Sully Baseball Salutes... Matty Alou

Matty Alou, the middle brother of the famed Alou brothers of San Francisco Giants lore, passed away. He began the 1962 pennant winning rally for the Giants and played well in the World Series.

But it was his time in Pittsburgh where he flourished. He won a batting title with the 1966 Pirates, played in the 1970 NLCS and made two All Star teams. He was dealt away before the 1971 season and missed his chance to win a World Series title in Pittsburgh.

But in 1972, he was dealt back to the Bay Area just before the September cut off. This time he was with the Oakland A's. He knocked in a key run in the A's Game 2 win over Detroit in the ALCS, hit a 10th inning double that looked like it would win the pennant. (The Tigers would tie and win the game.)

He would be the starting right fielder for the World Champion A's. His brother Jesus would join the A's for the 1973 and 1974 title teams.

Later Matty would finish his career in Japan.

The Alous are a regal baseball dynasty.
Not only were his brothers Felipe and Jesus big leaguers as well and his nephew Moises, but also his nephew Mel Rojas and cousin Jose Sosa all played in the show.

14+ years in the majors... a batting title... a World Series title... multiple All Star selections... and being a pioneer for Dominican players.

Matty Alou lived a life worth celebrating.

I am jealous of my dad

He is currently sitting at AT&T Park watching the Defending World Champion San Francisco Giants take on the Cleveland Indians.

Late afternoon game... Madison Bumgarner on the mound... have fun dad.

Why would anyone go to today's Tigers/A's game?

Seriously...
The Tigers are out of it.
The A's are out of it.
The teams are playing out the string.
It's a day game and school is back in.

Seriously who is showing up to this game.

Here are 10 reasons to go to the Tigers/A's game.

1. You desperately want a foul ball and figured this is your best shot.

2. You are an A's fan nostalgic for the 1972 ALCS when Oakland won their first pennant against the Tigers.

3. You are a Tigers fan nostalgic for the 2006 ALCS when Detroit beat the A's.

4. You are in the witness protection program.

5. You are having an affair and want to be in a place where you know nobody will see you.

6. You have Armando Galarraga fever.

7. You made a sign that has an acronym that spells FOX and damn it, you want to have it seen on TV.

8. You are RoboCop villain Clarence Boddicker, and as you stated, you never miss a Tigers game.

9. Someone told you someone from the Red Wings was going to be at the game.

10. You just need some peace and quiet.