Reflections on Bug Baseball

One of things I love about the game of baseball is the lore and legends that have surrounded the game throughout the years. Schilling's bloody sock, Gibson's home run, Mays' catch, the Shot Heard Round the World - it all makes the story of baseball a rich and beautiful tapestry. And, it seems that most of the greatest baseball legends occur during the postseason. The other night a new episode was added to the lore of baseball - the Bug Game!

For those who haven't been watching, the Yankees are playing the Indians in the ALDS. On Friday night down a game in the series, the Yankees took a 1-0 lead into the 8th inning on the strength of an amazing performance by Andy Pettitte. In that inning he was replaced by flame-throwing rookie, Joba Chamberlain. As he began the inning, a swarm of mosquito-like bugs descended on the stadium! The insects began swarming the players on the field, and after repeated attempts to apply bug spray to Chamberlain, he was forced to continue pitching.

He was obviously affected by the swarming bugs because he ended up walking two, hitting on batsman, and then throwing a wild pitch which brought in the tying run! The Indians ended up winning the game 2-1 in the 11th inning. But, it was the bugs that opened the door for the Indians to tie the game! BUGS!!! I mean, that's ridiculous!

The series went back to New York tonight, and the Yankees won the game to bring the series to 2-1. It looks like the Yanks aren't going to go lying down. Despite the bug game, they are going to make the Indians work for the series win. I love October!!