Leit's Out

Al Leiter's final pitch in the majors was in today's spring training game against the Cleveland Indians. Leiter entered the game in the 7th and got Eduardo Perez to ground out to third. A press release was read during his appearance announcing his retirement, effective at the end of his outing. Leiter, drafted in the 2nd round in the 1984 draft by the Yankees, will retire as a Yankee. Leiter's career spanned 19 years and he was one of the better lefties of his time. Al was a two time world champion, winning with the Blue Jays and the Marlins and sported a career ERA of 3.80. He pitched a no-hitter and was the first pitcher to ever beat every major league team. Quite the accomplishments.
I'm glad I was tuned in to today's game. It was nice to see the reception Al got from his fellow Yankees as he left the field and took a seat in the dugout. I would have thought that Al would have received a better ovation from the crowd as he walked off. I only noticed one gentleman standing and clapping. Maybe the crowd didn't know? I expected to see Al receive a standing ovation. He certainly was deserving. I'm sure his next endeavor will lead him to the booth, where he will no doubt succeed as an analyst. If anyone saw him during his stint on Fox during the World Series a few years back, you know what I'm talking about. Hopefully, we'll see him as a member of the YES team. Best of luck to you Al.
I got to "meet" Al once. Perhaps meet isn't the best word. I got his autograph last year at Yankee Stadium. We were huddled down the right field line hoping that someone would. Shawn Chacon and Mel Stottlemyre had signed right before but I was about 3 feet too far to the right to get their autographs. Al came over after working his arm out. He was kind of funny. People are screaming his name and he was screaming it right back at them, using the same annoying voice that they were using as they shouted. I don't think they got that he was mocking them. Anyway, Al's in front of this kid who is maybe 13 and the kid says "Ay yo Al. Sign my hat!" Al repeats what the kid says in the same tone of voice and the kid laughs. Al then says that there is a better way of asking for things and turns the kid down. Al moves down the line a little bit, signs a lot more stuff (my ball included) and makes his way back to the 13 year old kid he turned down. He asks him how old he is, kid says 13 (or 14). Al says how he remembers what is what like to be 13, trying to act all cool in front of your friends, acting like a big shot. He basically gives the kid a lesson in what respect is and how to treat others with it, especially when asking for something. It was probably a good 2-minute lesson. It ended with Al signing his hat and the kid saying "Thanks Mr. Leiter." It was kind of funny, but definitely a lesson that I think more people need to learn, especially autograph hounds. I usually get to games an hour or two before the gates open so I can try to snag an auto or two, try to being the key phrase. I rarely hear anyone say thank you when someone gives them an autograph. It's amazing. I always make sure to say thanks. Maybe if more people did, then players would be more inclined to stop by and sign something. So if you read this and have the opportunity to get an autograph, say thanks.
As for the game, the Yanks shutout the Tribe 2-0. The Big Unit looked sharp, pitching 6 and striking out 9. Hopefully we see more of the same from the Unit all year long. The line-up included those who participated in the WBC. Jeter goes 1-3 with a double, and RBI and a run scored. It's good to have the band back together.
14 days 'til Opening Day!!!!
J