verdugo288

The North Hollywood game was really the last complete game Lance played for us.

I’m looking at the scorebook and his last six games with us he was 12-23 at the plate with four home runs and 15 RBI.

He was on an absolute TEAR.

Rightfully he made the All-Star Team. Even though he missed the last 11 games of the regular season for us…..he still led the team in RBI with 21, and in home runs…with four.

Even with his cast on…..after his injury against Glendale…..He was at every game. We all awaited his return. It almost happened. And “kinda did” in the playoff game against Chatsworth.

We all just wanted to see him back again without the cast…..

There were many “moving” events in this season. As a coach you see them. Younger guys coming of age….guys you never thought would see step-up who step up. This season was absolutely FILLED with them. I try to point out as many as I can.

I witnessed maybe more things like that just in this one season that many coaches witness in their entire career(s)….

I can’t pick any one that was “the greatest” because there were so many. And it wouldn’t be fair. All those moments are special.

But I’ll never forget Lance Evans. He pitched in a playoff game with a cast wrapped around his left arm. Bare-handing the return throw from our catcher.

It was National League rules in the playoffs. He had to hit for himself.

It was a little rickety at first. Swinging with one arm….he grounded into a fielders choice….

He came up a second time and drew a walk….

His final at-bat for Verdugo….this guy stroked a line drive base-hit to right field IN A PLAYOFF GAME AGAINST A VERY GOOD PITCHER while holding the bat in only his right hand.

If that doesn’t get the hairs on the back of your neck standing up….I don’t know what else could….

To Lance?

Thank you for what you did for us in a Verdugo Uniform. On the field…and on the sidelines.