Jimmy landed up on the Marlins again this year with a new determination and set of team mates he began to "take it" to the other teams. He developed over the season a reputation as a key player, especially at catcher as well as a reputation as a power hitter.When Jimmy was behind the plate he had no fear of stopping the ball and keeping it in play. He also was the only kid in the league to throw out runners trying to steal second, they were Jimmy's bases and he owned them! None so much as the plate. Runners at third trying to steal home took their chances as Jimmy combined baseball, football and WWE in his defence of the plate.
Now as far as hitting the old adage " He is not here to paint" is a perfect description of young James' enthusiasm at the plate. As the season went on he learned that if he walked and got on base he could steal and ultimately score. Which, in the scheme of things, is important so Jim stopped swinging at the first three pitches thrown his way and learned to take his time. He had a couple of singles, 1 double ( which I will explain later) several triples and 3 home runs.
The Marlins were the comeback kids in very game, I am not sure of the stats but as I recall I do not believe that the Marlins started out any game with the lead. No fear they battled back and made each game their best work. The season ended and playoffs began. The Marlins finished in 5th place out of 6 teams and in the first round of the play offs drew the cubs, the 3rd place team. It was a fierce battle the Marlins as usual were down by several runs late in the game, nerves were tense adults were pacing... Jimmy was up. The score after 4 and a half innings Cubs 9 Marlins 5 ( Marlins were the home team). 2 outs runners on 1st and 2nd. Jimmy steps in and swings so hard at the first pitch the flag in center field changed depredation from the wind off the swing. Second pitch fouled off count is now 0 and 2, Jimmy takes a deep breath steps in and drives the ball deep into right field, 2 runs scored Jimmy is standing on 3rd base when disaster hits. The ump calls Jimmy out for stepping on home plate, the stands go nuts, drama, drama, drama, the play stands Marlins are out... no runs score.
Everyone takes a deep breath we need to hold the Cubs to no runs. In each inning the teams are allowed to score only 5 runs so if the Cubs score 2 the game is over. Jimmy is behind the plate Sean is on the mound, the word that comes to mind is synergy. The cubs go down swinging after 5 and a half Cubs 9 Marlins 5. The Marlins battle back late in the inning score is now Cubs 9 Marlins 8... bases are loaded , 2 outs and Sammi comes to the plate. She is a bit nervous, as are we all. She fouls off the first 5 pitches and now is way behind in the count no balls 2 strikes. Sitting in the stands is not an option as the parents burn off nervous energy. I am praying for a pitch that is at least in the strike zone as I now whatever pitch is thrown Sammi is swinging here comes the final pitch.... and Sammi rips a line shot over the short stop!!! two runs score and the Marlins win 10 to 9 Holy Cow!
Next up the dreaded and feared Phillies, the number 1 seed team. They were the best team with a record of 16,3 and 2, no matter to the Marlins. Suffice it to say after 3 innings the Phillies were up 3 to 1. The Marlins, being the visitors, did not have the advantage of batting last. So they took it to the Phillies and after 4 innings, Marlins 6 Phillies 3. Runners on 2nd and 3rd and Jimmy steps into the batters box. Count is 2 balls 1 strike and Jimmy hits what some people around Golden Valley believe is the longest hit of the year and the ball lands about 5 feet from the fence, which is 260 feet from home plate. Jimmy has a big smile on his face as he is running towards 3rd base, but wait the third base coaches is screaming something Jimmy stops and runs back over second to first touches first and makes it back to second. The dust settles it appears that he missed first base! Well as Jimmy's explained "I had to go back and touch first and now I have my first double"! Marlins win 13 to 5 in, 5 innings and advance to the championship game!
The team did not have it's best showing in the championship game however they came in second and all received metals. Hit the ball and touch them all... a moment in the sun, the Marlins provided us with great memories and a fantastic season.Way to go Marlins!
