I found out last night that my hubby turned down freebie tickets (from PNC Bank! Probably behind the plate at PNC PARK!!) for tonight's game because it's a work night for him. Ask me how perturbed I am! GRRRRRR.....
Is this heaven?...
Posts: 2177 | Location: Western PA | Registered: January 01, 2003
WOW!!! Zach earned his first MLB win in his home debut with SEVEN SHUTOUT INNINGS.
7 innings, 112 pitches, 6 hits, NO RUNS, 1 BB, 8 Ks!!!! Relief pitcher replaced Zach to start the 8th inning, Pirates leading 2-0. Final score 2-1 Pirates. Zach's ERA is 1.93 after two starts!
Way to go, Zach!!
Posts: 3706 | Location: Minnesota | Registered: January 04, 2003
I believe these two quotes say all there is to say about Zach
"I think he's going to have a special career," added McClendon. "I'm certainly not blowing things out of proportion because he's had two good starts. I'm looking at the facts in this, and this young man is grounded. He knows what he wants, he knows how to go get it and he goes about it the right way. He's one of those special guys that are motivated to be the best that he can be. He's not motivated by money. That's important."
And most importantly....
And what did the rookie plan to do to celebrate his first Major League win?
"I'll call my dad, talk to him for a while and just try to soak it in," said Duke
So Zach.. Congrats and OPP tell us about that phone call
BTW OPP - Tell Zach that when he is approached about having the official Zach Duke Fan Club created that it is already a done deal!!! Seriously, how do we create an official fan club? I think we need to do this now!! Who is with me on this??
_______________ "Baseball, it is said, is only a game. And the Grand Canyon is only a hole."
"JustMom"
Posts: 1631 | Location: Virginia | Registered: December 26, 2002
I probably shouldn't tell you all this - please don't get jealous - but I am the proud owner of a Zach Duke autographed baseball AND bat, both won on recent eBay auctions!
Posts: 3706 | Location: Minnesota | Registered: January 04, 2003
Congrats OPP!! I was in AZ visiting my son and could not get the game on my hotel TV. I was mad about not seeing the game but happy to see how well he pitched.
Posts: 278 | Location: SoCal | Registered: January 14, 2004
Looking at the two clips that FlippJ (Jason) posted above, I believe they point out one the main reasons Zach is so effective and successful (and this is a very good lesson for younger pitchers) ... the repetition of his movements on each pitch is almost identical. At times the above clips are perfectly synchronized and it appears as though they are both clips of the same pitch ... but heck, it isn't even the same game or ballpark.
IMHO, I think that shows how sound Zach is mechanically. And it should only get better for him.
Mary Ann * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * "The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8 [8/21/08]
Posts: 3937 | Location: Somewhere out there beneath the pale moonlight ... | Registered: January 02, 2003
Yes....Congrats to Zach....I watched the game with mixed emotions as the Pirates were playing my Phillies. BUT....what a performance by Zach! I think I told everyone who walked into the room during the game "I know that kid! Sort of!" . Morning headline in the paper was "Duke Dumps Phillies".....a BIG congrats coming from enemy territory!
Posts: 2636 | Location: Pennsylvania | Registered: December 30, 2002
Originally posted by FutureBack.Mom: Looking at the two clips that FlippJ (Jason) posted above, I believe they point out one the main reasons Zach is so effective and successful (and this is a very good lesson for younger pitchers) ... the repetition of his movements on each pitch is almost identical. At times the above clips are perfectly synchronized and it appears as though they are both clips of the same pitch ... but heck, it isn't even the same game or ballpark.
IMHO, I think that shows how sound Josh is mechanically. And it should only get better for him.
I got it now, I think!
Posts: 11036 | Location: South Florida | Registered: July 28, 2003
Ran into an advance scout my son used to train with sometimes and I said we were watching the Phillies and Pirates game the other night and wondered if he'd had a chance to check out Zach before the game. After he asked how I knew him and I said I didn't but his dad posts on this website I go on, he started spouting some of Zach's stats and told me that "this kid is good", he hasn't given up any homeruns in ...well, I can't remember the number but I thought it was pretty cool that he had seen him in Clearwater earlier and was so impressed. I guess these guys are already looking for his nuances to report back to their players for the next time around. Just had to report in 'cause I thought it was pretty neat that he was so impressed with Zach.
Posts: 276 | Location: Eastern PA | Registered: December 30, 2002
. Morning headline in the paper was "Duke Dumps Phillies".....a BIG congrats coming from enemy territory! 
