I thought I was hallucinating when I woke up on my couch to the fuzz of the Phillies game still blaring through my radio. While I had dozed in and out, the Phillies had stayed in it. The Reds had too. For 18 innings. At this point in the game, Chooch was playing third, Polly was playing second, and Wilson Valdez was taking the mound against the meat and potatoes of the Reds' lineup: Joey Votto, Scott Rolen, Jay Bruce.
Is this all a dream? Is Roy Oswalt in left field right now?
The announcers told me it was all real. Well, everything except for that part about Roy O. After the Phillies had used up their entire bullpen, utility infielder Wilson Valdez was called in to pitch. He went on to throw a hitless 19th against batters 3, 4, 5, and 6 for the Reds. His fastball even clocked in around 90 mph. The Phillies went on to score on a walk-off sac-fly by Raul Ibanez. Valdez earned the win, a 0.00 ERA, and a pie to the face after having pitched last in a 2002 pickup game in the Dominican Republic. Oh, and Valdez went 3-for-6 at the plate. And hit Scott Rolen with a pitch.
God, I love baseball.
Fun fact: The last time a position player started a game in the field and came away with a win was October 1, 1921. That player was none other than the Sultan of Swat, the King of Crash, the Collossus of Clout, Babe Ruth. THE GREAT BAMBINO! So I guess that means that by the transitive powers of baseball, Wilson Valdez equals George Herman Ruth.
For those who slept through the excitement, a recap and video are available here.
