2017 World Series Trophy pays a visit to ValleyCats
TROY » Friday night’s ValleyCats game against the Lowell Spinners may have been postponed, but that didn’t keep the players, coaching staff, team staff, as well as fans, from having a little fun at the stadium with the Houston Astros’ 2017 World Series trophy.
General Manager Matt Callahan had been planning the trophies visit for quite some time.
“We had reached out to the Astros over the winter meetings and had asked them if they had plans for the trophy to visit different affiliates,” said Callahan. “They were planning on being in Cooperstown with the trophy this weekend and we thought that was a natural tie in.”
The trophy symbolizes the connection between the two clubs and gives the ValleyCat players a tangible representa- tion of where their hard work is leading them, and what is possible on the path they are set on.
“A tangible representation is a good way to put it,” said Manager Jason Bell. “For a lot of the new guys it was a chance for them to really feel part of the Astros organization since joining us about a month or so ago.”
Bell and the coaching staff, along with several players who weren’t playing college
ball, had gotten a chance to see the trophy in the spring, but for the players who were playing college baseball and hadn’t joined the club yet, Friday was the first time they were able to see the championship trophy.
“It was a good opportunity for a lot of those guys to feel a part of the club,” said Bell.
The players soakedit all in. “It was actually pretty quiet,” said Bell of his player’s response. “I tried to keep it a surprise the whole day, but I think they kind of had an idea.”
Callahan took the players response as that of respect for the trophy.
“I think their immediate response was that of reverence,” said Callahan. “It was quiet, like a respect, for the history and the process and effort of achieving the ultimate goal and how it was important”
Callahan went on to say how important it was for the ValleyCats to see the trophy and understand that players like George Springer and Jose Altuve all started in Tri- City.
“They faced the same challenges they’re facing right now,” said Callahan. “And then five, six years down the line, they really reached the top of the mountain.”
The trophy was supposed to be available for fans to see during the game on Friday, but due to the postponement of the ValleyCats’ second game of a three game series with the Lowell Spinners, the ‘Cats opened Joe Bruno stadium up to the fans from 6- 8 pm to check out the trophy.
“The trophy is available for our partners, co-partners, season ticket holders, and then the general public,” said Callahan.
The trophy visiting the ValleyCats is a special moment. For most, it was the first time being able to see the championship trophy and be able to see the same trophy that former ‘ Cats Spinger and Altuve worked their entire lives for. For the ValleyCats, it was a reminder of why they have put in countless hours in the cage, numerous ice packs on their arms, and taken so many ground balls in the infield. It was for the opportunity to be a professional ball player.
And for some of the ValleyCats players, it was a wake up call. Baseball is officially you’re job. You are a Houston Astro.
“It’s a fun experience to see those guys take it all in,” said Bell. “It for sure is a special moment.”
Raging Bull, the 5-2 favorite, made up nearly 3½ lengths over the final furlong. He was clocked in 1:43.69 for 1 1/16 miles over a “good” Mellon turf course.
Maraud finished a length and a quarter clear of Ride
a Comet for the place. Gidu managed to stick around for fourth money and was followed by Combatant, Have At It, Westerland, Gunnison and Gemonteer. Battle At Sea and Sand Dancer were scratched.
Raging Bull still had nearly 10 lengths to make up midway around the turn.
“[ The turf] is a little soft,” said Rosario, who has
been aboard Raging Bull in all four career starts. “He was struggling with it. He’s the kind of horse that has a big stride and keeps going. I tried to be in the clear. When I wanted to run, I didn’t want anybody to be in my way because he takes some time to get into his stride.
Raging Bull, who races for Peter M. Brant, has three wins and a second from four starts, and has earned $218,500. As far as his trainer is concerned, though, his colt is still undefeated.
“He probably should have won his last race, but he was caught in a oneturn mile at Belmont with no pace,” said Brown. “He just had no shot, but he ran a winning race. I planned his next race (the Hall of Fame) as if he’d won.”