Dude, Where's My Ace?

If Greg Spicoli and Nolan Ryan had a child, it would be Tim Lincecum (not pictured).

I had the opportunity to see the Giants Ace pitch in person on Tuesday night.

What a show!

Usually, when a game ends in extra innings, features 2 DRAMATIC 3-run homers by the home team, and a tying home run with 2 outs in the 9th by the road team--- that's your lead.

Not with Lincecum on the mound.

His no-decision was a thing of beauty.
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Tim Lincecum is what happens when stage-parenting goes RIGHT.

We've seen the commercials with his dad.

Basically, his old man taught him ABSOLUTELY perfect pitching mechanics.

Mine, helped me with my 11th grade Vocab list.

Eat your heart out Lincecums!
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Lincecum looks like Randy Johnson's Mini-Me.

He's got the long hair.

He's got the fastball in the high 90's.

But he also looks like an extra on the O-C.

Lincecum is short. He's thin. He doesn't work out of a full windup.

I'm told he doesn't ice his arm after games.

He just kicks his legs, and then BOOM, this powerful ball flies out of his hands.

He can also manipulate his pitches like a conductor (be it train or musical)
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The reason I like Lincecum is he's the answer to the steroid era.

We need more guys like that.

Baseball isn't a game about how big you are, how strong you are, or even how fast you are (ask any of the Molina Brothers).

Baseball is a thinking man's game about mastery, skill, and god-given talent.

Lincecum is a west-coast stoner, who happens to have a golden arm.

He reminds me of the kid in "Rookie of the Year."

On the mound he's cool and calm.

He almost seems high.

Which, based on his off-season issue, is a distinct possiblity.
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Lincecum set down 13 Marlins.

But each strikeout was a thing of beauty.

Sure, one could say he got a few favorable calls.

I'm ok with that.

The guy is a meistro.

That's what made tonight so special.

The Giants only come to Miami for 3 games a year.

Fortunately, I was able to see his start.
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One more baseball note while I have your attention.

I'm not from Detroit.

I'm not in ANY position to give Ernie Harwell's eulogy.

But, I did meet him once inside a bathroom in Lakeland.

The legendary Tigers broadcaster was a kind man.

He talked with me for a minute or two, realizing that I was in awe of his amazing career.

I don't usually like Bob Costas' pompous ways, but, his interview with Harwell was a masterclass in not just broadcasting, but having a life well-lived. It was like "Tuesdays With Morrie," but on the MLB network.

It saddens me that my favorite sport lost another signature voice.

There aren't many left.