I tell you what . . . there really couldn't be a sad ending to this story. Although we did lose to the Phillies in five games, it was the best season and best group of guys I've ever been a part of. From all the ups and downs this season brought us, the one thing I'm able to take from this is more than a handful of friends I know I'll have for life. There's so much behind-the-scenes action that takes place to let us 25 guys do what we do on the field. The guys in charge of the behind-the-scenes action are an amazing group of guys. From our clubbies, to our traveling secretary, to our trainers and strength and conditioning coach. . . . they allowed us to concentrate 100 percent on the game as well as keep us healthy throughout the year.

To sum up the year, let me share a couple of my highlights. My No. 1 highlight of the 2008 season was making it to the World Series as a Tampa Bay Ray. My No. 2 highlight would have to be playing in Yankee Stadium during its final year, where I was able to hit two home runs off two future Hall of Famers: Mike Mussina and Andy Pettitte. On the way, I scooped two cup fulls of dirt into a Ziploc bag from the homeplate area. Another 2008 highlight for me came during Interleague play . . . where I had a 15-pitch pinch hit home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Here's to hoping that I am lucky enough to get back into the postseason, even the World Series, again in the future. Until then, I'll be playing the game like I always do . . . with two things always in mind: Respect for the game and hustle.

Jonny Gomes

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