Henderson Alvarez No Hitter

[BK METS]

As the (supposed) final day of the baseball season was upon us yesterday, with many leagues still up for grabs, probably the strangest game of the season happened in Miami.

At the beginning of the week, if you were looking for a 2 start pitcher to help you, Henderson Alvarez was scheduled to pitch Tuesday against Philadelphia and he was tentatively scheduled for Sunday against Detroit. I figured that he was going to pitch well against Philly who pretty much had packed it in, but Detroit was the question. Would they be still playing for home field? Would Justin Verlander shut down Miami giving Alvarez limited appeal and a high risk of getting bombed and ruining the last day of the season. It was a tough call and kudos to those who had him in their lineup. I actually benched him in most of my lineups but when the Yankees announced CC Sabathia was shut down and I had no one left to put in, I contemplated putting Jose Fernandez in and take a zero from that spot, with my auction team. I went back and forth several times and figured if I was in need of some points in ERA or WHIP in that final day, I would be kicking myself if I left a guy on the bench, even if it was Henderson Alvarez. So I started him in that one league.

I was at my son's baseball game as that game started and followed it on my droid from beginning to end. At one point, after 5 innings, I knew I no longer needed any more of his stats. I was praying for him to give up a hit so they would take him out, before he got bombed, but as the Tigers continued to take out all of their remaining starters and swung at first pitches, I had a feeling they were going to let him finish it. I was able to catch the end of the game on tv and as he finished off his last batter of the 9th and had actually done it, had actually pitched a no hitter, he put up both fists in the air and I felt bad for him. He didn't get to celebrate his no hitter in conventional fashion. It was left up to his inept teammates to score a run in the bottom of the 9th, otherwise it was going to extra innings. In the most improbable of endings, Miami wins on 2 wild pitches in the bottom of the 9th and he gets to celebrate his no hitter.

What a moment for a team as bad as they were all season and as strange of a no hitter that has ever been pitched. And a huge sigh of relief from one fantasy owner who went into the day wishing he hadn't started Henderson Alvarez, but in the end, becoming the biggest Miami Marlins fan in Connecticut.

[joshguy]

His no hitter allowed me to tie for 1st in a $150 draft champions league instead of finishing 2nd. About a $300 swing. Thanks Henderson! If you're available in the 35th round next year, we will be back together.

[Fourslot40]

The Marlins are selling unused game tickets from the game for $15.

[TOXIC ASSETS]

Love that story BK.... Good young talent for the Marlins and a good late round pick for next season.