Los Angeles Dodgers @ Houston Astros
October 28, 2017, Game Four
Jose Altuve at the Plate, 1st Inning, Game Four
He grounded out, 4-3. (Photo by Sam Quintero)
My First World Series Game ….
….. took almost eighty years to happen.
…. came about as Game Four of the Dodgers vs. Astros match in Houston on October 28, 2017.
…. only happened because of a special invitation from my good friend, Dr. Sam Quintero.
…. sadly for us Astros fans, was lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers. 6-2.
In spite of the Astros loss, I shall never forget the emotional high that came with “just being there”, nor will I ever fail to reflect on the sweet generosity of my “dear friend and buddy Sam” – anytime I now think or write about the Baseball World Series, the Fall Classic, or the greatest competitive championship challenge in all American team sports. They all are one and the same in our hearts and minds. They are – the World Series!
Bill McCurdy and Sam Quintero
World Series Game Four
Minute Maid Park, Houston
October 28, 2017
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Dodgers taking batting practice prior to Game Four
Disappointments …
The Giveaway Aspect. Game Four was not a “winnable game lost”. It was a “winnable game given away” by the use of “closer” Ken Giles in the top of the 9th and the score tied 1-1. The resulting loss knocked the Astros out of their big chance for a 3-1 Series lead and the possibility of closure on the whole world championship goal tonight – here at home in Houston.
Even as we saw the change unfolding during his warm up pitches, many of our minds were muttering already in early apprehension. Even though earlier times for Giles were recalled as non-World Series situations, we all recalled what he had failed to do in the past under pressure – and we already knew all of his post-game apologies to the team by heart. We did not want to hear them again, but that’s exactly what we feared lay ahead as he prepared to appear in Game Four.
And I’ll be damned if that isn’t pretty much exactly what happened.
Happy and Civil Dodger fans abounded. at Game Four, especially as it ended in a 6-2 LA win.
The World Series is Not a Rehab Hospital for Closer Self Esteem. We all are human. And sometimes we humans need to go away somewhere and rebuild our self-esteem. But, if you are a big league closer with self-esteem issues, the World Series is not the place you go to work them out. The World Series, every pitch of the World Series, is the critical moment that all worthy clubs play the long seasons and playoff runs to reach. Screw up there – and there are no do-overs. Any way you slice it, the World Series is NOT the place to overcome old personal demons at the risk of robbing others of their club accomplishment dreams.
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Bill McCurdy
Principal Writer, Editor, Publisher
The Pecan Park Eagle
The Pecan Park Eagle 
October 29, 2017 at 6:12 pm |
I’m only a casual watcher and fan and I thought the exact same thing with exception of the background of the closer, I do not know of his record. I saw no reason to relieve the starter simply because he had one home run allowed, he was not pitching any different than when he started the game, But then everyone is human and no one is perfect that goes for managers and players and fans. We’re still deep into this world series and not out of it until the fat lady sings. The next game starts a new world series to be won by the Astros ;0)
October 29, 2017 at 8:12 pm |
Great report, Bill. I’m so happy you had a chance to see this game in our home park.
October 29, 2017 at 9:00 pm |
Awesome Bill, regardless of the outcome I’m glad you enjoyed the experience.
October 30, 2017 at 2:36 am |
Bill, I’m happy for your first World Series game. I had my first Friday night.
I feel terrible for Giles right now. As bad as any of us feel by his performance, you know he has to be devastated right now, and not just because he failed his role for his team when it mattered most, but because his job probably feels now like it’s in peril, and he really may have suffered a significant self-esteem blow. It’s not “just a game” on a stage that large with so much at stake. I hope he has a great support system.
October 30, 2017 at 3:31 pm |
Sorry that the Astros lost, Bill, but I’m happy that you were able to attend the game. There is something special about being at a World Series, no matter the outcome. I have been fortunate to have had that experience (Detroit at St. Louis, 2006), thanks to the generosity of old friends. I will never forget it.
October 30, 2017 at 5:13 pm |
Bill, I’m writing after Game 5.
When I left Houston in 1956 for university on the west coast, I had been a fan of the Houston Buffs. Since they missed the Series this year, I might not have watched this unbelievably exciting series if it hadn’t been for your column. Your knowledge,
enthusiasm, and heart-on-your-sleeve reporting compelled me to watch. Many thanks. I guess “break a leg” isn’t appropriate, but my best wishes are with you in slaying the pecky Dodger.
Rob Sangster