Happy Ayala Day

[Edgy MD]

[fimg=200]http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cByxUS3vmcY/UPYvttwG3bI/AAAAAAAAn1g/dOGk-6QIFgk/s320/benny%2Bayala%2B%25282%2529.JPG[/fimg]

[Guest John Cougar Lunchbucket]

Interestingly, that scoreboard reflects the lineup for Benny's second game, so I guess his folks missed the big debut the day before.

Ayala's big debut got him bumped from 6th to 5th in the order the next day. I don't remember Ted Martinez playing the outfield but he was a more useful player than I thought.

Not shown: The starting pitcher on that scoreboard: McGraw

[Edgy MD]

Yeah, I know his big day came against Houston, but the photo was too good not to share. I figured it would be minutes before I got called out on it.

Where's that interview somebody posted a year or two ago of Benny recalling his debut?

Notable he was a barely marginal shuttle player before Earl Weaver got his hands on the guy.

[G-Fafif]

I am Benny's Ayala, as requested.

[Edgy MD]

That's great stuff. Loved the embedded video. Bob Murphy and everything.

Driving back over the Harlem River Drive later in the night to my hotel near LaGuardia Airport, I stared at the New York skyline, still amazed at my first day in the big leagues. The wonderful Mets fans, their cheers, their smiles, their clapping. It was one of the greatest nights of my life.