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Happy Ayala Day

Edgy MD Aug 26 2014 07:41 AM

[fimg=200]http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cByxUS3vmcY/UPYvttwG3bI/AAAAAAAAn1g/dOGk-6QIFgk/s320/benny%2Bayala%2B%25282%2529.JPG[/fimg]

John Cougar Lunchbucket Aug 26 2014 07:58 AM Re: Happy Ayala Day

Interestingly, that scoreboard reflects the lineup for Benny's second game, so I guess his folks missed the big debut the day before. Ayala's big debut got him bumped from 6th to 5th in the order the next day. I don't remember Ted Martinez playing the outfield but he was a more useful player than I thought. Not shown: The starting pitcher on that scoreboard: McGraw

Edgy MD Aug 26 2014 08:11 AM Re: Happy Ayala Day

Yeah, I know his big day came against Houston, but the photo was too good not to share. I figured it would be minutes before I got called out on it. Where's that interview somebody posted a year or two ago of Benny recalling his debut? Notable he was a barely marginal shuttle player before Earl Weaver got his hands on the guy.

G-Fafif Aug 26 2014 02:31 PM Re: Happy Ayala Day

I am Benny's Ayala, as requested.

Edgy MD Aug 26 2014 02:42 PM Re: Happy Ayala Day

That's great stuff. Loved the embedded video. Bob Murphy and everything. Driving back over the Harlem River Drive later in the night to my hotel near LaGuardia Airport, I stared at the New York skyline, still amazed at my first day in the big leagues. The wonderful Mets fans, their cheers, their smiles, their clapping. It was one of the greatest nights of my life.