In a game in which Julio Franco became the oldest player to hit a home run at the age of 47, Kazuo Matsui was accomplishing a different rare feat. His inside-the-park homer leading off the third made this the third straight year he's homered in his first at-bat of the season. Making the throw to the plate was young infielder Josh Barfield.
I heard the call of the Matsui homer on the radio and hearing that call reminded my of when our Blue Jays had the best outfield in the game. Josh's father, Jesse played right field, Lloyd Moseby played center and George Bell played in left. Jesse Barfield threw many a ball home, and rarely would the runner beat it. He had a cannon for an arm, the best gun in the game. In fact, I haven't seen a better throw home since. He could throw a strike from deep right field and he led American League outfielders in assists three times, a tough feat considering few would run on him.
It's too bad Josh played second base. It would be interesting to see if lightning strikes twice.
