Plenty of great performances to choose from this week. I am anticipating several nominations.
I am going with Bryant Guilmette of the Webster Yankees – New York Collegiate Baseball League. In three relief appearances the lefty allowed zero earned runs while striking out five and earning two saves.
That’s half of the story.
Wednesday night against Allegany County, Guilemette took the mound for the first time this season. He promptly struck out the side on nine pitches. (The last time a Webster pitcher accomplished that was July 27th, 2007 when Bryan Gardner mowed down the heart of the Elmira Pioneers order. Gardner currently pitches in the Cincinnati Reds’ system.)
One night later, with the pinstripes clinging to a 1-0 lead, Guilmette entered the game with bases loaded and one out. Two pitches later, Guilmette extinguished the threat with an inning-ending double play. To round off his week, the southpaw came out of the pen Sunday again with bases loaded and one out. The first batter Guilmette faced flew to left field. The next popped up to third base.
On top of all that, Guilmette possesses a great attitude. After yesterday’s game, he made light of his accomplishments stating: “Honestly, I am not thinking about the situation when I come in. I’m just hitting the mitt. It’s an easy game when you don’t think too much.”
Who gets your POTW?
Two champions were crowned in the major team sports this past week, but in terms of going with the squad that exceeded expectations, I gotta give the Pittsburgh Penguins my vote for POTW. Honorable mentions go to the Lakers and the Colorado Rockies, who are currently on an 11 game winning streak. (Hope all struggling teams don’t think that firing their manager will instantly result in a huge winning streak, but something has suddenly clicked for the Rockies after firing Clint Hurdle).
Since Wally touched on just about every major sport other then professional bass fishing, I am going with Anna Nordqvist. Anna won the LPGA Championship over the weekend, which by itself is a big deal withing women’s professional golf – is also impressive in the fact that Anna is just 22 years old and playing in only her 5th professional tournament. 🙂
This is tongue n’ cheek, but I would also like to nominate Louis Castillo of the Mets who made just every baseball/softball player feel normal when he dropped aneasy pop up in Friday’s Yankee/Mets game, allowing the Yankees to come from behind for the victory.
Since Wally touched on just about every major sport other than professional bass fishing,…
HELMET STICKER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I second Smitty picking Castillo. Now, little league coaches across America can say all Summer long. “Catch the ball with two hands! Who are you, Luis Castillo?!”
Way to go Bryant!