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Fans are really subdued so it's kidna eerie in that regard
That's what I was thinking. Probably no more than a few hundred people at a regular-season game, I imagine? I guess college baseball on campuses is probably like that a lot, too, though.
Originally Posted by Nowitness41Dirk
Josh Hamilton...
16 game hit streak... Another 16 hits this week. Went into June 1 hitting .281 and now batting .337... Hitting .444/.474/.833 in June. WOW.
[h2]For you, Dad: McDonald homers in first AB since father's death[/h2]
By 'Duk
After watching his postgame press conference, I think Toronto Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston speaks for us all when talking about the home run that utilityman John McDonald(notes) hit in the ninth inning of Sunday's game.
"I was so happy to see him hit that home run, I almost cried myself," Gaston said.
Indeed, it's hard not to wipe away a tear or two while watching McDonald round the bases after hitting a two-run homer off Jeremy Affeldt(notes) in a 9-6 loss to the Giants.The blast came only two days after McDonald buried his father, who hadpassed away from a tough battle with liver cancer earlier in the week.
Thatit happened on Father's Day during John's first at-bat since JackMcDonald's death only added to the emotion. John pointed toward the skyafter crossing home plate.
Watch the special moment here
Thanksto the understanding of the Blue Jays, McDonald was able to return hometo Connecticut for the final 11 days of his father's life. The two hada very close father-and-son bond — The Star's Richard Griffin has greatdetails about their relationship here — and the AP reports that Jack asked John to hit his next home run in his honor. http://
Atfirst, that seemed easier requested than done. McDonald returned toToronto with only 13 career homers to his name over 12 big leagueseasons and he hadn't hit one yet this season. There was a good chanceit might not happen for a long while for the light-hitting infielder.
But then Gaston asked McDonald to serve as a defensive replacement for Aaron Hill(notes)in the ninth and McDonald decided to swing as hard as he could when hegot to the plate in the bottom of the inning. The result was one of themost emotional Father's Day stories we've ever witnessed in sports asthe ball just cleared the left field wall at Rogers Centre.
"Ithink (the homer) was for both of us," McDonald said. "The fact I gotit out of the way quick was nice. I told him they're not that easy tohit."
Asked what he was thinking as he rounded the bases, McDonald was painfully honest. From MLB.com:
"Probably the fact that I couldn't call my dad after the game to tell him."
That'spretty powerful stuff from McDonald and I think it goes without sayingthat it's something that any of us who have ever bonded with ourfathers over baseball can understand. My condolences go to the McDonaldfamily, but I'd also like to offer my congratulations. Coming throughas a hero for your hero is a very admirable thing.
Really, what an incredible moment to watch.