There was a single moment in Friday night's huge Phillies win that seemed to define this team -- and make it distinctly different from all those pretenders who have worn the red pinstripes in recent years.
It did not involve Jimmy Rollins, Cole Hamels, Chase Utley, or Ryan Howard.
It was delivered by Shane Victorino. It came on a high, lazy pop foul that the wind, which was whipping all night, was pushing toward the stands in right field.
Victorino, who has been struggling in recent weeks with a balky groin pull, zeroed in on the ball like a laser.
Still going full speed, Victorino crossed the foul line, took a few steps onto the dirt, then went into a slide in his zeal to catch the ball.
He did not come up with it. but he did deliver a message.
At that instant, I could think of only one thing: Bobby Abreu.
Yes, this team is different from all those who disappointed in recent years. And guys like Shane Victorino are a key part of it.
It did not involve Jimmy Rollins, Cole Hamels, Chase Utley, or Ryan Howard.
It was delivered by Shane Victorino. It came on a high, lazy pop foul that the wind, which was whipping all night, was pushing toward the stands in right field.
Victorino, who has been struggling in recent weeks with a balky groin pull, zeroed in on the ball like a laser.
Still going full speed, Victorino crossed the foul line, took a few steps onto the dirt, then went into a slide in his zeal to catch the ball.
He did not come up with it. but he did deliver a message.
At that instant, I could think of only one thing: Bobby Abreu.
Yes, this team is different from all those who disappointed in recent years. And guys like Shane Victorino are a key part of it.
Comments