Video summary
Aaron Boone expressed deep gratitude for securing a victory in extra innings against the Blue Jays, acknowledging the difficulty of the ninth inning while highlighting the resilience and character his team has demonstrated throughout this challenging season. He emphasized that games like this are essential tests that reveal the strength within the clubhouse, noting that although the team is still incomplete, they possess the fighting spirit needed to become the players they aspire to be. Boone praised the collective effort of his teammates, describing the win as a positive way to enter their off day and celebrating the specific contributions made by key players who executed critical plays under pressure.
The turning point of the game involved a significant defensive effort and timely hitting, particularly from Rice, who overcame recent struggles to deliver a crucial hit that set up the first run and drove in another shortly after. Boone detailed how the opposing pitcher's changeup had been effective all season but noted that strategic substitutions and the flow of the game created opportunities for his bullpen to shine. He specifically commended the performance of the left-handed reliever who entered with a pocket full of chances, successfully inducing an out on the first pitch and maintaining composure even when facing a difficult challenge on a 2-0 count, ultimately preserving the lead through a combination of strong pitching and smart in-game decisions.
Beyond the immediate victory, Boone took a moment to honor the legacy of Tommy John, reflecting on his profound impact on baseball both as a player and as a pioneer for surgical advancements that extended careers. He recalled meeting John when he joined the Angels in 1982 and admired his windup, which Boone still considers one of his favorites to imitate. Boone stressed that while it is unfortunate that John is now primarily remembered by the surgery named after him rather than his outstanding career statistics, his contributions to the sport remain immense and deserve to be celebrated for their longevity and the numbers he accumulated before and after his procedure.
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Aaron, all things considered, just how
fortunate do you feel to get out of here
with a win this afternoon?
>> Yeah, very. Um
you know, obviously a tough ninth inning
there.
Um
but a lot of really good things today,
too, um by those guys. And And look,
you know, this season's going to
you know, test It's tested our character
and our resilience, and I think I think
we have a lot of that in that room, and
um
you know, it's game
games like this that we continue to find
ourselves in.
And
you know, we just got to We got to keep
fighting and and know that
we're an incomplete team, but but
we have a chance to be who we want to
be. So,
uh love the fight,
um
and and a good way into the off day.
>> This afternoon?
>> Certainly hoping for it, and he was
good, you know, obviously good defense,
um
but a big hit for us, a big walk a back
to set up the first run, that drove in
the next run, um
executed a bunt, you know, while not
totally giving himself up there, too, um
in the 10th,
um
but yeah, a lot a lot of really good
things by him, and and a big difference
in the game today.
>> Once again, pitching really setting the
tone for you with Weathers. What What
made his changeup so effective today?
>> It's been all year. That changeup's been
that all year.
>> As you said, the way to get those guys
for for 10 to do away with his walk in
the 10th, just what did you see out
there?
>> Yeah, I mean, it set up well for him
with with, you know, how the game
unfolded and their substitutions. So,
the lefty pocket was there for him. So,
um and he came in and and I thought
threw the ball really well. You know, he
gets Daz,
um jams him on that on the first out.
And then, uh my heart skipped a beat
when Jimenez threw the one out.
He can't throw it out there any better.
I'm like, oh, no, you know, so,
um but then just
got right back after it. Um
Good challenge there on I believe the
2-0 pitch. That was important. So
>> [snorts]
>> Um
Yeah, he was really good.
>> Do you feel like Rice has been trending
toward a shot like that after yesterday
the two weeks?
>> Yeah, the last couple days really. Um
definitely he's gone through some
struggles here recently, but I do feel
like
you know, the last couple days
he's getting his swing off and on time
for some pitches. Just has just missed a
handful. So good to see him really get
into one and and and obviously in such a
big spot.
>> Aaron,
Tommy John passed away today. Just as
someone who grew up around the game as
you did, how do you reflect on his
career and legacy overall?
>> Yeah. Um
obviously a tremendous career, you know,
I hope people
remember, you know,
how outstanding his career was and not
just being named for the injury that,
you know, obviously we know very well
now.
Um
he came over in '82 to the Angels when
my dad was there and was part of that
American League West Championship team
that went in the playoffs. I can see his
windup. I one of my favorite windups to
imitate.
Um
but but a great career
and uh and and obviously a lasting
legacy.
>> Overall favorite for you?
>> Yeah. Yeah, I think all things
considered the longevity
um
the amount of numbers that he actually
did accumulate and then just the name
that is so synonymous with baseball
today.
Um
the obviously the the surgery that
gave him a longer career, a much longer
career, but but obviously
in some way it's unfortunate we know
almost too much about now.