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One of the quirks of Tropicana Field in Tampa Bay was exposed late in the third inning when the Rays won in the ALDS opener against the Red Sox on Thursday night. Rays designate hitter Nelson Cruz threw an absolute moonshot and, well, here goes:
Here are the basic rules for balls hitting the podiums:
A struck ball that strikes one of the two lower gangways (referred to as a “C-ring” and “D-ring”), including any lights or hanging objects attached to one of these gangways as well as the angled support rods that connect the “C-Ring” to the masts which support the “D-Ring” in fair territory: Home Run.
A struck ball that strikes either of the upper gangways (referred to as “A-Ring” and “B-Ring”), including the masts that support each of these gangways as well as any bent support rods that connect the “B-Ring” ‘to the masts supporting the’ C-Ring ‘in fair territory: In Play. If caught by the fielder, the batter is called out and runners advance at their own risk.
As reported on FS1, Cruz’s shot hit the “C-Ring” in fair territory, so it’s a home run.
This home run – in addition to cashing a best bet pick – was the 18th of Cruz’s career to come into the playoffs. He is now tied for sixth on the all-time list. Here is the ranking.
1. Manny Ramirez: 29
2. Bernie Williams: 22
3. Derek Jeter: 20
4. George springer, Albert Pujols: 19
6. Nelson Cruz, José Altuve, Reggie Jackson, Mickey Mantle: 18
If the Rays do a deep run, Cruz could eventually reach second place. He should, however, have a record-breaking playoffs to catch up with Ramirez.
There is more. Cruz is 41 years old. He is the second oldest player to win a playoff game after Julio Franco, who scored at 43 in the NLDS and NLCS in 2001 (via Matt Kelly from MLB.com).
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