Here's the link to the full game, • July 4, 1989-Tigers vs...
This clip is why Jesse Barfield is and was significantly underrated as a talent in the game. Even with a knee that clearly causing him distress, those throws from right are Jesse's signature. Gawd, that sprawling catch and rocket to first may have been even more impressive than the peg that caught Lou Whitaker at the plate.
Jess had only been in the Bronx for a couple of months before the captured moment. It still bothers me that the Jays swapped my fav out for a lefty that, although he'd be a successful starter and big game performer in years to come, would have his Toronto years known for blisters. Sweet Jesus, man, Jesse was an AL homerun champ for crying out loud. He was the most athletic combo of speed, range, and power that the latter 80s had known until Canseco made his case in the 1988 season. Most of all, Jess was my guy. Being the shit disturber that he was, my Dad decided to become a George Bell fan, just to get my goat as we watched those games together.
Listen to the voices calling the deeds on that American birthday. Anytime a ballplayer could get a couple of Holy Cows out of Scooter, you know someone was having a day. As luck would have it, the former Voice of the Yankees, Mr. Mel Allen, was visiting and Barfield's big arm, bat, and athleticism caught the legendary broadcaster's eye that afternoon. How could it not. When the dude was on, he was one of the most dynamic players in the game. Right up there with Darryl Strawberry in my only slightly biased opinion.
Running into this old game, I'm reminded of the way that Jesse's trade to the pinstripes changed my baseball allegiances. Of course I had to hate the Jays for their treachery. Of course I had to now cheer for the Yanks. In a time before 162 games were available at your convenience, cheering for an out-of-market team was no easy feat. When you only got to see your guys on some random GOW or when they faced the jerks wearing hometeam colours, continuing to hold a torch for a favourite ballplayer sure as hell wasn't easy. Instead, the more convenient form of fanhood was to cheer against the Jays, regardless of who they played, regardless of their place in the standings. Such are the confessions of a baseball nerd.
1989 was a great year for the Jesse-less Jays, though. Cito would takeover the helm and the team would race back to nip the surprising O's at the finish line. Even though I still wasn't over Barfield's dismissal, I'll admit that I gave my hate for the Jays a break for that final weekend series.
Note: I'd encourage you, faithful reader, to watch the full game that I will link here. In it, during the innings that the aforementioned Mel Allen was in the booth, you'll find a beautiful story that he related about Lou Gehrig. I don't want to spoil it. But, be advised, it will bring a tear to your eye.
#JesseBarfield #NewYork #Yankees #BlueJays #Toronto #MLB
Негізгі бет Jesse Barfield had a day on the 4th of July, 1989
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