I was in a venue with perhaps three hundred people (perhaps more) - all sports fans. It was the second game of the playoffs, with the New York Yankees down one game to the Cleveland Indians. Usually, the noise is so loud with conversations and comments that it is impossible to hear the announcers on the telecast. It was not so at this moment though. These baseball people knew this was a special moment. The place was almost silent.

It was the top of the ninth inning. The score was tied. New York desperately needs the win to even the series. Johnny Damon grounds out; one away. Derek Jeter strikes out; two away. Bobby Abreu singles; and Alex Rodriguez is at bat. Bobby Abreu steals second and is in scoring position. The moment is perfect. It could not be scripted any better.

This has been the playoff moment that Alex Rodriguez has been wanting. It is a moment to silence the critics about playoff performance. A hit brings home the winning run. Mariano Rivera will pitch the bottom of the ninth for the Yankees and protect the lead. A hit puts to rest all the barbs about not being a ‘true Yankee’. A hit continues a terrific regular season. It negates the one game lead and the series goes to New York for the third game. The situation seems perfect.

Alex Rodriguez strikes out - swinging and missing.

The Yankees give up a run in the bottom of the eleventh inning - and fall behind by two games. Elimination looms. Alex Rodriguez had three strikeouts, on this night. In his last fourteen playoff games, he is four for forty seven, with no runs batted in. None.

It’s historical. The playoff demons are winning. It is almost painful to watch.

Catherine

[tags]major league baseball, playoffs, new york yankees, cleveland indians, alex rodriguez[/tags]