I would like to apologize to Matt Kelly and to his entire Damn Yankees' teammates for my idiotic decision attempting to throw out Matt at 1st base from center field. Knowing Matt had a leg injury which prevented him from running at full speed I made the unethical/poor baseball decision to make the throw with the hopes of taking a hit away and ending the game. I'm sure I can list a lot of excuses as to why I made the poor selfish decision I did, it just won't matter.
I respect Matt for his courageous efforts being in the lineup in a do or die game despite his injury.
After the game I re-played that stupid decision in my head over and over. I still couldn't think of any justification for making that decision. After all it's just a game we play for fun and enjoyment. Yes this it was a big game for both teams. The winners move on and the losers end their season. But it's still a game. When I look at players like Tom Bradley who's in a real battle that's when I put my lack of judgment and selfish decision in proper perspective.
Matt is a class act person and member of our league as well as Tom and all their teammates [Ray, Steve and John, etc.].
Heal up Matt. I look forward to our future battles on the diamond.
You have always been one of the stand-up guys in the league. You not only play with a passion but also know how the game is played.
Ever since we were together on the A's, I have always considered you a hard-nosed, baseball by the books, high integrity person. That you wrote a public apology even after telling each and every one of us how bad you felt afterward goes to show what type of quality person you are.
It was baseball instincts taking over. I, for one, have forgotten all about it.
But here's a hint - Next time don't dive and throw me out at first - would have been much easier!
