The “Eyre” of Success

Phillies reliever battling injuries to battle batters

Despite injuries Scott Eyre just keeps pitching his way into Philadelphians hearts.

Phillies favorite lefty reliever was just as excited as the fans were that the Phillies won the NLDS -- calling the winning game, “unbelievable.”

Eyre blogged about what it was like to pitch in the Phillies dramatic Game 4 comeback win in the NLDS.

What’s amazing is that not even Phillies Manager Charlie Manuel was sure if Eyre could be out on the hill. The southpaw reliever started the ninth Monday night a day after he left Game 3 with a sprained ankle.

But a sore ankle wasn’t the only physical ailment Eyre brought with him to the mound. The 37-year-old was diagnosed with a loose body in his throwing elbow last month -- an injury that cost him time down the stretch and put his postseason availability in question, according to the Philly Inquirer.

But none of the past mattered to Eyre when he took the hill with the Phillies up a run after a dramatic ninth-inning comeback. There was no room for error as the Phillies held a one-run lead.

Eyre described the moment on his MLB Blog:

“I've played in some good games. I've played in some fun games. Right now this might be my favorite game ever,” wrote Eyre.

He continued to describe what it was like pitching to Rockies slugger Todd Helton with two outs and a runner on:

“I had to face Todd Helton, who is one my favorite hitters to face. He's unbelievable. When he came up I gave him a little head nod. I think he nodded back. I'm not sure. But I thought it would be the coolest thing to get the save. I wanted it so much I overthrew the last fastball to Helton, and he singled to center field to put runners on second and third with two outs. Charlie brought in (Brad) Lidge to get the save at that point, but I really didn't care. I just wanted to win.”

Eyre really is a true team player that has earned the love of Phillies fans. Heck, the guy looks like someone in a beer softball league and can barely straighten his throwing arm but he keeps on hurling and we love him for that.


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