Sport Slices

I can't think of any situation, in any sport, quite like the last few innings of a baseball game when a pitcher is hurling a “no-hitter”. The silence in the dugout, when his team is up to bat would be about the same as when the proverbial tree stands in the forest.

The Chicago Cubs faced that exciting part of the game, recently in Milwaukee. Alec Mills, a former student at the University of Tennessee, had not allowed the Brewers any hits. A few balls had been hit to the outfield, but had been chased down and snagged by his teammates. Other ground balls had been easily handled in the infield. He had struck out a couple of batters, but not with overwhelming stuff.

At the best of times, his fastball is clocked around 90 miles per hour. In today's game, pitchers topping 100 miles per hour are not unusual. Mills knew that in order to succeed in baseball, he would need other pitches.

While strolling near the baseball fields at his university in Tenneesee, he decided to invite himself to a practice. The coaches reluctantly told him to take the mound. He showed sufficient talent to make the team, as a “walk on”. The scouts became aware of his talent, and he was drafted into the major league by the Kansas Cithy Royals. But in the 22^nd round. That means that more than 600 players had been drafted before he was.

The flame remained, never extinguished. He toiled in the minors for the Royals, and then was dealt to the Chicago Cubs. With limited action, and designated as a reliever by the Cubbies at the beginning of the season, he was asked to start recently by his club.

In seasons past, that would be a firaly rare occurrence. Mainly because of the COVID 19 situation, things are very different. Many players who thought they would never have a chance to play Major League Baseball are getting a chance this year. With a shortened Spring Training, team management had less time to evaluate their prospects. Then all teams cancelled all of the games of their minor league teams. A few players are kept on “alternate” rosters, staying in the wings until their names are called.

Because of injuries, a spot opened up for Mills to become a starter. Under the watchful eye of his manager, David Ross, and pitching coach Tommy Hottovy, he took the mound against the Brewers. He had thrown 113 pitches when he wound up to deliver his final pitch.

Javier Baez was ready to field the ball. “I just wanted the ball hit to m. It's unbelievable. This is something that we're going to be part of for life. This is something like a championship kind of thing.”

Mills admitted it was quite an experience. “I watched the video (after the game). I didn't even know if I really celebrated. It was kind of surreal. I don't know what I really did, to be honest with you. I just don't remember.” He finished the game with 5 strikeouts, and three walks.

Albert Pujols stroked the 660^th home run of his career, tying Willie Mays for the most career home runs. The Jays and the Yankees are in a battle for second place in the East Division of the American League. It is critical because it would give them an automatic entry into the post season.

The Dallas Stars knocked off the Vegas Golden Knights on Monday night to win a spot in the Stanley Cup final this year. The Los Angeles Lakers await an opponent in the NBA West. The Clippers and the Denver Nuggets clashed last night to settle that score. The National Football League got underway last week to play their shortened season.

Brooke Henderson settled for a second place tie last Sunday, after battling on the last few holes in a tournament in .

Enjoy!!

James Hurst

September 15, 2020.