Lee true to form as Panners shine in Midnight Sun
Published Sunday, June 22, 2008
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Stumble It!Bill “Spaceman” Lee walked off the field with a cigar in his mouth, a grin on his face and another win on his record after the Midnight Sun Game this morning.
The 62-year old former Goldpanners and Boston Red Sox hurler, who hadn’t pitched in a Midnight Sun Game since losing to the Japanese national team in 1967, threw six-plus innings for the Alaska Goldpanners in their 10-6 win over the Southern California Running Birds.
“I asked him if he could pitch on Thursday,” Panners manager Tim Gloyd said. “… He had great tempo. He’s a real major league-type player.”
The battle of the Goldpanner alumni, Lee against leadoff batter Don Sneddon, was over with in less than a minute.
Sneddon struck out on three pitches, then stepped aside and let the youngsters play.
Lee stayed in and played like a youngster.
Lee, wearing No. 337 (“Lee” upside-down), struck out three while giving up four earned runs on the night.
After sending Sneddon back to the dugout, Lee saw only three more batters in the first, surrendering a hit.
It seemed, though, that the honeymoon was over for No. 337 in the second. He allowed two runs in the second, including one from a wild pitch.
But he came back strong in the third, retiring the side with the help of a spectacular catch in center field by Nick Ciolli.
With Mitch Blackburn’s fly ball heading for the shallow outfield behind second base, Ciolli slid on his knees and snagged the ball above his belly.
The rest of the Alaska defense also came up with solid play to help Lee’s cause.
Panners first baseman Ryan Heroy did a full split to catch a throw from shortstop Jake Dunning to end the Birds’ fourth inning offense. He pulled the same feat in the sixth off a throw from third baseman Raoul Torrez.
The Goldpanners gave Lee plenty of support, outhitting the Birds 14-12.
Torrez had a solid night from the plate, driving in the first two of the Panners’ RBI and finishing the game with four, going 3-for-4 with two base hits and a double. Second baseman Casey Stephenson chipped in with two RBI.
That offense gave the Panners a 5-4 lead when Lee left the game after giving up a leadoff base hit. Relief pitcher Jonathon Harmston got the save by closing out the rest of the game, giving up only two runs after the Panners had secured a sizeable 10-4 lead.
A low amount of light after the sun sunk below the northern hills left the ball hard to see, which was partially to blame for the three errors that followed, two by the Birds and one by the Panners.
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Three cheers for the Goldpanners! This is the best show in baseball.
RAUOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!!!!!!
Hubba hubba hubba hubba Hubba!
One of the most amazing athletic displays I have seen. The story doesn't due Bill justice. Every inning I was thinking he was done and he kept coming out to pitch. Thanks Bill and the Goldpanners for making this the best Midnight Sun game that I have witnessed.
A 62 year old ex major league pitcher throws 83 pitches to beat a bunch of college kids in the biggest game in Alaska baseball and the news miner treats it like a co-ed softball game. What were Lee's thoughts after the game? How many were there in standing room only attendance? Why was Major League baseball filming? What did the fans think? Perhaps a picture of the pitcher who was only going to go one inning but went into the seventh? How about any thoughts from opposing players who were 40 years younger than the pitcher? This story could have been picked up nationally if the writer had put a little bit of effort into it.
It was a fantastic game and perfect night for baseball. Thousands of fans would agree, the readers who were not there wouldn't tell that by the story.
I remember Bill Lee once saying years ago, "If you took away all the money from Major League Baseball, the real baseball players would still be playing."
I agree, the story should have been presented better, I was amazed he kept coming out to pitch inning after inning. Great game!
I could not agree with "YOUMUSTBEONDRUGS" more.
I used to work for the Red Sox and waited months for this game, ever since the press release that Lee was coming back to avenge his 1967 loss.
I drove from Anchorage on June 21st to be there, with a gut feeling Lee was going to make history. I was on the field, in and around the dugout, and all over the park before and throughout the game. I knew I was documenting history.
I have been to numerous memorable and historic sporting events in my life, including the Earthquake World Series Game 3 in 1989 and Pedro's 1999 All Star Game striking out the first six in front of the All Century Team. I flew to Fenway for the 2004 World Series victory and was interviewed on national TV following the win. I saw the 2007 World Series from the front row seat behind the camera pits and on-deck circle at Fenway last October. I witnessed Tom Gordon set the consecutive saves record, and Eckersley break the all time record. I've seen plenty more.
During the 2008 Midnight Sun Game, as the drama unfolded and built with continuing intensity, I commented to the MLB Productions crew, "Is this great TV or what?!" They replied, "It couldn't have been scripted better!" The energy on the field, around the dugout, and in the stands was vibrant.
I was standing next to Spaceman when he put that victory cigar in his mouth on the field. He looked at me and said, "Just like Red Auerbach." He was on cloud nine.
I hustled back to my hotel room and wrote an email to my friends in the front office at Fenway, detailing the game, describing emotions, ups and downs, drama, and finally the win. I wrote the front office that I have witnessed many great moments in sports and this one in Fairbanks ranks right up there with the best.
I was so looking forward to the article in the News Miner, but sadly, found the above drab and impotent piece, written clearly by someone who does not understand baseball history, strategy, or the wonders of the Midnight Sun Game.
And by the way Mr. Armstrong, Bill Lee was 61, not 62. Is there an editor in the house?
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