Where Is The Loyalty?
For the short time that David Wells was in a Yankee uniform, New York was a better place to be.
His presence throughout the city was felt by everyone, whether it was at a nightclub, a hockey game or just your average Upper East Side bar. "Boomer," as everyone knew him, was everywhere and where ever he went people wanted to be around him.
I remember the first time I met David, soon after he arrived in New York back in 1997. The thing I remember most is how comfortable he made me feel. His baggy clothing and crazy smile reminded me of the legendary players back at the turn of the century. For a player that has been labeled a troublemaker throughout his career, David seemed happy and focussed and I truly believe it was because he was a Yankee.
Anyone that knew him, knew about David's admiration for the New York Yankees. He grew up idolizing Babe Ruth and the Yankees. To him pinstripes represented the tradition and loyalty of the game of baseball. Some may say that his 18-4 record last season was a fluke, but I know better. For maybe the first time in his life, his head was clear and his heart was full of joy. He had finally come to terms with the recent death of his mother and the love of his life, his son Brandon, was at the center of his world. After many years in the big leagues David had finally realized that baseball was just a game. That's the reason why I truly believe 1998 happened.
It was May 16 when I was standing with a good friend of David's outside of Dorrians, a favorite hangout of Boomer's when he just happened to walk by. He was just out taking a stroll with his son in his hand and his father by his side. "Are you coming by tonight Dave?" I asked. "I don't know," he replied, "I just saw a movie and I want to get some ice cream with my Dad and son."
When David was set to take the mound he would usually stop by the bar the night before to relax but that night was different. He didn't stop by that night but even if he had we could have never guessed what would happen the next day. A friend and I had tickets, and although it is something I will always regret, we decided to skip the game. To this day I don't remember why.
It was around the fifth inning when we started debating about whether we should hop in a cab to the park but we didn't want to jinx whatever magical force that was with Boomer that day. We watched from our televisions and cringed after every pitch as batter after batter failed to reach first base. When Minnesota's Pat Meares lofted a lazy fly ball to Paul O'Neill in right field Boomer had done the impossible.
Twenty-seven batters up and twenty-seven batters down. David had pitched just the 13th perfect game in modern baseball history. I may have missed being one of the 49,820 at Yankee Stadium that day but that night I will never forget. After the game David stopped by his favorite hangout to celebrate with his friends and I was one of the lucky ones. I sat with David ad I watched while his eyes teared up during the 20,000th episode of Sportscenter. Of course, he was the lead story.
At last it had sunk in; David Wells, "the troublemaker," had pitched a perfect game.
Most people would think things could only go down hill. How can you beat a perfect game? In this case it happened. David and the Yankees finished the season with record 125 victories and a World Series championship.
And David? He had his best season ever and was a top candidate for the Cy Young award. When he was given the key to New York City I think it finally opened peoples' eyes - maybe sports can mean more than just about money; maybe players can truly love the game. As far as the 1998 Yankees were concerned, they did.
I saw David just three days before last week's breaking news. He told me couldn't wait to put on his pinstripes again, but that will never happen - David Wells had been traded to Toronto for Roger Clemens.
I will never forget David at Radio City Music Hall, accepting his ESPY award for the best individual performance. When he stepped to the stage that night he thanked his mother, he thanked his teammates and then he thanked Mr. Steinbrenner for "giving him a new home." What a way to say you're welcome.
"Good luck David and thank you for 1998."
Written By Lawrence Roth