That kid is a shinning example of why the Yankees are a scourge on society as a whole. Not since Dan Marino screwed Ray Finkel in Super Bowl XIX has there been a greater sports tragedy. To reward that kid for committing fraud, for breaking the rules of baseball, is unAmerican. Guiliani had Jeffery Maier Day in NYC shortly after the event. Everyone is currently on Bonds for alleged steroid use in baseball. Where were you when this kid reached into play to steal the series from Baltimore? Unlike Bonds, there is actual video and audio to prove that Maier did this. Rich Garcia is also a willing accomplice to this crime against humanity, after the fact. Mr. Maier is the true villain in this story.
I saw this piece the other day when it ran on SportsCenter (I was in the hotel and there was nothing left to watch, ok. Sue me!) Those sychophants in Bristol, gleefully touted the hit record he set. I fumed and thought of poor Tony Tarasco. Tony Tarasco is a shell of his former self. In the blink of an eye, a 12-year old kid dashed the dreams and hopes of Charm City's fans. The O's were never quite the same and are still trying to dig out of the emotional hole that day left. I dream of that day, when I finally meet Jeffery. His eyes will meet mine and I will coolly reply "Unleaded and check the tires while your at it, son."
If the Red Sox can recover from Game 6, then I too believe that Orioles fans everywhere can get over this. Someday, possibly...