The Jays have been busy beavers lately, making quite the off season splash. The sports headlines around these parts are full of letters. There's J.P., B.J., A.J. and O.K.
Earlier this week, we traded outfielder Gabe Gross and pitchers Dave Bush and Zach Jackson to Milwaukee for first baseman Lyle Overbay. I'll always think of Gabe Gross fondly because he hit a grand slam during James' first game. That was quite the September 2004 event. I also caught my first ball from an actual game and we witnessed Russ Adams' first career homer. Throw in a Carlos Delgado round tripper and a 12-5 victory and you've got yourself a first game for the ages.
In the midst of all this wheeling and dealing by the Jays, John Olerud announced his retirement. Close your eyes and picture the clinching out in the 1992 World Series. Otis Nixon lays down a bunt, Mike Timlin fields it cleanly and tosses the ball to Joe Carter at first base. Carter starts that historic leap in the air as the celebration begins.
Now, imagine that same play if Olerud was playing first. Upon catching the ball to end the game and clinch the series in six, Olerud would probably smile a little and slowly pump his glove in the air. There would be no leaping and no great grin of joy.
That was one time I was glad Johnny O was riding the pine.
