I was pissed at myself. How could I abandon my lucky seat? That’s probably my only shot I’ll ever have again to see a no-hitter. Why would the baseball Gods give me the privileged of witnessing such a miraculous event after I haphazardly left my seat during a possible historic event?
I stewed in the light drizzle for the rest of the game. The Reds did mount a mini-rally in the top of the ninth, but were unable to score. Ken Griffey Jr. did hit a single off of Lieber with two outs. That did not make me feel better though. If I had not changed seats, Dunn does not reach base, and Junior probably would not have had the opportunity to pinch it.
Phils' manager Charlie Manuel took out Lieber in favor of Tom “Flash” Gordon. Flip got the Reds' third hit of the day, sending the degenerative legs of Junior scurrying from first to third. That brought Mr. Dunn to the plate. Mr. Figurine. Mr. No-hitter-breaker-upper. I momentarily allowed myself to hope for a déjà vu of Wily Mo Pena Bobblehead Night, where Pena hit two homers, including the game winner. The fans, on their feet since Junior’s at-bat, were louder than ever. Dunn was able to work a full-count before striking out. He swung for the fences each time. Dejected fans in the outfield threw Dunn’s figurine onto the field. With the early start and the speedy pace (2h16m), at least we had the rest of our night left.
Williams’ brilliant performance was wasted. He pitched 8 1/3 innings of one-run, five-hit baseball.
Although I hope Jon Lieber forgives me for ruining his perfect game, I don’t think I’ll ever have the strength to forgive myself.
Article comments
1 - Justene
See now, I thought I was the only one who started rooting for a nohitter at the first out.
2 - Matthew T. Sussman
Funny, I thought it was already jinxed when his uniform said "PHILLIES"
3 - Reid Smith
Are you nuts? What were you thinking? I can't even allow myself to move when I'm watching a no-no at home. In the 3rd innings. Thanks a lot, man.
-Reid
4 - M.D. Sandwasher
Reid-
I will live with this moment of shame for the rest of my life. I wish I had a reasonable excuse.
5 - Yeags
My girlfriend and I saw Kevin Millwood's no hitter in the last year of Veteran's Stadium. It is a moment I shall never forget.
I mention this because in the 4th inning she spilled nacho cheese all over herself (the nachos were purchased in the second inning... I'd say before the 5th inning, at which point the game is official, it is okay to move, but Reid suggests 3 is the max). She did not move because she knew she could not screw with the no-no.
I point this out because even the casual fan, who you mock for showing up to get their figurines, has more sense. Shame on you. ;P
6 - Phillip Winn
It was the power of the bobble-head. Dunn was fated. Go easy on yourself.
7 - M.D. Sandwasher
Thanks for the encouragement Phillip. I'm greatly appreciative.
I hope I was not the sole reason for the end of the no-hitter. It's just hard to think positive at a time like this.
By the way, I really enjoyed listening to your podcasts.
8 - Matthew T. Sussman
Congratulations, I chose this story as an editor's pick of the week.
Now you are entitled a pick of your own from all stories published May 24-30. E-mail Lisa McKay (address is on the editor's pick page) with your pick by next Tuesday.
Again, congratulations.
--Suss
9 - tom
Don't worry Uncle Charlie has ruined more Phillies games than you can count....