;)
First of all, let me thank you for allowing me to share this (hopefully not, but possibly) once in a lifetime experience with you guys.
Yesterday we had the day off to allow the 2008 American League Championship to sink in. I was invited to a Barack Obama rally in Tampa to attend and meet and greet and announce Obama on stage.
And again, meeting a possible future president is a once in a lifetime opportunity ... what an amazing 24 hours!
Today the flood-gates opened with a 1 p.m. workout at Tropicana Field. When I arrived at 11:30 a.m. (an hour-and-a-half before the workout) the clubhouse looked back to normal (after our fourth champagne celebration of the season!).
When I got to my locker I saw the 2008 World Series emblem stitched onto my jersey and hat. To see that patch on my uniform was breathtaking, to say the least.
For the first 20 minutes it was just players in the clubhouse until the full blown media circus arrived.
While putting my pants on, I was interrupted by 15-20 reporters asking questions anywhere from, "Do you think the altercations with the New York Yankees and the Red Sox are what turned the club around?"; to "What is your favorite World Series memory?"
To the second question I answered that the World Series memory that sticks out most in my mind was the 1989 World Series between the San Francisco Giants and the Oakland A's that was abruptly interrupted by an earthquake.
After addressing the media, onto the field for a team meeting which really wasn't any different from the team meetings we've had all year.
The message was no different than ever before, "No added pressure, just go out and win the ball game."
Then we broke into defensive drills for infielders and pitchers to practice bunt plays and bunt situations to prepare us for playing a NL team where the pitchers hit and the small ball game is really exposed.
Then came batting practice: three groups of five players, 15 minutes each.
The rest of the day was optional: hitting in the cage, working out, or watching film.
At the end of the day on my 5-mile drive home, I reflected on how the Rays and I are possibly on our way to rewriting the record and history books.
- Jonny Gomes
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Comments | Add Comment
Posted By: Bruski (08/08/2009 2:54:28 PM)
Comment: Jonny, Bru here, I just read that you took the Rays hit-by-pitch record when you were there....well played my friend, well played. You're definitely making me proud on that one. Seriously though, way to rep the program and show the country what bada** baseball is all about. Your tackle of Duncan opened a lot of eyes around the baseball world, and at least for the media and the fans was the turning point that caused them to BELIEVE. Way to go.
Coach Carp - You're the man, hope all is well. My Dirtbag of the Year trophy is still my favorite.
Posted By: Coach Carp (23/10/2008 6:41:33 AM)
Comment: Cheers to one of the most ornery, tough-as-nails kids I have had the privilege to coach! Congratulations Jonny! Take the time to thoroughly enjoy the experience. Good Luck to you and the rest of the Rays.
Drop me an e-mail when you get some time.
Coach Carp
Posted By: Ginger Poczatek (22/10/2008 6:25:48 PM)
Comment: Jonny, I am SO proud of your accomplishments and am living and dying with each at bat for the remainder of this World Series. Not that I want any of your teammates to suffer an injury, but I'm praying you get an at bat! I hope to see you when you return home to Petaluma this year! Go Rays! Much love,
Ginger
Posted By: Ricky Watts (22/10/2008 4:53:41 PM)
Comment: Congrats Jonny!! Nothing but love, bud! Thanks for blogging your experiences. Go Rays!
Posted By: JCal from NorCal (22/10/2008 2:49:26 PM)
Comment: Reppin' the 707,
I (and the other 2 guys around here who have them) am wearing my TB Rays hat with pride. Nice "form tackle" on the pitching mound Sunday night!
See you at Camp for a Cure November 1st.
-JCal from NorCal
Posted By: BILLY AT PARKSHORE GRILL (22/10/2008 7:26:45 AM)
Comment: HEY CATWALK SORRY I MEAN JONNY I LOVE TOO SEE YOU OUT IN ST. PETE. I JUST WANTED YOU AND EVERYONE ELES TOO KNOW THAT YOU ARE WITHOUT A DOUBT THE HEART AND SOUL OF OUR RAYS. THE CITY MISSED YOU.I WISH I COULD SEE YOU BLAST A SHOT OFF OF THE 4TH CATWALK TOO WIN GAME ONE. THANK YOU BILLY@ PARKSHORE GRILL( CREAM BRULEE )
Posted By: PTownFan (21/10/2008 11:44:27 PM)
Comment: 707's behind the Rays Jonny. Keep those boys fired up! See you at Camp For A Cure.
Posted By: Tyson Berg (21/10/2008 10:23:58 PM)
Comment: Jonny- It's been about 12 years since Sonoma County has had a player in the World Series, very proud of you man. You and your team have definitely kept the hair stylists busy in Florida with all those mohawks. I look forward to seeing you enjoy your 5th champagne toast this year.
Cheers! Tyson Berg
Posted By: Daren Blonski (21/10/2008 9:46:50 PM)
Comment: Congrats Jonny! Great to see your success. Best of luck in the series.
Posted By: INDO (21/10/2008 8:45:18 PM)
Comment: What great Idea PD! This is great for the EMPIRE! Go RAYs!!!
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