We’re Witnessing Something Special with Jamie Moyer

Following Jamie Moyer’s eight-inning shutdown of the Indians, he was his stoic self in the clubhouse afterward.  As pitchers often are, Moyer’s analysis of his performance was monotone in delivery. He answered questions about tying Robin Roberts with his 505th home run allowed, the most all-time. “Today, he’s probably smiling at me, or, laughing at me.” He also spoke about Jimmy Rollins: “It’s a good feeling to have key players back.”

But what spoke volumes, to me, was the way he hung around well after he needed to. Most players speak their piece and off they go for the night. They speak in cliches and give the bare minimum in terms of quotes for the paper. Moyer stayed late and shot the breeze with a few writers and flies on the wall like myself. Pretty cool to listen to him just talk about the game like a young kid, when he could have been on his way home.

That is special. He’s a student at heart, no matter his age. He enjoys speaking about the game; as he has matured into years where the usual player has been on the golf course for a decade, he continues to love the game with unbridled passion. Moyer may not laugh and smile like Jimmy Rollins, but the joy is there.  He just does it in his own way.

Prior to the season, many (including myself) were led to believe Moyer was through. What else could we believe? A 47-year old starter coming off a rough 2009 campaign would surely be a candidate to be canned.  He’s proven the nay-sayers wrong again as he creeps closer to 50. Will this magic last through seasons end? Hard to say. But it’s always fun seeing things that have never been done.