That One Play

Every year, each team's fan base starts with hopes and dreams of reaching the World Series, well maybe not the Royals' fan base, but most every team's fan base.  Obviously not every team can win or even make the playoffs.  There are teams that just completely run away with their divisions, others struggle to make it to the top.  Those teams that struggle to make it to the post season seem to have a defining moment.  Either for the good or the bad.  Last year, I thought that when the Tigers got swept in the double header against Minnesota near the end of the season that it was over.  I had started to look forward to 2013 and then Chicago collapsed.  It was a bright end to a long season. 

The last two years the Detroit Tigers have not only made it to the playoffs, but have won the division.  Two years ago, won it convincingly.  Last year, not so much.  It was exciting, don't get me wrong, but it should have been a repeat of 2011.  There are two moments from both of those years that stand out in my head as a turning point towards their making the postseason.  Just that one play that put an extra spark into the team for the rest of the year.  That one play that revitalizes the fans into believing their team is going all the way that year. 

Last year it was the 'Oh Jackson!' play.  It took place at the end of August, just in time for the playoff run.  The run that took them to the American League Championship series.  They fell to the Rangers, we all know this.  It brought hope that 2006 wasn't a fluke and they had put a team together that can make several runs into the playoffs.  

This year, we had this play.  It also took place at the end of August, just in time for the playoff run.  It excited the entire stadium.  The team looked ready to run out onto the field and hoist Dirks up on their shoulders and carry him back for a celebratory beer.  This year, they made it to the World Series, but let's not talk about it.

Spring training is still a few months away and the Winter Meetings have concluded.  There is nothing worth while to talk about baseball wise until pitchers and catchers report.  Until that time, enjoy those two clips.  I know they make me smile over and over.