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Ex-Ray Bubba Trammell came through in his first World Series chance. Then the Mets lost.
By MARC TOPKIN
© St. Petersburg Times, published October 23, 2000
NEW YORK -- Bubba Trammell's first World Series experience had everything -- except a happy ending.
The former Devil Ray's two-run pinch single in the seventh inning loomed as the key hit in Saturday's opener. At least it did until the Mets blew a one-run lead in the ninth, and the Yankees were thwarted on a couple of chances to win, and the teams ended up playing the longest game in Series history at 4 hours, 51 minutes, and the Yankees went on to win 4-3 in 12.
"You can't describe that feeling," Trammell said. "In baseball that's the ultimate, to play in the World Series and get something done good. I'll always treasure that moment."
But the happiness Trammell felt was tempered by the way the game ended.
"I was happy to get the chance," he said. "I can always say I got a World Series hit. But as tough as that game was, it was hard to think about it last night."
Trammell thought he might start Saturday's game at designated hitter because he had impressive numbers against Yankees left-hander Andy Pettitte (7-for-18), but vowed to stay ready. He got his chance when the Mets, down 2-0, loaded the bases to open the seventh.
"When I got up to the plate I took a couple of deep breathes and got in the box and when I got in there I felt like the only two people were me and Andy Pettitte," Trammell said.
"I couldn't hear anything. Total silence. I was seeing the ball real good, I felt real good and he gave me a pitch I could handle and I was able to get it out to leftfield."
How exciting a moment was it?
"The thing with me is that I'm so excited to be in the big leagues, and I always have been, it's hard for me to get any more excited," Trammell said.
"I know it's the World Series and you're supposed to be more excited, but I'm excited every day I play up here. I can't get any more excited."