Rusty Priske - Future Hall of Famer

[rpriske]

July 5th, 1992

We are trying to avoid the sweep at home against St. Louis.

Some changes before the game. Ron Nichols was placed on waivers. Heathcliff Slocumb was sent to Phoenix. Ed Whitson and Timothy McKercher were called up.

Today the Cardinals are pitching our former teammate, Bruce Ruffin (2-2, 2.72)

The Giants have John Burkett (5-11, 4.03).

Bruce became a free agent after last year and signed a two year deal with the Mets, but was claimed by the Cardinals off waivers back in June. The Mets were misusing him as a reliever but he has been pitching well since the Cards put him back in the rotation.

Good for him. Bad for us.

I am hitting seventh.

I caught a towering Joe Orsulak pop for the 1st out in the 3rd.

I then led off the bottom of the inning by flying out to Bernie Williams in centre.

Rafael Palmeiro led off the 5th with a single. That is only notable because it was the first baserunner from either team.

Craig Grebeck singled with two out in the bottom of the 5th for our first baserunner.
Then I came up and walked.
We were both left on.

Bruce had only given up one hit but they took him out to start the bottom of the 7th.
I came up to face Scott Lawrence with one out, Ryan Klesko on 2nd, and pinch hitter Bryce Bernadin on 1st. I out hustled an infield single to load the bases.
Ryan scored and Bryce went to 3rd on a Timothy McKercher sac fly.
Bryce scored on I went to 2nd on a single by John!
That was it for the inning, but...

Giants lead 2-0

John didn't quite get the Complete Game as Matt pulled him out with two out and two on in the 9th. Jeff Russell came in and got the final out for the save.

Shut out!

I went 1 for 2 with a single and a walk.

The All-Star Voting Update came out.

I still lead at short (and 4th overall), and Jeff is 5th at reliever.

[jksander]

This is pretty cool I may have to try this at some point ... I'd have to make myself a pitcher though, since it was always pitching I got hooked on when I was a kid and falling in love with the Cubs (I was all into Greg Maddux, Rick Sutcliffe and Scott Sanderson (who I always pretended was Scott Sanders, since that made it sound like we were related lol)

[rpriske]

Whenever I finish this one, I am going to re-do it with me as a pitcher.

[rpriske]

July 6th, 1992

We avoided the sweep and now we are facing the Phillies.

The visiting team is pitching Erik Hanson (7-7, 3.23).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (3-7, 4.61).

I am hitting seventh.

The Phils opened the scoring int he top of the 1st when Ryne Sandberg crossed on a Mike Greenwell sac fly.

Phillies lead 1-0

I came up in the bottom of the 2nd with two out and Ryan Klesko on 2nd. I flew out to Jeff Carter in centre.

I handled a Greenwell grounder for the 3rd out in the 3rd.

I then took care of a Darrin Fletcher grounder for the 2nd out in the 4th.

I led off the bottom of the 5th by grounding out to John Finn at short. I made it close but was still out.

Ted Power took over for us in the 7th.

I came up with one out in the bottom of the 7th. I grounded out to Sandberg at 2nd.

Mark Ross took the ball for us in the 8th.

Mark Lewis led off the bottom of the 8th with a pinch hit home run!
Then Ruben Sierra scored on a Jerry Browne single.

Giants lead 2-1

Jeff Russell came in for the 9th. Three batters later, we had the win.

I went 0 for 3.

[rpriske]

July 7th, 1992

We are at home trying to build on the momentum of beating the Phillies yesterday.

Today the Phils are pitching Orel Hershiser (4-4, 2.94).

The Giants have Pat Combs (5-1, 2.93).

I am hitting seventh.

We opened the scoring int he bottom of the 1st when Bryce Bernadin belted a solo homer.

Giants lead 1-0

I handled a Randy Milligan grounder for the 1st out in the 2nd.
I did the same to Mike Greenwell for out #2.

I came up with two out in the bottom of the 2nd and lined out to John Finn at short.

I took care of a Dave Hollins grounder for the 3rd out in the 3rd.

We turned a Thompson - Priske - Klesko double play in the 4th.

In the bottom of the 4th, Bryce scored on a Craig Grebeck single.
I came up with one out, Craig on 2nd, and Ryan Klesko on 3rd. I grounded out to Hollins at 1st, but Ryan scored.

Giants lead 3-0

Bottom of the 5th

Robby Thompson scored on an error by Finn.
Ruben Sierra scored on a Jerry Browne groundout.
Ryan scored on a single by Craig.
I came up with two out and Craig on 1st. I singled, sending Craig to 2nd.
We were left on.

Giants lead 6-0

In the 7th, Bo Jackson hit a two run homer to put the Phillies on the board.

With a man on and two out in the inning, Matt brought in Bryan Hickerson.
Jesse Barfield replaced Ruben on a double switch.

In the 8th, pinch hitter Ricky Jordan reached on an error by... me. Ugh.
Making it worse, Ryne Sandberg followed with a two run homer.
I took care of a Jeff Carter grounder for the 2nd out.
With two out, Jackson hit his 2nd homer of the game.
That is two unearned runs that I am responsible for.

Mark Ross took the ball for us after that and got the 3rd out.

Giants lead 6-5

I came up with one out in the bottom of the 8th, now facing Jeff Gray. With a full count, I was hit by a pitch.
Stolen base #47.
I went to 3rd on a Timothy McKercher groundout.
I got no further.

Jeff Russell came in for the 9th.

Things didn't go great for Jeff. WIth only one out, and no room for error, he loaded the bases.
Matt brought in Scott Service.
Then I made my second error of the game - this one even worse as it tied things up.
I tried to make up for it by making a sensation play for a Priske - McKercher - Klesko double play.

But, Game tied 6-6

Three of those were unearned runs due to me.

We could not score in the bottom of the inning and went to extras.

Ted Power came in to pitch the 10th for us.

I came up in the bottom of the 10th wth pinch hitter Aaron Morris on 1st and Alejandro Pena on the mound. I moved Aaron over with a sac bunt.
Timothy then walked before pinch hitter, Greg Myers singled Aaron home to give us the walk off win.

We got the win, but it was no thanks to me.

I went 1 for 3 with a single, a walk, an RBI, a stolen base, and TWO errors.

We are now tied with the Dodgers for last in the NL West.

A lot happened after the game.

Mike Perez was claimed off waivers from the Padres.
Ted Power was Designated for Assignment to make room.
Rod Nichols was assigned to Phoenix.

[rpriske]

July 8th, 1992

The new guy, Mike Perez, joined the team. He doesn't seem like he cares one way or the other about the trade. Huh.

We are going for the sweep against Philadelphia today.

The Phillies are pitching Bruce Lizarraga (7-8, 2.03).

The Giants have Charlie Vinson Jr. (6-8, 2.98).

I am leading off!

I led off the home half of the 1st by taking a walk.
With one out I went to 3rd on a Bryce Bernadin double.
We were stranded.

I caught a Bo Jackson pop for the 1st out in the 2nd.
I then caught a Joe Girardi pop for the 2nd out.

I came up in the bottom of the 2nd with two out, Craig Grebeck on 3rd, and Greg Myers on 2nd. I legged out an infield single, knocking in one!
Ruben Sierra then walked, loading the bases.
We were left that way.

Giants lead 1-0

I took care of a Mike Greenwell grounder for the 3rd out in the 3rd.

Things were looking bad in the top of the 4th. The Phils loaded them up with none out.
Girardi singled home Dave Hollins, tying the game.
John FInn singled home Tono Martinez and Jackson, though we got Girardi trying to go to 3rd.

Phillies lead 3-1

I came up in the bottom of the 4th with two out and Greg on 2nd. RBI single to left!
I was left on.

Phillies lead 3-2

I took care of a Girardi grounder for the 1st out in the 6th.
I did the same to Lizarrga for the 3rd out.

I then came up in the bottom of the 6th with two out, Tim Naehring on 2nd, and Greg on 1st. I flew out to Jeff Carter in centre.

New guy, Mike Perez took the ball for us in the 7th.

With one out in the top of the 9th, Matt brought in Mark Ross. I handled a Carter grounder for out #2.

Robby Thompson led off the bottom of the 9th with a pinch hit home run, tying the game!
I then came up, facing Alejandro Pena. I dropped a liner into right for a single.
Stolen base #48.
With one out, Bryce walked.
We were left on.

Game tied 3-3

Bryan Hickeson took the ball for us in the 10th, with Alan Cockrell taking over at 1st in a double switch.
I started a Priske - Grebeck - Cockrell double play to get us out of the top of the 10th.

And with two out, in the bottom of the 10th, Alan smashed a two run blast to give us the game and the sweep!

Giants win, 5-3!

I was named the Player of the Game! I went 3 for 4 with three singles, a walk, two RBI, and a stolen base.

That is four wins in a row.

Now it is time for my family to come to town because it is the Expos weekend!

[rpriske]

This crashed on me the last time I played. Trying again.

July 9th, 1992

My family has come down from Victoria to see us host the Expos, as they do every year..

Montreal is pitching Ron Darling (0-1, 4.98).

The Giants have Ed Whitson (0-0, 13.50).

I am hitting sixth.

In the bottom of the 1st, Bryce Bernadin hit a two run dinger.

Giants lead 2-0

I handled a Thomas Howard grounder for the 2nd out in the 2nd.

I then led off the bottom of the inning, by popping out to Rey Sanchez at 2nd.

I took care of a Darling grounder for the 3rd out in the 3rd.

I then did the same to Shane Mack for the 3rd out in the 4th.

I came up with one out in the bottom of the 4th and was hit by a Darling fastball.
Then Tim Naehring walked.
Timothy McKercher singled to load the bases.
We were left that way.

In the 5th I bobbled an easy play to let Howard reach. Unacceptable.

I next came up with one out int he bottom of the 6th. I lined out to Scott Cooper at 1st.

I got the 2nd out in the 8th off a fielder's choice ball by pinch hitter, Michael Urzendowski. I then got the 3rd out off a grounder by Reggie Sanders, saving a run.

Jeff Russell came in for the 9th. The Expos loaded the bases but could not score. Win for us!

I went 0 for 2 with a hit-by-pitch and an error.

[rpriske]

July 10th, 1992

We shut out the Expos yesterday. How about again?

Today Montreal is pitching Chuck Finley (6-7, 4.47).

The Giants have John Burkett (6-11, 3.76).

And I... have the day off.

With my family in town.

Yeah.

I got a pinch hit opportunity in the 7th, and struck out.

We ended up losing, 4-2, in 10.

[rpriske]

July 11th, 1992

Game three of a four game series against the Expos. We have split the first two.

Today Monteak is pitching Alex Fernandez (10-6, 3.49).

The Giants have vet, Rick Sutclifffe (3-7, 4.36).

I am hitting 3rd. That is unusual.

The Expos scored first as Reggie Sanders crossed on a Shane Mack single in the top of the 1st.
Then Scott Cooper scored on a passed ball.

Expos lead 2-0

I came up in the bottom of the 1st with one out, and Bryce Bernadin on 1st. I grounded out to Cooper at 1st, advancing Bryce.
He then scored on a single by Craig Grebeck.
Craig scored on a double by Jerry Browne.

Game tied 2-2

I caught a Mack pop for the 1st out in the 3rd.

We turned a Thompson - Priske - Lewis double play of the other two outs.

I took care of a Michael Urzendowski grounder for the 3rd out in the 4th.

I then led off the bottom of the inning by grounding out to Jose Offerman at short.

In the 5th, Sanders scored on a Mack single.
Then Cooper scored on a Thomas Howard single.
Offerman scored on a Rey Sanchez single.

That was it for Rick as Matt brought in Scott Service.
Howard and Sanchez scored on a Chris Donnels single.
I got the 3rd out off a Fernandez grounder.

Expos lead 7-2

I came up with two out in the bottom of the 6th. I drilled a slider to left for a single.
I went to 2nd on a single by Craig.
We were stranded.

In the 7th, Howard scored on a Doneels double.

Expos lead 8-2

Bryan Hickerson took the ball for us in the 8th.

I came up in the bottom of the 8th, with Robby Thompson on 2nd, and Bryce on 1st. I walked, loading the bases.
Robby scored on a single by Craig.
Bryce scored on a single by Jerry Browne.
I scored on a Jesse Barfield single.
Craig and Jerry scored on a two out single by pinch hitter, Tim Naehring.

Expos lead 8-7

Jeff Russell took the ball for us in the 9th.
I caught an Offerman liner for the 3rd out behind him.

But can we get that last run?

Bryce flew out.
I came up with one out to face Mark Tindall. I popped out to Cooper at 1st.
Craig grounder out and that was it.

I went 1 for 4 with a single, a walk, and a run scored.

The nice thing about my family being in town right now is that they were there when I got the official word that I had been voted onto the All-Star Team, for the 6th time.

Unfortunately, none of my teammates will be joining me.

[rpriske]

July 12th, 1992

It is the last game before the All-Star Break. We have dropped two of three against the Expos and are trying to even it up.

Montreal is pitching Eddie Portillo (8-5, 2.51).

The Giants have Pat Combs (5-1, 2.91).

I am back to hitting seventh.

I got in the action early as the first batter, Reggie Sanders, gave me a groundball for the 1st out.

In the 2nd, Thomas Howard scored on a Rey Sanchez single.

Expos lead 1-0

I came up in the bottom of the 2nd with two out and Jerry Browne on 2nd. I dumped one into right for an RBI single. I took 2nd on the play at the plate.
I was left on.

Game tied 1-1

I came up with two out in the bottom of the 4th and lined a single to right.
I went to 2nd on a Greg Myers single.
We were both left on.

I made my 2nd error of the series off a simple Urzendowski grounder! (All right, it wasn't that simple, but still...)
Once again, it didn't cost any runs.

I came up in the bottom of the 6th with two out and Craig Grebeck on 1st. I grounded out to Chris Donnels at 3rd.

I caught a Donnels liner for the 2nd out in the 7th.

I dealt with a Howard fielder's choice for the 2nd out in the 8th.

Jeff Russell took the ball for us with the score still knotted in the 9th.
I took care of a Sanchez grounder for the 1st out.
I did the same to pinch hitter Bill Moore for the 3rd out.

I came up in the bottom of the 9th with two out and Mark Tindall on the mound. I flew out to Howard in left.

We got through the 10th and then Mike Perez took the mound for us in the 11th.
Jose Offerman ended up scoring on a Sanchez single.

Expos lead 2-1

We couldn't get it back.

I went 2 for 4 with a pair of singles, an RBI, and an error.

[rpriske]

Big announcement on our off day.

Ed Whitson is hanging them up. He is finishing the season, but that will be it.

Ed only recently joined the team this year but he seemed like a good guy.

He actually started his career in San Francisco, but it was before my time.

[rpriske]

In Chicago for the All-Star Game. I have been to the city of course, but not the park. This is Comiskey.

I am leading off for the NL.

I led off the bottom of the 1st, facing Roger Clemens of the Angels. I grounded out to Cal Ripken Jr, of the Orioles, playing 2nd.

In the top of the 2nd I dealt with a grounder by Don Slaught of the Brewers for the 3rd out.

I came up in the bottom of the 3rd, with one out, Roberto Alomar of the Astros on 2nd, and Mike Mussina of the Brewers pitching. I singled to centre, moving Alomar to 3rd.
I went to 3rd on an RBI double by Ryne Sandberg of the Phillies.
I scored on a groundout by Paul Molitor of the Reds.

NL leads 2-0

Ken Griffey Jr. of the Braves homered int he 4th.

NL leads 3-0

I came up in the 5th, with one out and Mario Ramirez of the Tigers pitching. I grounded out to Barry Larkin of the Rangers.

I led off the bottom of the 8th (I have no idea why I am still in the game), against Scott Radinsky of the Rangers. I flew out to Jay Buhner of the Blue Jays in left.

The AL only managed 3 hits as the NL shut them out.

I went 1 for 4 with a single and a run scored.

Ryne Sandberg was named MVP.

[jksander]

Priske's backup on the All Star roster must have been in the doghouse with the Manager ... that's some hardcore shade being thrown in his direction lol hope he liked wearing the All Star uniform on the bench

[rpriske]

Someone reads these!

I will admit, I wasn't sure.

[jksander]

Originally Posted by rpriske

Someone reads these!

I will admit, I wasn't sure.

Yeah it inspired my Jochen Fontaine one I started recently.

[rpriske]

July 16th, 1992

We are back from the All-Star Break and are sitting at 38-50, last in the NL West, and only a game ahead of the Pirates for the total NL standings.

We are kicking off the 'second half' in New York.

Today the Mets are pitching Andy Benes (6-3, 3.20).

The Giants have John Burkett (6-11, 3.70).

I am hitting seventh.

I took care of a Kevin Mitchell grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 1st.
I came up in the 2nd with one out and Jerry Browne on 2nd. I struck out.

In the bottom of the 3rd, Mike Gallego hit a solo home run.

Mets lead 1-0

I led off the 5th by hitting one up the middle for a single.
Stolen base #49.
With one out, I scored on a single by John.

Game tied 1-1

In the bottom of the 6th, Mitchell homered.

Mets lead 2-1

I led off the 7th by flying out to Lenny Dykstra in centre.

In the 8th I bobbled an easy grounder. This is happening too often lately.

I came up in the top of the 9th with one out, pinch hitter Greg Myers on 1st, and Rick Aguilera pitching.
I hit into a double play, ending the game.

I went 1 for 4 with a single, a run scored, a stolen base, and an error.

[rpriske]

July 17th, 1992

It is the second of a four game set in New York, and we have already lost one.

Today the Mets are pitching Dwight Gooden (7-8, 3.82).

The Giants have Charlie Vinson Jr. (6-8, 2.98).

I am hitting seventh.

We got on the board right away as Bryce Bernadin scored on a Ryan Klesko single in the top of the 1st.

Giants lead 1-0

I caught a towering Greg Vaughn pop for the 1st out in the bottom half.
I then took care of a Wally Joyner grounder for the 3rd out.

I came up with one out in the 2nd and flew out to Vaughn in left.

I then came up in the 4th with two out and Craig Grebeck on 1st. I doubled to centre left, scoring Craig!
They intentionally walked Timothy McKercher but then Charlie singled up the middle, and I scored!
Then Timothy scored on a Robby Thompson single.

Giants lead 4-0

In the bottom of the 4th, Joyner scored on a Benito Santiago groundout.
Then Lenny Dykstra scored on an Ozzie Guillen double.
I made the play for the 3rd out off a Gooden grounder, but when I tossed it to Robby, he dropped the ball.
Charlie left them loaded, though.

Giants lead 4-2

In the 5th, Bryce scored on a single by Ryan.
I came up with one out, Ryan on 3rd, and Jerry Browne on 1st. Charles Nagy was pitching. I hit a sac fly, scoring Ryan.

Giants lead 6-2

In the bottom of the inning we turned a Klesko - Priske double play.

I dealt with a Guillen fielder's choice ball fro the 2nd out in the bottom of the 6th.

I handled a Vaughn grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 7th.

Matt brought in Scott Service with two out and a man on. He got the K.

I led off the 8th, now facing Dale Burgo. I drilled a single to centre.
I went to 2nd on an infield hit by Timothy.
I went to 3rd on a fielder's choice by pinch-hitter, Mark Lewis.
I scored on a sac fly by Robby.

Mets lead 7-2

Bryan Hickerson took the ball for us in the bottom of the 8th.

I caught a Chris Sabo pop for the final out in the inning.

Jeff Russell came in for the 9th.
He allowed a couple of baserunners, but no runs, and we had the win.

I went 2 for 3 with a single, a double, a sac fly, two RBI, and two run scored.

I made the highlight show!

We found out after the game that Ted Power had been released. He pitched in 32 games for us this year. At 37, I imagine that is the end for his career, but you never know.

[rpriske]

July 18th, 1992

We are in New York and trying to maintain out momentum from yesterday's win.

Today the Mets are pitching Sid Fernandez (7-9, 4.01).

The Giants have Pat Combs (5-1, 2.74).

I am hitting seventh.

I caught a Kevin Mitchell pop for the 1st out of the bottom of the 1st.
We then turned a Priske - Thompson - Lewis double play.
That all happened with the bases loaded.

I led off the 3rd by lining a fastball into right for a single.
I went to 2nd on a Timothy McKercher single.
We both moved up on a sac bunt by Pat.
I scored on a Mark Lewis sac fly.

Giants lead 1-0

I next came up in the 4th with two out, Robby Thompson on 3rd, and Ryan Klesko on 1st. I grounded out to Bill Doran at 2nd.

In the bottom of the 4th, Pat walked Mike Gallego with the bases loaded to tie the game.
We turned a Thompson - Priske - Lewis double play to hold them to one.

Game tied 1-1

But then Wally Joyner led off the bottom of the 5th with a home run.
Then Lenny Dykstra and Mitchell scored on a Doran single.
This was the 3rd inning gout of five where the Mets had loaded the bases before recording an out. We were playing with fire.
I took care of a Chris Sabo fielder's choice ball for the 1st out.
Joe Oliver scored on a Fernandez single.

Pat had walked eight.

Matt finally called in Scott Service.
He got out of it.

Mets lead 5-1

I caught a Dykstra liner for the 1st out in the bottom of the 6th and then doubled Joyner off 1st!

I then came up with one out in the 7th and was clipped in the thigh by a Fernandez fast ball.
I was thrown out trying to steal 2nd.

In the bottom of the 7th, the Mets loaded the bases with none out for the fourth time.
Oliver scored on a Gallego single.
Scott got out of it after that.

Mets lead 6-1

In the top of the 8th, Ruben Sierra hit a two run homer.

Mets lead 6-3

Mike Perez took the ball for us in the bottom of the 8th. I handled an Armando Zambrano grounder for the 2nd out.

I came up with one out in the 9th, facing Dale Burgo. I flew out to Greg Vaughn in left.

We took the L.

I went 1 for 3 with a single, a hit-by-pitch, a run scored, and a caught stealing.

[rpriske]

July 19th, 1992

We wrap up in New York today, having split the first two games.

Today the Mets are pitching Kevin Appier (9-9, 3.79).

The Giants are going with Rick Sutcliffe (3-8, 4.33).

I am hitting seventh.

In the bottom of the 1st, Greg Vaughn and Wally Joyner scored on a Benito Santiago single.

Mets lead 2-0

In the 2nd, Mike Gallego scored on a Lenny Dykstra double.

Mets lead 3-0

I led off the 3rd by grounding out to Joyner at 1st.

I caught an Ozzie Guillen liner for the 1st out in the bottom of the 4th.
I then took care of an Appier grounder for the 2nd out.

I led off the 6th. We still hadn't gotten a hit. Until now. I roped one into centre for a single.
I was erased on a fielder's choice by Timothy McKercher.
He ended up scoring on a Robby Thompson single.
Rick scored on a Ruben Sierra sac fly.

Mets lead 3-2

I led off the 8th by striking out.

Mark Ross took the ball for us in the bottom of the 8th.
I got the 1st out for him off an Armando Zambrano grounder.

We couldn't get that last run and dropped the series.

I went 1 for 3 with a single.

[rpriske]

July 20th, 1992

We are back in my home country, in the great city of Montreal!

The Expos are pitching Ron Darling (0-2, 4.40).

The Giants have Ed Whitson (1-0, 2.70).

I am hitting seventh as usual.

In the bottom of the 1st, Reggie Sanders scored on a Jose Offerman groundout.

Expos lead 1-0

I led off the 3rd by hitting one of the centre-field wall for a triple!
I scored on a one out single by Ed.

Game tied 1-1

We turned a Priske - Thompson - Klesko double play to end the inning.

In the 4th, Offerman scored on a wild pitch.
Then Mitchell Hannahs scored on a single by Darling.

Expos lead 3-1

I led off the 5th by grounding out to Hannahs at 2nd.

In the top of the 6th, Bryce Bernadin hit a solo home run.

Expos lead 3-2

I came up with two out in the 7th and flew out to Thomas Howard in left.

With a man on and two out in the bottom of the 7th, Matt brought in Bryan Hickerson. He got the out.

Then, in the 8th, he brought in Mark Ross.

For the second game in a row, we fell one run short.

I went 1 for 3 with a triple and a run scored.