Gary Carter.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Well Julio Franco will lead it
off for the Braves as we go to
the top of the fourth inning no
score.
The Braves and the Mets outside
ball one.
Well Ralph the ceremony before
the ball game was really
something else.
The Mets did a great job.
Dave Howard and his crew here at
Shea Stadium and the big guy Tim
Duncan is about as creative as
you can get along with the video
department helped orchestrate
hear the noise in the background
because New York's great leader
Rudy.
Rudy Giuliani is going to leave
the ballpark what a leader he
is.
Other standing ovation for Rudy
who doesn't get that here at
Shea Stadium because of the fact
he's a Yankee out and out Yankee
fan.
He wants to be a catcher.
You know what if he was a
catcher nobody would call
pitches except him call the
plays.
There's a fly ball to right
field Lutton back.
He makes the out one down by the
way speaking right fielder.
Huge flag out there right field.
It was the Budweiser sign in the
Budweiser sign on the Shea
Stadium main scoreboard has been
replaced by the American flag as
a gesture by Anheuser Busch Inc.
The St. Louis based brewer is
replacing brand advertising on
approximately two hundred and
fifty.
That's two hundred and fifty
outdoor billboards and stadium
signs and that's to express the
pride and resolve the company
feels in the wake of last week's
tragedy pig flag here at Shea
Stadium has replaced the
Budweiser sign that Budweiser
has replaced the sign with that
flag.
Chipper Jones the batter it's
and one.
Jones has got thirty six home
runs in for a long time
Budweiser was the owner the
Ceballos Cardinals deal because
chipper Jones can run and are
doing instead of try to field
the beer handed unable to do so.
Chipper Jones is on first base
with a single Oh not much you
can do about this.
A softball bound just over the
globe the pitcher and grey
trying to make a better hand
grab knowing he had no time at
all and couldn't find the
handle.
Chipper Jones with good speed on
first base and Brian Jordan is
the batter Gordon falls off the
first pitch the ceremony here at
Shea Stadium I'm telling you
about the game you had to have
goosebumps during the ceremony
you're right about the
production was just outstanding
and not a thing was wrong then
so perfectly.
By emotion.
Rudy Giuliani came to the
ballpark to a standing ovation
Swung on and missed no balls and
two strikes right here.
Jim with a fastball and Jordan
right to the balls we right to
it.
So it's a baseball expression
right.
Players 0 and 2 and Brian Jordan
fouls the ball back.
So we'll do it again.
No balls and two strikes
Jordan's got some pop.
He's got 20 home runs eighty two
RBI eyes one then by Jordan.
He's been hurt throughout his
career and he's a great football
player humping a football player
play baseball.
He's head injuries year after
year after year.
Now we know which is a real
difficult tough sport to play.
You said that said you hurt his
shoulders from football and he
said operations.
He's in bad legs and everything.
He used that football to
negotiate some pretty good
contracts in baseball.
Certainly there is a threat to
go back and play pro ball
defensive back that was drafted
by the Buffalo Bills.
There's a drive to center field
chief Payton I'd like to welcome
some people into the booth fire
Captain Stagg.
Poor Timothy stack Paul who died
saving others at the World Trade
Center he only returned to work
six months ago.
He was badly burned and almost
died.
1998.
St. Paul had bought these
tickets for tonight's blog and a
few months ago and an wanted to
bring the family out to Shea
Stadium some want to welcome his
family here at the Mets Braves
game and he's taking some time
away from the wake and Captain
Timothy St. Paul will be buried
on Monday so we get some Mets
fans in the booth pulling
against those Braves right guys
first time up here in the booth.
Don't get too comfortable.
We don't want to be giving up
these headsets.
OK they have those many uniforms
on and they're ready to go.
RALPH these are his future major
league players I've got a
feeling all right.
Do you think we're gonna get
this get met at the Giants of
course their season so he's
gonna madcap it's the best seat
in the house up here they'll be
telling people that these guys
look too comfortable.
Hanging out.
Worry about a foul ball is
coming back here and the first
thing you learn to do is duck
under the tape.
It's one ball one strike and Ken
Caminiti.
He hits a ground ball.
It's fair ball down the right
field line and Chipper Jones is
rounding third they're on the
third to play so the ball hits
Mike Piazza his club and Jones
scores the first run at a ball
game.
So it's 1 nothing in favor of
the Braves.
Well the space hit here is what
you call very to.
It is often the glove zeal of
method diving dry and then throw
in by Alfonso is a perfect job
but bounces a little too close
to batter and blasting away and
the run score is just a shade
too close for Hank to get a
glove on the right position to
make the play.
There was going to be a heck of
a collision right there but it's
one nothing in favor of the
Braves Andrew Jones as the
batter.
He takes strike.
Jones struck on his first time
up in the Philadelphia Phillies
series.
Jones really struggled.
Even Dr. fly ball met.
Yeah it's hard to believe this
is one of the great outfielders
of all time.
It's a ground ball to short or
don't use gloves.
They get Andrew Jones but the
Braves gotta run.
They got a run on a double off
the bat.
Ken Caminiti the Mets trail won
nothing.
As we go to the bottom in the
fourth the new long weekend
lower priced Mets dream week is
your chance to learn laugh and
play online sides.
Well now we're going to tell you
about the new york police and
fire widows children Children's
Benefit Fund P.O. box 3 7 1 3
Grand Central Station New York
New York 1 0 1 6 3.
That's Rusty stop the big orange
and he's done a great job Ralph.
We worked with Rusty and still
occasionally done with the big
fella.
He talks and works extremely
hard.
And it was it didn't start
yesterday.
I've been doing it for years and
has raised over a million
dollars for the plan now working
even harder and raising more
money.
It's a great cause and he is the
guy that started that here in
New York.
Yes so that's Rusty stuff and
Rusty has worked morning noon
and night and unfortunately
people really need to Rusty of
his foundation.
So everybody stepping up in New
York but a feeling unfortunately
every time you get a high about
the feeling of the the
atmosphere you think to the
tragic events of September 11th
it's all a one eyed Fonzie.
It's the fourth inning here at
Shea Stadium.
Big crowd and he had big series.
Somehow it doesn't seem as big.
Go get him with the best of him
makes the grab two men are out.
Check this one out Fonzie
playing the center field by the
way we'd like to pass along the
Mets family would like to pass
along condolences to Lou Newton
family Lou.
Well known real estate man here
in the New York area a friend of
yours Ralph and who passed away
after an illness and the Mets
wanted us to pass along
condolences from everybody out
here at Shea Stadium.
He was a great supporter of New
York City just day everything he
did was for New York or a close
friend of lot of friends of mine
just a wonderful guy.
And the worst drops right now.
Saw Paul again our condolences
to the little Rudin family.
Period where the landmarks here
in New York is swing and a miss
Mike Piazza to One ball two
strikes he had to be followed by
Robinson Tara just outside two
balls and two strikes if you
went back and watch it throw
from the outfield from fancy two
lengthy catches today I think
it's wise Keep the mask on Mike
took the mask off I believe and
sometimes you take that mask off
for the ball bounces I Ralph
everybody took the mask off
great.
I think nowadays the way they
are expressing to the catchers
their home plate right here my
goal is any other way and the
lives is born to right center
field and it's side down by as
the right fielder Brian Jordan
you guards down on the grass and
bats and what the second double
the ballgame and he has the Mets
two hits chance to time again
for Venter was struck out with
perhaps on second his first time
up big crowd and hand first of
three against the Braves the
mayor of New York wanted the
Mets to come back played the
games here Venturi takes up once
again they made the right
decision this it's pretty
heartwarming to see fans are out
here and watching baseball and
the ceremonies were certainly
inspiring Piazza with the lead
the two all pitch pace here
right here the whole PR Ted
Turner reopens in Victoria dives
back to first.
So now let's have runners and
first and let's get back to that
Aflac trivia question Robin
Ventura became the fifth player
to record his 1000 RBI while
playing for the Mets play the
other four.
There they are.
Henderson Keith in the end is
Gary Gardner and George Foster.
It was while playing the man not
playing the match while playing
line.
While playing look at the
defense as usual big game here
in New York.
Electricity throughout the
stadium was a good call by John
Stern's holding parts up at
third base because Brian Jordan
made a perfect go to the cutoff
man and his goal was right on
line for the cats.
Prior at the game tonight Diana
Ross was outstanding.
So was Marc Anthony to general
with the run better than this
sac fly and that's a fan the
game the better be.
Todd's zeal has been hot for the
Mets two home runs in his last
two ball games zeal lined out to
first base his last time up.
He'll be followed by Jake.
Two men are out his zeal takes a
strike chin locked in a favor.
KEYES pitches a strike so it's
only two tugs zeal disagrees
with the home plate umpire Wally
Bell.
While they were certainly close
both pitches in the same
position same spot saw a mix up
on the sides Harvey Lopez has
been tapped to by the pitching
staff with the Braves as far as
his catching is concerned went
out to talk to Marty Jason Marty
good ball movement and zeal hits
right on top.
So it's it stays that no balls
and two strikes three game
series between the Braves and
the Mets if you just tuned in
we're in the fourth inning
they're all tied at 1 the
Phillies and the Marlins zip zip
in the seventh inning at the
bat.
The weird thing about the
Marlins team is taking throw a
pitcher out there that might
give up 10 runs in the first
inning but has the ability to
shut shop for 10 minutes.
You just don't know what you're
going to get when you face the
Marlins.
They're going to have quite an
impact on this race and the
Phillies will have an impact in
this race and the best medicine.
Outside the zeal One ball two
strikes and see what happens
tonight.
Phillies and the Marlins a
Phillies winning three or four
from the Braves can they have a
letdown.
We'll see how their third seal
in the second base with a stand
up double lobbying guys.
Since leaving the zoning to the
mound.
You want to get a perspective on
what could happen this year.
In 1964 the Cardinals won 13
games to play we're in third
place like the Mets are six
games back to the Phillies and
Mets are only five and that that
the Cardinals won 10 of 13.
The Phillies 1 2 and 9 and the
Cardinals won the National
League Championship two of those
three losses.
The Cardinals had more to the
Mets last series at the year and
that's won the first game
Knocking Bob Gibson out of the
box.
They've won the second game of
how Jackson pitching and won
nothing shutout and then led
Gibson coming in the ballgame
and relieved.
The Cardinals won and won the
National League Championship.
Okay Payton will take a strike.
So it's someone in Peyton
Manning to fight the war.
He's got seven home runs but
lately he's back to swinging the
bat ball starting to jump off
his bat again.
Outstanding Play by the veteran
third baseman by medicine.
Tie it up.
Look at that play again.
We're all tied at one.
The Braves and the Mets MLB at
home is presented by Scots who
knows that some of the best
games are played in the
backyard.
Scots grow more good well.
Well folks Today's quote is
brought to you by Tri-State
consumer auto insurance.
Call 800 joined now and you
could save hundreds on auto
insurance and the quote Here's a
quote from Steve Phillips.
Ralph Metz donating salaries
have a tremendous faith in pride
for what my guys and Dan it
makes me proud to be a member of
this organization and I really
say that's true.
From top to bottom in this
organization front office
players everybody and if you
want to help out here it is w
dot Liberty unites dot org
trustee umbrella Web site.
You can see the telephone
numbers National Disaster Relief
Fund 1 800 HELP NOW.
We'll give you those numbers
again.
Harvey Lopez is the batter
swings to a breaking ball for
strike New York State's World
Trade Center Relief Fund 1 800 8
1 8 0 9 2 the United Way.
The September 11th Fund 2 1 2 2
5 1 4 0 3 5 or 1 800 7 1 0 8 0 0
2.
For more information on how to
help.
Visit Liberty unites dot org so
Harvey Lopez the batter and to
Lopez outside one ball and two
strikes now Lopez should know
chin because chin came up at the
Braves but Ralph as a former
Castro container has no effect.
While the cancer crawls of its
is what the pitcher Antonio and
Lopez can hit him.
Picks up a base hit leading off
the fifth inning Ray Sanchez
will be the batter with Harvey
Lopez on first base where
they've done a whale of a job
here at Shea Stadium just a few
days ago.
Please help was working out of
Shea Stadium.
The Mets had a terrific job with
the relief help here at Shea
Stadium.
Applause from the whole Mets
organization Kevin McCarthy.
Susan Lucci they did a great job
here at Shea Stadium.
Hi to Ray Sanchez.
Sanchez is not in a sacrifice
situation here in a tie ball
game with worn one at the
ballgame in the fifth inning
because the pitchers do Up next
1 and 0 and Sanchez could be 2 1
double play or WS top funds
Fonzie 0.
Well good pivot by Alfonso.
Got a lot on the throw on the
double play pulled up the second
one in this ballgame by the Mets
Jason Markey the batter Chin's
pitch is a strike.
So Bruce Chin has to be wired
tonight pitching against the
organization that signed him and
also traded him.
Right.
They also took him through the
minor leagues helped him develop
into a major leaguer and then
obviously lost confidence sent
him to Philadelphia and the
Phillies sent him to New York
while they got a good pitcher
for him.
Yeah.
ALLAN ASHER they they gave him
some talent to get some down
although we didn't pan out.
I mean the player they thought
it was in a left handed pitcher
Young left hander big decision
on the part of the great but
John Charles has done a great
job.
He's done a fantastic job for
the Braves.
They've been an first place in
the National League East for
since 1991.
John Gilbert I'll be right there
Bill.
Bill on the Braves then sold him
to Ted Turner.
He's still chairman of the
company on the Braves and they
moved to Atlanta.
He says he can never get back in
the Rockies.
Well the Braves go back to their
dugout then to the field the
Mets are coming in the Braves go
down a field the score.
We go to the bottom of the fifth
all tied down one New York Mets
baseball is brought to you by
the most award winning brand of
four five towards Fox.
We'd like to remind you there's
been a scheduling change as far
as television is concerned.
Tomorrow night's game will be
televised on Channel Eleven.
That's a night game here at
Shea.
The game was supposed to be on
Fox Sports Net on Sunday.
You can catch all the action
right back here on Fox Sports
Net in Geico medicine Dec
precedes that game on Sunday.
So that's a scheduling change
tomorrow night.
Channel Eleven Sunday Fox Sports
Net.
If you can't make it up to Shea
that's where you can see the
game's fouled up by Ray or don't
use the Mets need a run to go
ahead.
They're all tied and one in the
bottom of the fifth inning.
They had a chance to go ahead
but and the newly acquired third
baseman was a one time MVP in
the National League and made one
of the great plays can pick up
the final out of the ending
larceny outside to Ray or Dhoni
has one ball one strike.
I'm sure when they picked up Cam
and Eddie they had a tuck.
Chipper Jones because Kim and
then he was going to play third
base when given an opportunity
and chipper would have to move
to another position and he has
tonight he's in left field foul
off sorts 1 in 2 Andre or donors
and you.
That means that the player has
to okay that.
And a lot of players won't move.
Now Chipper Jones basically an
infielder is now playing the
outfield and having it he has
been the third baseman all his
life and was one of the greatest
times of any third baseman ever.
Don't use fouls the ball off and
out of play some will do it
again in 1 and 2.
Yeah that's a tough thing.
Years ago you'd have trouble
getting the guy to give up his
position but take here's a
pretty good sum of money again.
Move to another business that's
modern day.
Yeah.
The other musical they didn't do
that.
I said to you.
They move or else see you play
somewhere else right.
Or don't use as a shortstop
he'll remain a shortstop.
Check it says Marty Foster.
The first base umpire well fuck
you can be a part of tonight's
America a tribute to heroes and
help the families of the victims
in the September 11th tragedy.
Log on to outside log on to add
1 and No.
No longer have to let me spell
in tribute to the heroes dot org
or 1 8 6 6.
Let's get the number again 1 8 6
6 2 unite.
That's 1 8 6 6 2 night tribute
to heroes dot org.
There's the Web site.
You can be part of tonight's
America a tribute to heroes.
Certainly was quite a ceremony
prior to the game today
orchestrated by the New York
Mets and the big guy Tim Duncan
wasn't involved in the creative
process.
Here's the one two pitch that's
for meetings for many days
planning tonight's first or the
ceremony tonight prior to the
game that led many days really
talking about playing the series
in Atlanta and then all of a
sudden I said no it's going to
be here with Dave Holland the
crew here at Shea Stadium first
to let players have been solid
So chins out two down players
wearing the hats first night
went out for directions that
they've been wearing the hats
ever since during the game quite
a turnout from the folks here in
New York just think at one time
everybody thought we were going
down to Atlanta to play these
three games Rudy Giuliani the
mayor of New York has going to
great job leading this city
wanted the Mets back in town so
they're playing here tonight
there is a strike to Mount Lofty
all in one still no score.
The Marlins and the Phillies.
They're in the eighth inning
with the bat.
Download a Latin light and takes
up huh.
So he's up on the count Jason
Maki pitching a huge game to the
Braves tonight.
There's a line drive up the base
here.
The second the batter now with
two men gone.
Here at Shea Stadium the fans
the Mets had some thunder in
Pittsburgh in their lineup.
They had the home run ball.
Up high to find one ball and no
strikes the fans has been
swinging a pretty good BAT
lately Ralph has been swinging
much better than he did.
Bernie had the bad back he takes
outside to an all you one thing
about watching hit his head.
He knows when they've taken
hits.
How they take the ball and when
they take it and hitting
position without either breaking
their back or moving their
shoulders you know they're
really on the ball and funds has
been doing that lately.
In his first few times that the
pitch crack.
This is the first time and he
hits he hits hits inside down
the left field line for a
double.
They pitch him outside in the
second at bat and it doubles the
right centerfield.
Where do they go now.
Well our friends at America's
National spit tobacco education
program would like to remind you
that smokeless does not mean
harmless or had a pitch right
there to hit.
And this was as cheap had 93
mile per hour fastball balls out
of way.
And he had a good swing but not
the fraction behind that ball.
He's jumping all in one iPods to
runners on first and second
swung and missed on to all right
here it's a hard slider breaking
out over the outside part of
right out of the strike zone.
Very good pitch by big at bat
for BRT in the nets.
Fouls back right below us by the
direction of the foul ball of a
straight back.
So he had the ball time
perfectly and resist underneath
it.
So Mark he has to challenge
Piazza with two at bats two
doubles and he's scored the only
run of the game the Mets and the
Braves are tired and worn down
low meeting in Amman between
Lopez and the market Lopez is
word that grass had gone out for
the man well if you weren't
around for the ceremony you'd
get a chance to see it it was a
terrific ceremony here at Shea
Stadium and one of the things
that happened on the field prior
to going back to their
respective dugouts the Brits the
Braves and the Mets met in the
middle of the diamond shaking
hands and embracing that was
almost like a prizefighter
coming to the ring through about
third candidate tags the runner
lot.
And that'll do it for the Mets.
So the scene here at Shea
Stadium in front of a big crowd.
We played five the Mets and the
Braves in a big contest and
they're all tied at 1 Well back
here at Shea Stadium on a
beautiful night for a ball game
if you missed the ceremony hope
you hopefully you'll see it
again and we go to our Chief
Game Summary they're all tied at
1 Ralph Piazza.
But good doubles and is driven
in the run.
So G 10 Joe with a sack five and
driving the run the Mets have in
the fourth and Bruce Chinn has
pitched a good ball game no
earned runs in five innings one
run they have earned Oh it's a
one nothing ballgame I'm a one
man ballgame and we're going to
the sixth inning and leading off
for the Braves will be Giles.
Giles will be followed by Franco
and then Jones and he takes a
strike.
So Marcus Giles walking flied to
right field foul out of play one
to salute the video department
here at Shea Stadium at night
using the video and the Diamond
Vision Board foul a lot of play
mentioned Tim Duncan Jimmy
Plummer Sheila Greenhill veto
video Crispin Ozil Joe consoling
graduations and putting together
a package for the pregame
ceremony.
Here's the 0 2 pitch to Giles up
high.
One ball and two strikes and the
one to test the breaking ball
misses outside two balls and two
strikes up high three and two on
Giles one man down here in the
sixth inning.
Oh span two big pitch there
breaking ball and Giles looking
fastball goes after the pits out
of the strike zone and he struck
out.
That was a big out there so when
me and Julio Franco will be the
batter he's 0 4 to win this
game.
Franco will be followed by
Chipper Jones whose chin along
with Jason were a key so far a
very good ball game.
Difference in this ballgame has
been the feeling of Carmen Eddy
at third base a little turn this
game around for the Braves and a
great play to keep the Mets from
taking the lead a 2 to 1 and
then also got a good play off on
that side with a running other
action player here by Burgess
Ginn as it takes the bouncing
ball from Franco picks up the
second line and now the man at
the to watch Larry John.
Yeah Chipper Jones a killer
Chipper Jones the pick out a guy
on the team and you neutralize
don't want him hit anything.
Because he's done it this year
36 times now this year against
the Mets every year he's ever
played against that Spring Hill.
How about 300 average how many
years six years.
Gets the ball toward the end
good at bat makes the grass slow
down do it for the prey during
the six as they go quietly we
play five and a half at the most
on night and shame we're all
tied well folks a reminder that
New York Police and Fire Widows
and Children's Benefit Fund was
established in 1985 by our buddy
Rusty stop to assist the
families of police officers and
firefighters who have been
killed in the line of duty.
Now the fund gives grieving
families a ten thousand dollar
check immediately after they
lose their loved ones.
In light of New York's recent
tragedy a special post office
box has been established for
donations.
If you would like to make a
contribution please send a check
to P.O. box 3 7 1 3 Grand
Central Station New York New
York 1 0 1 6 3.
Thank you for your help in
remembering those families who
had made such a great sacrifice
for all New Yorkers.
Well folks it's time for the
Coors Light silver bullets sixed
Patty DiSalvo from Ellmers New
York is tonight's lucky fan.
That means if the Mets hit a
homerun this inning Patty wins
dinner for two at Whiskey Cafe
in Lindenhurst New Jersey to
enter send an email with the
name address and daytime phone
number to contest at the Garden
dot com.
Be sure to take courses in
medicine subject field bottom of
the sixth tour the battle.
He takes his strike he'll be
followed by Shin Joe pops it up.
Here's that man came in and he
again he's under and makes the
grab one down.
So far we have seen superb
pitching and good defense.
Big crowd.
And this is the first of three
against the Braves.
The Mets go on the road.
They'll travel to Montreal for
three and then to Atlanta for
three.
And keep in mind they will be
back in New York to take on the
pirates.
And then in the season with the
Expos 0 and 1 in Chicago who's
up for one and he has a sack fly
that's a pitcher's pitch right
on the black.
They used to say right on the
black there's no more black on
the right in the corner and into
a running back.
His zeal to pitch down low.
One two there used to be a
rubber piece of rubber black
rubber that would go right
around the plate and that was
that's what the doctor was right
here here here.
But there's no more black but I
guess you can still use the
players do.
Here's the one to pick.
There's a line piece look like
shit.
Joe was cool but was able to get
the head of the bat on the ball
and pop it into right field.
He was having front.
But he served in the right
field.
Chance Brazil lots this is way
out front.
Body eyes over here.
And it just sat there.
So base it off the bat of.
Joe Metz at the base runner with
one out Todd zeal would be the
batter.
He hit a homerun in the last two
games in Pittsburgh the chicken
shit joke for outside to 0 1 and
0 Shin Joe with the lead.
Zeal takes his stride.
So it's the one ball one strike
one out.
A veteran ball player.
He was licking curveball right
there.
Slider and got the fastball and
many hitters look curveball.
Boy if they look curveball
phobia big breaking ball hitter
and they're going to see a
steady diet of fastballs a lot
of broken bats.
I'm a great guy.
Playing Ralph look for a break
in Boston.
Nolan Ryan.
So you want to be embarrassed by
Nolan's breakable.
He was swinging on the fastballs
in the down low two and one also
takes a lot of guts.
Ball boy I'm telling you it's
possible underground now fast.
Ryan you're looking for Perez
and Reid warming up in the
bullpen.
Neither one gives up at 100
miles an hour.
The marquee is showing real good
stuff tonight get that fastball
about 94 miles an hour Shin Joe
with the lead right on the
corner again.
Look at this pin point.
I'm telling you for the catch
his shift that SAG and you think
curve ball there.
He threw a fastball.
When they shift inside a damn
miracle that threw a curveball.
He's home plate umpire while he
film pointing into the mid
dugout somebody probably was all
over Wally Bell once it was in
Bobby Cox and he's been torn out
of 10 games so far this year.
Bobby is showing quite a temper
this year to to pitch pulled
down the third baseline foul so
he'll do it again in two and
tell he said look the game begin
and the managers are getting all
over the umpire.
Now that's our national past.
It's back to back to normal
Marty has thrown 97 pitches so
far and his ball game.
Look at this 6 4 3 double play
with an assist from one and he's
hurt he is hurt.
He took a bullet off his back
and a ball rolled to the
shortstop.
SANCHEZ So score 1 6 4 3 and
mark key is hurt so his zeal he
just lost the base hit.
Look at that wow fan hurt except
the result made him feel a lot
better.
We're all tied at one.
We'll be back back here at Shea
Stadium on a gorgeous night for
a game.
Quite a ceremony before the game
that should be very proud of
yourselves.
All New Yorkers and the people
in the United States with this
ceremony tonight as you look at
our toilet in game box score see
Kim and Eddie 1 4 2 with a
double Chipper Jones has a hit
in his game going to keep
chipping away from hitting that
long ball but that's our Toyota
in game box score it'll be Brian
Jordan kin Kim and Eddie and
Andrew Jones for the Braves and
backing with the play by play
how he rolls.
OK friend Brian Jordan goes
after the first pitch from
Bruce.
No balls one strike.
Jordan a couple of fly balls to
center field in this game.
That's about hit the Braves
seven to four.
The game is tied at 1.
We hope you are able to see the
pregame ceremonies featuring
Diana Ross singing God Bless
America wanted one that Jordan
as well as Marc Anthony singing
The Star Spangled Banner.
They both did a great job but
Diana Ross God Bless America and
boy she had this place rockin
Marc Anthony did a great job the
whole ceremony was extremely
impressive and if you missed it
I'm sure you can find it on the
web to add one to Jordan just go
to Ms.
Jean network dot com and you'll
be able to relive part of what's
gone on tonight here on a very
unique night in the history of
Shea Stadium for those of
Broadway production wasn't it.
The rehearsals were pretty good
to those of us who were here
well before the game were
treated to a couple of Diana
Ross's rehearsals of God Bless
America.
It was supreme to say the least
ripped but right at then turned
Jordan made good contact the
Pantera was there one away.
Let's take a look at our New
York Marriott marquee pitching
matchup.
Good starts for both pitchers
Mark Keyes throwing the ball
very well so his chin could
control good velocity good
breaking balls and has important
good defense behind him where he
hurt himself foul blasted and he
took a ball off his back that
hit base hit written all over in
the ball roll to Sanchez a
shortstop turn into a 1 6 4 3
double play you wonder to go
back out to they cut by Cam and
Eddie it's 0 and 2 nobody in the
bullpen so Marky must be okay it
reminded me of a play that
affected the Mets indirectly
back in nineteen eighty four
some of you had cable in those
days picked up Cubs game might
remember it lined the right
field the base hit for Cameron
Edit By the way how when
somebody is up in the bullpen
you can't see him from Newburgh
cameras will show you those guys
in a moment.
Andrew Jones said the sixth
batter in the lineup gremlin Jr.
is the left hander Steve Reed
the right hander as they work a
little closer to the bottom of
the order.
But Fran the play up talking
about as we see the pinch runner
at first base camp and Eddie
leaving the ballgame.
He's been he's been a big
difference in his game with his
glove Jesse Garcia is the pinch
runner at first there was a play
in 84 when the Mets were
fighting the Cubs for first
place Pete Rose for the Reds
line one right off the rear end
of Lee Smith and it rolled as
Sandburg for the final out of
the game with the Mets and Cubs
going neck and neck right around
late August see plays like that
you start thinking certain
things are meant to be right
certain ones aren't.
While the Mets had a break in
Pittsburgh when J.
Payne hit the base with a ball
and went on to score run and get
the Mets going when they were
trailing to nothing in the final
game of that series on Wednesday
afternoon one out one on Andrew
Jones nothing for two upstairs
one and oh by the way make sure
to stay with us after the third
out here on the top of the
seven.
Eliza Minnelli will sing New
York New York LIBOR was lies his
version that was recorded for
Frank Sinatra who's more famous
for.
Absolutely.
There's a story to add to
gentleman named Tony Verlander
on the music and plays him and
he recorded it in Tommy's window
was a friend of Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra Sid.
You mind if I record that song
should go ahead.
He recorded the song when he
heard he said he recorded Rock.
Tommy told the story to add on
to Andrew Jones.
Chen has been mixing it up
changing speeds.
Look at this way out in front.
Jones We talked about him early.
He struggled in Philadelphia
couldn't make contact I saw the
pregame show heard some comments
from Chen about just how
important this start is for him
really for a myriad of reasons
not the least of which is the
Mets standing.
These are the Atlanta Braves
right now but of course the
situation that is being
highlighted probably the wrong
word to use highlighted but
certainly being paid attention
to tonight here at Shea Stadium
us the fact he's pitching
against a team that brought him
through their farm system and
then gave up on him and he's had
a lot running through his mind
prior to this start.
He's held up beautifully to this
point and he's pitched very very
well so Rick White now throwing
in the bullpen.
The Chin has been extremely
impressive along with Jason
Markey popped him up back behind
first seal Carl and that's the
second out.
Good job by chin because he was
working Garcia real hard at
first base.
You got to hope that this guy
stays cool.
ANDREW JONES He's got 31 home
runs and 90 RBI.
And even dropped the ball in the
series in Philadelphia.
By the way speaking of
Philadelphia still no score the
Marlins and the Phillies set the
bet talked about that ballclub
in that pitching staff they
could put a pitcher on the mound
give him 10 runs in first inning
or he has the ability to shut it
down for twelve innings a pass
struck out single the center
play by seal is an excellent
play by tight seal that's one
thing you don't want to throw a
ball away you're going back to
first base it's an outstanding
play to be going back in and
have to dive for that ball
Garcia trying to peer around
zeal at first his chin delivers
the strike it's all in one
Garcia running for Cam and Eddie
on it first with two men away a
one to one game here in the
seventh inning guy sees that
quite a workout between Andrew
Jones is at bat now with Lopez
Chan is buried down his zeal
after Mark first died to second
base umpires at finally missed
him.
Take a look at Todd's zeal
moving into the infield taking a
high throw the throne of fans is
off line but failed he looked
like he got his feet tied up and
couldn't come back with the
glove finds Fonzie was expecting
him to start his own life.
Well you see what happens with
fines you reach for the ball go
took them off the base and look
at his feet were tied up did he
had come back now see anybody
there but he didn't go back
after the heat tag and let's see
now he was safe now watch it
come off the base he's gone
right there and finding doesn't
tag.
It looked like fans he was
looking in his wallet.
Make sure you hit the ball.
Well I look like his for his
foot was on the base from fines
he made contact with them and
then he went off the base saw
one and Wanda Lopez with the go
ahead run now in scoring
position and it sliced the other
way a foul ball wanted to get
Lopez back and you have Ray
Sanchez on deck Harvey Lopez is
a good and he's having a rough
season he's got 60 home runs
sixty one yards I'll be very
careful with him of first base
opener Ray Sanchez has never
been much of an offensive threat
I'm def the crowd and do it chin
try to get out of it I'll pop up
is there room for zeal having
Lopez this year not having the
production that he's used to
having as a hitter and
unfortunately he's playing on
his contract he's got back to 61
with 16 home runs 61 RBI.
You can use contact him for
about twenty five Denver's had
one last night helping the
Braves beat the Phillies here
the Braves and Mets are tied.
So the Phillies and Marlins man
Lopez gets tired of waiting
slowly hit Shin slow to get off
the mound.
I'll have to hold on to it.
Although he does try and catch
Garcia napping at third.
But now the Braves have runners
at the corners with two out.
Now we'll see what Bobby
Valentine does here.
He's had the right hander white
throw a right hand here Ray
Sanchez coming up.
And here's a situation situation
with runners on first and third.
Look at that play again.
Really don't play for chin or
for Victoria.
If the Braves decide to put
Hobie Lopez in motion but rarely
do the Mets swing through.
But in this situation with
Harvey Lopez running they might
and Bobby Cox knowing that might
put a player active in both
runners.
SANCHEZ Not an RBI guy and a
chopper or Don has strong chin
gets out of it.
The Braves lead to a four game
remains tied and stick around
because lives them in L.A. is
about to deliver her rendition
of New York New York.
Theirs lies in being escorted
fittingly by a policeman on her
right arm a fireman on her left
arm and lies him in L.A. who
originally recorded the song
that has become something of a
local anthem.
Frank Sinatra of course has the
morally circulated version of
his strength lies the L.A. where
the seventh inning stretch about
to begin in his city in the
world set to deliver New York or
New York by one of the greatest
entertainers of all time lives
in L.A. Mr. Nolan has invited
some of tonight's honored guests
to join her on the this is so
exciting I'm SO ME THE be stops
read had me and I'm gonna be a
new snag with Blanche long just
round the heart of it.
How does Steve Jeff.
Oh no.
She made him brand new star half
back and can make it I wanna
wake up and she doesn't need to
take dream nap in New York I can
you know you half expect to see
Bob Hope here because it feels
like a U.S. show it really does.
Rendition by realizing that
she's been through her own
personal health battles over the
last year or two not only does
she look phenomenal.
She can't possibly sound any
better than he is.
You can't possibly sound any
better than that.
He sounded terrific and has she
lifted this crowd which at times
have been rather subdued.
Now we can understand that this
place is rocking it started with
the ceremony before the game and
won a night here at Shea Stadium
one to always remember as
uplifting as a lot of things are
you think back to the tragic
events of September 11th.
Steve Reed will take over the
pitching for the Atlanta Braves
last pitch the Jason Markey
threw was lined also by Todd's
zeal it became a 1 6 4 3 double
play.
So we'll see if the ball hit by
his heel knocking Marcie out of
the game we think will help the
Mets marquee with pitching an
excellent ball game and he was
as tough as Bruce Jenner.
So now we go and it will be a
battle of the bullpen.
Yeah that's w Helms who's going
to play third baseman part of a
double switch.
And keep in mind Kim and Eddie
has been superb defensively.
And that he made a great
defensive play on Jay Payton
earlier in the game.
Jay's last time up and he takes
a strike from Reed bottom third
of the Mets batting order.
Payton or don't is and chin do
the hitting for New York in
Philadelphia.
This just in.
The Phillies have scored a run
in the bottom of the ninth
inning and defeated the Florida
Marlins 1 did nothing.
No balls two strikes to pay so
that means the Mets cannot gain
ground on second place.
Philadelphia Phillies four games
ahead of the Mets John Franco
getting ready in the bullpen now
for New York and this puts
additional pressure on the
Braves who need to beat the Mets
here to stay a game and a half
in front of second place
Philadelphia.
So the Phillies applying some
pressure and two to pay.
Well I guarantee you all eyes on
the phone off the clubhouse are
on this game here in New York.
Just like the other night in
Pittsburgh after the game on
Tuesday night.
As you look at that scoring
scoreboard here Tuesday night in
Pittsburgh the Mets were
watching the Philly game at the
BET Philadelphia and Scott
Roeder won that game with the
base hit all the way by paid who
could have imagined as recently
as August the 17th when the Mets
were I believe it was thirteen
and a half games back and they
would be playing significant
pennant race baseball late in
September and here they are
trailing by five and a half
trying to pick up another one on
the Braves and keep pace now
with the Phillies.
It's the first of six meetings
between the Mets and brains
slider missed two and two that's
had six with the Expos and three
more with the pirates that's
their 15 game remaining schedule
McEwan perhaps pinch hit here in
the seventh inning Joe with a
bat on the top step pitcher do
up third Chipper Jones over to
the gap to make the catch put
away in the seventh frame.
Let's look at the Toyota game
box.
And for your maths the box score
is clean.
Piazza 2 4 3 2 0 1 4 3 in his
game zeal 1 4 3 was robbed of an
hit by Jason Maki the pitcher
when he back backdoor to get the
ball take he took it off the
back and went to the shore of
Ray Sanchez the Braves turned a
double play.
So now it's up to Ray or bogus
Ray fly to write struck out
baseball take it high want to
know it's Mark Johnson waiting
on deck that would be the kind
of matchup Bobby Valentine would
want against a side arming right
hander like Reed.
The question becomes what Bobby
Cox allow that matchup wouldn't
think so.
And Reed throws fastballs down.
He tries to keep his breaking
ball down and Mark Johnson
dominates the pitch down low
left hander Mike gremlin Jr. had
been throwing earlier in the
game.
One ball two strikes now toward
Daniels with Ton Wright he
enters hitting instructors a ton
Randy and his right hander drops
down like this not to pull him
he'll tend to pull off the ball
if he can try to hit that ball
back up and go the other way to
stay with the ball more and Ray
stays a.
See how the managerial wheels
spin.
MARK JOHNSON On Deck gremlins
you're throwing would still give
Bobby Valentine the opportunity
to go to a right hander once
gremlin Jr comes into the game.
Perhaps that's why McEwan and
been holding that bad around the
top step of the dugout right now
it's Johnson in the on deck
circle perhaps making the pick
up for him Ray fights it off and
they want to make sure it stays.
And emphatically so Steve really
almost clocked Helms with a Miss
Helms taking over a third for
Cam and Eddie after Garcia ran
for Ken Caminiti Helms was
splitting time at first base
earlier this year with Rico
running with ball running in an
order.
Don't you sit on top of it.
Stays foul.
Helms found out somewhat
painfully.
Still a ball and two strikes on
Ray that's about hit Atlanta
seven to six were in a one to
one time here in the seventh
inning.
I'd feel fairly shallow and
around towards right and it's
Luke Andrew Johns has time with
all hung up a couple of fly ball
outs against Steve Reed but now
we'll see the wheels turn.
And here comes Bobby Cox.
He's going to go to the bullpen.
He's not gonna let Mark Johnson
with one swing at a bat.
Put the Mets ahead so it looks
like they'll bring in the South
Park Ramblin Jr. and we'll see
what Bobby Valentine does so
late in the game.
Managers are playing chess
becomes rumors rumblings are
into the ball game and Mark
Johnson is being called back to
the dugout.
So Ramblin Jerry will trot in
from the bullpen.
He'll face Joe McEwin when we
get back.
Let's remind you one more time
about a scheduling change the
medicine brains were originally
scheduled to be on Fox Sports
Net tomorrow.
Now the WB will pick up tomorrow
night's game at 7 o'clock and we
will rejoin you on Fox Sports
Net Sunday.
Matt Lockman starts it off with
Geico medicine Dec. 12 13 and
then Al Leiter and Tom Glavine
hooked up Mannix and Drexel
tomorrow night.
Now the former mint remnant Jr.
will take over the pitching for
the Atlanta Braves and make his
70 second appearance and go
after Joe McKinley two outs.
Nobody on one to one game here
in the seventh inning.
Hey cut by Joe nothing and 1 or
Joe McGinley has done it all for
the Mets he's done as a utility
player he can play every day
they take them off the bench as
a pinch hitter he's been
spectacular and the fastball 0
to ruin Jr has found life in
Atlanta he's doing the ball very
well played his collegiate ball
at Dartmouth College so he came
in the ball game and bounced at
Dartmouth grad Mark Jackson into
the dugout doesn't like those
intramural matchups back last
night ramblings gave up a home
run to Pat curl and the Phillies
and that was the first home run
that he'd given up since Dessie
relevant of the Mets hit one
back in late June here at Shea
Stadium tied the game in the
ninth inning it was the weekend
the Braves traded John Rocker
Reed and Carr say we're just
getting the new york gremlin Jr
started the works and save
opportunity blew that one ton in
like Joe me going Yep I guess he
did break his back with that
swing hit the ball off the end
of the bat but I get that pine
tar up there so high I mean it's
surprising it's almost like it
would be hard to progress on the
ball but I guess it does it does
killing way on his front foot he
couldn't reach any further out
there couldn't get the ball
right off the end of the bat
to stay alive no balls two
strikes two outs he gets jammed
there and the pop up handle by
Harvey Lopez and that retires
the son of the Mets go in order
Reid got the first two Ramblin
Jr gets the third down and we
move to the eighth inning in a
one to one time New York Mets
baseball is brought to you by
Heineken.
It's all about the beer Heineken
and buying new York Marriott
East Side at the center of it
all now we go to the eighth
inning in a one to one tie and
John Franco deeply affected as
we all have been John and a
personal sense as we explained
earlier his sons literally coach
one of those lost at the World
Trade Center John so close to
the fire and police people and
of course his dad having worked
with the sanitation department
for many years pitched under
very emotional circumstances on
Monday and wound up the winning
pitcher the first game back was
quite a scene in Pittsburgh when
the Mets took the field for
deductions with the half ton
following day that were the hats
while playing and they've kept
him on so Franco picks up for
Bruce Jenner who is marvelous
chin going the first seven
innings allowing six hits and
one run.
He walked from pardon me struck
out five and he walked one
batter he walked the first one
that he faced Marcus Giles who
immediately was a raced on a
double play.
So now as we go to the eighth
inning it'll be a former mint
Bernard Gilkey originally told
us that Hill's was slotted ninth
in Bobby Cox's order and that
the pitcher would bat in Ken
Camden his fifth slot.
But obviously that turned out to
be erroneous.
And so it's Gilkey batting for
the pitcher Reverend Jesse Helms
batting fist instead.
Oh and one Gilkey baseball take
it high.
Renard went to spring training
with his former team the St.
Louis Cardinals this year they
released him and then the Braves
signed him to a minor league
contract early in the season.
Back when the Mets were playing
the Braves here at Shea the
first home stand in April.
His career year came as the new
york mets.
Back in 1990 right after that
surprisingly Gilkey who was a
hard worker just lost at least
played to that level.
It was like overnight.
He had 30 homers one hundred and
seventeen RB eyes batting 317
and that career year far
exceeded anything that had come
close to doing before or since
all the way.
One of the suspicions was that
his eyes had deteriorated to a
point where the and so I went to
get the laser surgery which has
now become commonplace.
He hasn't handled Franco well at
all.
But when Gilkey had the laser
surgery he did it in really one
of the first waves of those who
elected that option and he went
out of the country to do it.
He went to Calgary the province
of Alberta in Canada to have it
done several years back.
John Franco throwing that
signature changeup you know he's
gone away.
I think it happened to baseball
for a second his medical men and
baseball should you look at that
last pitch to Bernard Gilkey.
He just eats up hitters with
that type of pitch.
You can be a part of tonight's
America a tribute to heroes and
help the families of the victims
of the September 11th tragedy.
Log on.
The tribute to heroes dot org or
call 1 866 t o u night make your
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the outside.
Pointed to Marcus Childs is 0
for 2 with a walk John has
battled through some elbow
difficulties recently going
after the game on Monday
Pittsburgh an elbow is still a
rather stiff Johns needed a
couple of extra days to get
ready.
Nets lined the right lot closer
but every major to catch runs
Swoboda made in the World
Series.
This play was hit hard and was
moving to his right rapidly in
the dive.
Outstanding Play by Matt London
and now there are two men out
not too far from the spot where
a run for voter took one away
from Brooks Robinson.
Game 4 of the nineteen sixty
nine World Series so now Tulio
Franco lined into that double
play and flied to right round it
back to the box and Frank on
this is outside ball one goes a
lifetime three 0 one hitter in
the Major Leagues breaking in
back in 1982 with the Philly one
ball one strike on his head the
unorthodox stance at the plate
with the hands held way up 10
years ago he led the American
League and hit it with the same
stance so it's been effective
for Franco that 341 that year as
a Texas Ranger.
Late for Bobby Valentine.
Look at the way he he stands at
the plate with his knees.
He's afraid that he's going to
open up too soon.
That's why guys would do that.
It's almost bold.
Yeah.
You know guys are so concerned
with opening up too soon.
They do anything to tie
themselves up just a little bit
longer.
Look at that stance looks
uncomfortable doesn't it.
But it is slow everything down
the good hitting instructors
will show you that the hands go
back into hitting position as a
stride the hands and throw the
bat through stance is just
supposed to be for a comfortable
position but if that's
comfortable we've seen some
pretty awkward stances over the
years.
I know a lot of kids grow up
imitating other hitters stances
and be a little difficult to
pull off.
Well he wants to make contact
kneecap the kneecap only the
second walk given up on its
pitching in this game.
Marcus Giles the first batter in
the ball game drew a lot.
Now Julio Franco at first with
two men away in Chipper Jones
coming up let's take a look at
where Chipper Jones ranks among
the league leaders brought to
you by Mercedes Benz who had
hits going back to ninety five.
You see that they shot and you
get Chipper Jones right behind
them.
One thousand two hundred and
fifteen that's going back to
ninety five.
Garrett Anderson and Roberto
Alomar so Julio Franco out of
the ballgame and the pinch
runner for the Atlanta Braves at
first base Corey Aldridge and
Aldridge gets back easily and
again we talked about it earlier
when Chipper Jones is at the
plate so he's handled Franco
well Aldridge trying to get a
read on him staying in front of
Piazza reaches one ball in those
strikes the chipper Jones It's a
situation where if you're
walking you've forced the runner
down to second base into scoring
position but you don't want this
guy to get that ball up and over
that wall put a tweener as you
look at our Mundo Benitez in the
bullpen Brian Jordan a right
hand batter on that 2 and oh it
looks to me like John certainly
doesn't want this guy to do any
damage and I don't blame you got
our mother beneath us throwing
in the bullpen into the Yes to
phase Jordan.
That's fine.
But he can do it.
It's game day three nineteen
thirty six and ninety four
hundred one hour run scored.
I know it's a tough thing to do
to put in to watch him
intentionally or in this case
it's intentional if you watch
him on his fourth pitch well
take a chance with Jordan the
next hitter I'm sure this has
been discussed by the Mets in
their clubhouse meetings not to
let this get beat Jordan 0 4 5
against Benita should he get
into the game we'll see a line
drive into center saw 3 and 0
Chipper Jones shoots one through
the middle and now we'll see
whether or not it's Franco or
Benitez to face Brian Jordan.
Well that's probably a break for
the Mets I'm sure Bobby Cox was
hoping a ball that would be
hitting into the gap.
Take a look at our pitch tracks
1 2 and 3 are off to play fourth
one.
Not bad.
The National spit tobacco
education program and its
chairman Joe Garagiola would
like to remind you that
smokeless does not mean
harmless.
Well Charlie Hough talking in
the bullpen I'm sure Monday
beneath us is ready.
You get the big films
overpowering.
You've got to go with your money
man.
Mike Piazza is going to get
beneath us a little more time.
I would be surprised if Bobby
doesn't bring in beneath us in
this situation.
Well if you believe in prior
appearances Jordan a 3 0 8 hit
her fourth at 13 against Franco
while as we mentioned against
Benitez Brian Jordan 0 4 5.
So I think this friend
speculates perhaps a time bomb
here.
Charlie Hough getting a pitch by
pitch count from Randy Neiman in
the bullpen and you know it's
funny you read the body of work
that he's a how to get both both
pitches.
But you know you get an
overpowering guy in the bullpen
he's a dominator.
Here comes Charlie if I get a
belief I'm going to go to the
big guy in the bullpen and
you're going to lose you're
going to lose your money man in
the bullpen.
John Franco has runners on first
and second and John as well as
we have seen makes a lot of
money on pitching out of the
strikes on.
He gets veteran hitters and
rookies alike to chase bad balls
out of the strike zone.
But you get a guy in the zone.
You mentioned how he how he's
been nursing that sore elbow.
So Bobby Valentine is going to
take Walton into consideration
along with the difference and
stuff.
John Franco finished pitcher but
he have power a nice hand for
Franco as he departs leaving to
a board in a tie game.
Against a most poignant backdrop
tonight's festivities began with
Bobby Valentine cheering on
Mayor Rudy Giuliani who received
plenty of cheers on his own and
then his players stood at
attention.
The pregame ceremonies featured
representatives from the police
and fire department and port
authority police each one of
them remembered and saluted as
were the players by each other
lies them and Elie with New York
New York and this is our GM game
summary.
Well it's been all pitching
tonight pitching defense and
managing a lot of moves late in
the ballgame.
CPAC with two doubles chin and
marquee hits very well.
Now it's up to the bullpen.
It's gonna be a battle of the
bullpen and manager's moves
John.
Frank when the dugout.
Armando Benitez on the mound 68
the parents for Benita and in
third base is open and Hellman's
on deck.
So you do have some room for
error.
Blind the left center and the
Braves are going to take the
lead.
Here comes Aldridge him to score
to third goes.
Chipper Jones in the second goes
Jordan and on the first pitch
from Benitez.
Brian Jordan who had been 0 for
5 against Armando delivers the
go ahead run for Atlanta.
It's 2 to 1 Braves first pitch
fastball bang good hitting by
Jordan the ball is all over the
plate.
Jordan had a pitch he could wail
on and he did it in the gap in
left center field one runs in
and then they hold Chipper Jones
at third base with their balls
hit very hard by Jordan's with
Jordan the second baseman comes
was going to be the batter.
Well now Dave Martinez a left
hand hitter and of course with
the pensions and mortified by
the September columns it's a lot
easier for managers to spin
players.
So Dave Martinez will be written
by Bobby Cox onto the lineup
card force first base is open
right hand hitter Andrew Jones
would follow Martinez so we'll
see how Bobby Valentine plays in
here.
The pitch to the left hand
batter they take their chances
with Andrew Jones has been held
hatless tonight with the Braves
have taken the lead or so
Atlanta needs to win to stay a
game and a half in front of the
Phillies and the Mets margin for
error is obviously close to nil
lose a game to the brain.
Not only do you lose ground in
the standings you lose a date on
the calendar which at this
juncture of the season is
equally important but you get a
left handed hitter and you've
got a struggling right handed
hitter but a good hitter when
he's comfortable on deck.
At least for now they go after
Dave Martinez the veteran left
hand hitter takes outside ball
one load up the base and you
have forces at all the bases and
Andrew Young should say Jones
has been struggling to see the
runners.
Third and second Chipper Jones
and third Brian Jordan on second
one in France.
If there should be a ground ball
in the hole where the only play
for the Mets would be to first
base will Dave Martinez can
hardly run at all right now.
He's had bone spurs under his
right kneecap.
He's watching some of the games
between the Braves and Phillies
earlier this week.
It was very difficult for
Martinez to run but they're
expected from Martinez right.
Here is a base hit into the
outfield 2 and 1.
Bobby Cox Martinez to the plate
because his left hand and hoping
that he can drive in a run and
add to the lead and be a cushion
in the night.
Two in scoring position Chipper
Jones at third.
Ryan Jordan at second bought
them at a low the bases.
All of this has happened after
two are out and nobody on Franco
struck out Bernard and Yogi.
MARQUEZ Giles was robbed of the
hit by Matt Lawton in right
field.
Well that Julio Franco drew a
walk.
Chipper Jones singled him to
second.
Aldridge ran for Franco and
Brian Jordan doubled him home
and here as we talked.
Andrew Jones is a guy who's a
good hitter throughout his young
career.
Right now he struggling and his
old for three tonight and he
really hasn't had good swings
cause that maybe can change in a
heartbeat.
Sad too for his last 18
including tonight.
This should be easy for Kate had
a huge out for Benitez against
the Braves take the lead but
they also lead three aboard.
So now the Mets will have to try
and come from behind as Atlanta
pulls in front two to one.
MLB at home is presented by
Scots who knows that some of the
best games are played in the
backyard.
Scots grow more good the New
York Police and Fire Widows and
Children's Benefit Fund was
established in 1985 by our
friend Rusty stop to assist the
families of police officers and
firefighters who have been
killed in the line of duty.
The fund gives grieving families
a ten thousand dollar check
immediately after they lose
their loved ones.
In light of New York's recent
tragedy a special post office
box has been established for
donations and he would like to
make a contribution.
Please send the check.
The post office box 3 7 1 3
Grand Central Station New York 1
0 1 6 3.
Thank you for your help in
remembering those families who
have made such a great sacrifice
for all New Yorkers just as so
many within the police force and
the fire department and the Port
Authority police have been
heroic.
Consider the Met's helping them
out tonight.
It's donated their salaries to
that foundation or that fund
that is run by Rusty staff and
Rusty has another big dinner
coming up in November of this
year.
It's quite a dinner he puts on
to raise funds and he is not.
This is not a first time deal
for Roth.
He's been doing it for years.
See Steve Carson coming on to do
the pitching Mets in fact just
based on one day's pay and have
donated about four hundred and
fifty thousand dollars just for
today.
But Robin Venturi Todd's zeal
was saying before the game that
it's not going to be the extent
of those donations.
There will be more help paid
Martinez stays in at first base.
You mentioned his bad leg and is
a guy who can run.
You wonder if he knows about
that bad leg in case he wants to
plunk down Martinez playing
pretty good depth over there.
Keith Lockhart by the way now at
third base and then Steve
Carson's first pitch on the
outside corner.
There's Lockhart I just can't
escape needing the mentioned
friend we mentioned Rusty Staub
a moment ago we used to talk
about him being a hero for his
play for the Mets down the
stretch in 1973 with a bounce or
foul Oh and to well Rusty's work
with that police and
firefighters fund over the last
16 years but especially what
he's done over the last 10 days
has been nothing short of heroic
in the truest sense.
Well even when he worked in the
broadcast booth Rusty was
concentrating most of his
energies on the Foundation
raising money to help other
people and obviously should be
applauded and here's so I know
we've kept him alive.
And he should be applauded for
all of his efforts and has been
incredibly close to his heart
for those 16 years.
He lost an uncle who was I
believe a police officer in the
line of duty and that's one of
the things that encouraged Rusty
to start the fund.
And he has worked tirelessly for
years for that cause.
Well much appreciated under the
current circumstances.
Breaking ball on its 2 and 2 to
lock that's trying to get the
lead off man on here they trail
2 to 1 as John Smoltz the closer
these days get set for Atlanta
long now.
Fun Zone Piazza new up for New
York here in the eighth inning
say the fourth Atlanta pitcher.
Ball three.
So has climbed out of an old 2
hole huge pitch coming up from
cursing players High School
Board craze to King High School
here in New York.
Hits slowly.
Tough play for Sanchez but he
gets it there was a nice play by
Sanchez Nice play.
He's been a shortstop.
He's got some time now and he
fills in at shortstop and a nice
job with the Braves.
Ball hit to his right and all he
could do is throw off balance
that short arm throw ball up by
a year throws off balance.
But you're right they're paying
too.
Only way you can get a guy with
good speed short arm bang he's
got him run out.
Nobody on zone has one out of
three baseball for a strike.
That's off the outside corner
one in one fans he will hit the
ball the other way.
ANDREW JONES The center fielder
plays just about everyone to the
opposite field and that means
the corners can swing around too
if necessary.
And they can also cheat farther
towards the line.
One and two and you just think
of the range that Andrew Jones
has in center field that gives
you so many options defensively
on the corners as well.
Oh yeah.
Andrew Jones with excellent
speed now.
There's a good breaking ball and
finds he's swinging right over
the top.
That's when they tell the
picture they want to throw that
we want to throw your breaking
ball down in the way and can't
say just off the outside corner.
Yeah that was.
Yeah.
Tell you know it's such a good
pitch because you threw the
curve ball there same height and
then he comes back with the
fastball and that same plane the
curve ball started.
But it's a fastball this time.
TUCKER Yeah.
Confirmed he was lucky that was
called the ball.
So the count even and the
breaking ball pulled foul is an
emotional night for Steve.
Can't say as well as he of
course born in Flushing writes
The King High School.
So this is a return home for
Steve.
Carson missed with a slider and
the counts for polygon line 3
and 2 dance funds to Beyonce.
This is the formula right here.
Bobby Valentine once fans Andrea
took the hit in either the
eighth or ninth and now it'll be
a payoff pitch.
And he fights it all.
Thursday getting that one up to
maybe seven but they get some
great young arms and they by no
pitching has been criticized.
I'm not sure why.
Because you talk to the hitters
today they'll tell you these
kids get really throw funds he's
had some uncomfortable swings
but he's stayin alive.
Take a look at funds and Stayin
Alive.
But this is an uncomfortable
swing as she's pulling off that
ball doing everything in his
power to stay in and make
contact.
Travolta's swing staying alive a
little bit in a strike zone but
as I mentioned it thank fans who
was uncomfortable against can't
say.
Now we're going to get a pinch
runner Jose in his pitch and
find he was able to check his
swing.
Ralph was talking to my earlier
when you're comfortable as a
hitter as Ralph said.
When you take a pitch your hands
are back in a hitting position.
They haven't collapsed fans he's
had collapse on funds he's gone
first.
Now Beyonce is going to be the
batter uncomfortable or not.
He still had a very effective at
bat to work the walk out get
relevant in the game as the
pinch runner.
And here's the man the Mets won
up in this spot down or run late
in the game.
Two doubles and three trips
infield a double play depth
didn't take long for Olafur to
get the uniform dirty.
Someone somewhere Harvey Lopez
has a good arm.
He is struggling Detroit runners
out.
But you're not going to send out
baseball nothing in one MRSA is
seen Piazza four times
previously Mike won for four
against an Lopez wants it away
and a ticket to Lieutenant
Pedro.
Take a look at this.
He's got plays exploded.
It's been waiting to explode.
It was ready.
They wanted to shout and scream
all night.
And boy did they get the
opportunity from Mike Piazza
played baseball at Shea Stadium
since 1964.
I don't know how this game or
even this season is going to
turn out most memorable home
runs in the history of this
ballpark.
Hopefully for a moment people
were able to forget and Mike the
piazza excited this day.
Wired to be excited.
Mike Piazza did it.
It's been a terrific night
starting with the ceremonies
before the game and Mike Piazza
here in the eighth inning takes
his pitch.
And did he excite this crowd
over the center field wall.
They were ready for his jump and
scream and they got an
opportunity.
And why is baseball back.
Why was it so important to give
fans a few hours to forget about
their troubles.
Those firefighters yes smiling
because of a baseball game in
Flushing one of the more
dramatic swings.
Mike Piazza has ever taken the
Mets will try and hold on in the
night.
We go to the ninth inning the
Mets for the first time tonight
have taken the lead.
And what a fashion they did it.
Forty one thousand two hundred
and thirty five fans are here at
Shea Stadium.
It's been really a you know
emotional night for everybody
starting with the ceremony
before the game and then by the
way Fox Sports Net covered that
as good as any but terrific
production crew here at Shea
Stadium.
It was a big crowd on hand and
high in the emotional ceremony
before the game and Mike Piazza
in the eighth inning it's a two
run home run to give the Mets
the lead they need three outs to
win this ballgame to pick up a
game on the Braves and even
before the ball game the players
run to file lines and before
they took the field or back to
respective dugouts the champions
the embrace was just a highly
emotional night here.
Harvey Lopez leads off the night
and fouls one off nothing and
won.
But of all the poignant scenes
that we witnessed tonight
everybody might have one of
their own favorites to this
point.
Mike Piazza has produced the one
that will stand out at least for
this broadcaster smiles on the
faces of firefighters.
It may have been the power of
Piazza that drove the ball over
the fence.
It's the power of baseball and
sports in this country that
produced those smiles no balls
two strikes so Benitez ahead of
Harvey Lopez one in two.
Just think about some important
pitches that have been thrown in
somewhat understated
circumstances over the last 15
minutes.
You have Benitez getting Andrew
Jones to fly out leave the bases
loaded and Carson not getting
the call on that one to pitch to
Piazza.
That's pull through the whole
man.
Lopez is a board representing
the tying run with his third hit
of the game MRSA in fact believe
was thrown out of the game
between innings as he barked at
home played up Wally Bell and
Bobby Cox came on to take up the
cause.
While Lopez steps up and pops
down bottom left field it's ball
hard in the holes.
Tonight it did Trump to Lopez
and B.J. sir Hof is going to be
the hitter.
Mark DeRosa Fran will run at
first base for Lopez Benitez has
his work cut out for him but
he's one of the most dominant
pitchers in the game today.
The tough guy Armando beneath
tested close it out B.J. Sahar
also from this area coming from
Iran.
Rutter goes on the first pitch
in Lahore founds it out Piazza
got the worst of it.
Well they're going to test Mike
Piazza throwing arm.
Mike Piazza ticking right off.
The left are coming out of that
shoot that happens so often
that'll help his club to take
another look runner in motion
filed to sell a hit and run.
Tommy toxic aggressively
starting to lose in the ninth
inning.
Body would rely more on the hit
and run than the stolen base.
B.J. Sarah Hoff along with the
Braves bust up from Philadelphia
after last night's game said
what he saw on television did
not do justice to what the image
of lower Manhattan was for him
and it's especially significant
to him because he knows to this
point he has lost at least one
good friend of the court that in
our pregame show B.J. sir Hawke
one of many players giving their
thoughts and emotions at this
most emotional time in the
history of this country.
Mets trying to provide what
would be within the context of
baseball a very emotional win.
And creep a game closer they
hold on here.
They'd be four and a half out
five in the lost column four
behind the Philadelphia Phillies
who won their game tonight one
to nothing against Florida
Philadelphia four ahead of New
York in the lost column.
Oh and tune out a strong
overpowering fastball slider and
a splitter the splitter
occasionally he'll bounce it
that's Keith Lockhart on deck so
half is all for three against
Armando Benitez field setup for
two turf drops a couple of steps
back of the bag at third the
Piazza said in front of the play
by Mike you can't be afraid to
call that pitch because Armando
tonight does likes to throw it
there it is the splitter in its
bounds but Mike kept the ball in
front of him and you call that
that too you see it used to be
only the breaking ball you would
think oh yeah cornet over the
top curveball.
More than likely and left to
block it but with the
introduction of the split finger
fastball you've got to be ready
to block out because the good
one is down low.
A lot of times DeRosa getting an
instant workout coming on to run
for Harvey Lopez in the air back
behind third room for whom no
one chin Jovan turnin or Donny
is all gave chase after Sir Hoff
Keith Lockhart and then Marcus
Giles hit your spot comes up
after giant second in the
batting order for the Atlanta
Braves and a tense ready set
jump off the good fastball and
then your me throws your
splinter that's a swing at a
splitter that's what happens
when you face a guy with a
fastball ninety seven miles an
hour when he throws a good
splitter that's how you swing so
Benitez has won out.
Now Lockhart ordinarily one of
the Braves better pinch hitters
is not a pinch hitting
experience for him as he came in
for defense in the bottom half
of the eighth inning.
Lockhart 15 out of 43 as a pinch
hitter this year just waiting to
get his first pinch hit till the
end of the season was an
aberration and so beneath this
run away pulling the string on
Lockhart getting away on front
eighty seven miles per hour
worth of pulling the strands in
that making there's no way you
could drop down looking for that
with this guy pitching.
You got to be ready to get the
slowly cut out the ball game.
Let's take a look at that last
hour.
It's a double play.
You saw a shot of Mike Piazza
one of the heroes in the game
tonight.
If we can use that word and it's
a ground ball or done yes he
fires the first base and that's
the double play into the game.
Mike Piazza.
All right.
And it might be one of his most
memorable in his career.
Emotionally tough ball game here
at Shea.
Take a look at our guy driving
the game.
He wanted to get the ball out
over the goose bumps.
From the moment he came into
Shea Stadium tonight to the
moment to leave Ray Charles
music in the background the Mets
left the field but they left it
with a victory to be sure a
unique night in the history not
only of Shea Stadium but of
sports in New York and the Mets
reward their fans and produce
some smiles.
You could not have written a
more dramatic more compelling
perhaps a more perfect script
for tonight's game.
The Mets beat the Atlanta Braves
by a score of 3 to 2 on an
incredibly emotional night.
Mike Piazza these fans that
stayed here they're on their
feet.
The flags are waving.
It is an unbelievable scene.
Congratulations on the home run.
It has to be among the best you
have ever.
I really don't want to say I'm
just so happy I gave something
these people cheer we all did.
I mean was a great game.
Both teams played Incredibles a
great game.
A lot of emotion and again I'm
just so proud to be part of this
night is really cool.
Can you think long ball in that
situation or are you just
thinking let me extend the
ending a little bit.
Well I mean I'm just trying hit
the ball hard.
I just felt I felt good when I
took the first pitch.
I think that second pitch took a
little bit off and I just stayed
with it and I had two really
good swings earlier in the game.
Mark he threw me a really good
three to breaking ball which I
kind of pulled off in the other
situation but that was a I just
went out and got to hit it right
off the right on the sweet part
of the bat and it goes into that
scaffolding in center field
we'll call that the camera condo
and you've hit a couple off the
roof this year.
Yeah I hope it's covered in
their union dues out there.
But it's it's cool.
I mean that's when I'm hitting
the ball out there.
That's my strength.
I want to stay in the middle of
the field and you know obviously
tonight was it was prime in that
situation throughout this week.
We have spoken to Mike and we
know the emotion that you feel
that everyone in this country
particularly in this city feels.
We saw the tears during the
pregame presentation but this
seemed to be a cathartic event.
I mean there were cheers during
it too there was almost a
revival feeling at the proper
moments.
What did it mean all to you what
do you think about what took
place here earlier.
I'm just so so many emotions I
mean I'm just I it's really
tough to put in perspective all
I can say is you know these
people are great.
New York has just been so strong
throughout this.
The rescue workers.
I mean it feels so sad.
I met some kids today who lost
lost their fathers got him in
the clubhouse and I don't know
what to say.
I mean it's tough to put
everything in perspective balls
I know it's just stuff.
You know God is with us now
you're seeing some it's so much
good and people so much positive
energy and you know as the
president said last night it's
not going to be easy.
And we just want to stay
positive and this is what
America is all about just coming
together.
Well we saw off course the
players in the pregame hugging
each other.
You don't normally see that in
this sport.
Any particular words exchanged
between yourself and the Braves.
I just said I went to every one
of them and I said God bless
your families because life is so
precious.
Obviously this is baseball This
isn't life or death.
Everyone was just I mean
amazingly the Braves show great
class as the organization as
they are just a tremendous class
organization and now again I
don't know what to say.
I mean it's just we're just
we're just so happy that these
people came out and gave us some
cheer about.
Well you did give them something
to cheer about and I know that
the Mets don't want to
trivialize the events in the
last 10 days particularly that
of September 11th.
But there is a sense of some
powerful force pushing this team
forward where it ends up is
anyone's guess but for the next
14 games anyway there seems to
sense there are some good things
ahead.
Yeah I mean we're definitely not
looking too far forward.
We're just going out every day
winning that day and we try to
do tonight again.
You know if the season ends
tomorrow we're all winners
because we didn't give up and we
kept pushing and we obviously
scratch and clawed and got
ourselves back in this thing.
So again some things are out of
our control some things aren't
what we can do every night just
give 11 percent on the field and
that's what we did tonight.
Mike congratulations on a
monstrous home run and dikes
that we'll let you get back.
Thank you.
