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This was a fascinating watch. I’d always heard the story of Ankiel but never seen this game before. I was curious given how cruel and heartless society could be back then, if the commentators would be mocking, but I think Joe & Tim were extremely kind and classy towards Rick Ankiel.
Rick wound up becoming a legendary outfielder and hitter! That was what he should have done full time. Still impressive he could also pitch. He was the Original Swiss Army Knife!
They talk about it during Piazza's at bat here in the 1st inning, but they explain perfectly what went wrong with Ankiel: Dave Duncan and the Cardinals sabotaged him. They messed with his mechanics. They didn't like the way he threw across his body (much like an infielder), so they taught him to throw more traditionally. Doesn't work if you can't throw strikes though, right? The Orioles did the same thing to Jake Arrieta before the Cubs saved him.
I think it's a good explanation. Even still, Ankiel showed wildness at times throughout the regular season 2000. Very live arm. And in Arrieta's case, it seemed his mechanics could get out of whack easily because of the way he threw. Perhaps when coming off the DL or starting into a new season, it might take a guy who throws across his body a little longer to find his delivery. So it's not perfect.
La Russa looks like he's having a panic attack- Ankiel said La Russa told him he wasn't pitching after a bullpen session and Ankiel flipped out, so Tony let him pitch- big mistake
He was fine most of the year and then for whatever reason the yips got him in the postseason. Happened to Steve Blass in the early '70s, to catcher Mackey Sasser (lost the ability to throw the ball back to the pitcher), happens to golfers, and it happened to Ankiel.
I don't really care for either team and I have no earthly idea what you're talking about. If anything Buck and McCarver would be in the bag for the Cardinals but I don't hear it. They're second-guessing LaRussa quite a bit.
