Gabe was on the Red Sox from 2003 to 2006. During that time, there are three games he was in that stand out to me.
The first game is his Red Sox debut. I’ve mentioned before that I was fortunate enough to be at, and score, that game. It was an incredible debut for a role player. 4-5, 3 RBI. Fantastic.
The second game is Game One of the 2004 World Series. Sure, all he did was pinch hit for Trot Nixon. But, how can I forget anyone who played in that fabulous World Series.
The final game is the one where he blew out his knee. He was on first when Bill Mueller hit a laser of a home run. Not able to be sure it was gone, Kapler did what he was supposed to do, and chugged around second. Unfortunately, in the process he crumpled to the ground. The thing I remember is Mueller standing just beyond second base trying to figure out how to finish his home run trot without passing Kapler. One of those things that sometimes happens in ballgames.
But, during his time in Boston he was known as a player who gave it his all. He was never able to harness his talents to become a star. But, he was the kind of player you want on your team. And, he’s a World Champion.
Happy 36th Birthday Gabe Kapler!
Wasn't it his achilles tendon that he blew? Either way, happy birthday Gabe Kapler!
ReplyDeleteI liked Gabe when he was with Texas! Happy Birthday Gabe!
ReplyDeleteYou know, as I posted it I said to myself, "It was his knee, right? Yeah, has to have been. Nothing else would blow out like that."
ReplyDeleteExcept, of course, for his achilles. Turns out, for a play I always remember, I didn't remember it very well. It was an achiilies, not a knee. Graffanino hit it, not Mueller. You get the idea though. He rounds second and blows something out. Falls to the ground, and guy who hit home run has to wait for him.