Video summary
Ben Rice reflected on the deeply emotional atmosphere of the game against the Mets, noting that while it was a difficult day for the city, his team was grateful to bring some positivity to the moment. He highlighted a distinct shift in crowd energy, particularly after the national anthem, where the collective pride of Americans watching a New York baseball rivalry created an unforgettable experience. This shared sentiment set a special tone for the evening, transforming what could have been a somber occasion into one filled with hope and unity.
The game itself featured a pivotal challenge in the second inning that Rice approached with instinct rather than overconfidence, ultimately resulting in a ball call that proved crucial. His own at-bat was equally significant as he worked the count deep to reach base with a single, effectively setting up Cody Bellinger for a three-run home run. Rice emphasized the satisfaction of this sequence, describing how getting on base allowed him to pass the baton to Bellinger, who then delivered his signature big swing to extend the lead and energize the team further.
Facing Clayton's formidable pitching, which moved in all directions and threw hard, Rice acknowledged that while it is easier said than done to neutralize such a talent, his team managed to keep him in their zone as best they could. He also spoke about the renewed energy within the lineup following Judge's return, explaining that having him physically present in the dugout and on the field made a tangible difference in how the team performed. Even when Judge was not hitting, his presence invigorated the group, proving that his impact extends far beyond just his individual statistics at the plate.
The emotional weight of the day was further underscored by a special gesture involving Louisville bats sent to Rice and Bellinger, which held significant meaning for both players and the city. Rice expressed deep gratitude for this thoughtful touch, noting that it resonated strongly on a day where such recognition mattered immensely to everyone involved. Swinging these specific bats became a meaningful moment that connected the players to their community, reinforcing the idea that sports can serve as a powerful vehicle for healing and bringing people together during challenging times.
Read the full video transcript
And what did you think of the emotion
overall of tonight?
>> Yeah, it's an emotional day. Um,
I mean
you know, obviously such a tough day for
the city. Um, we're all just, you know,
happy we were able to provide some
positivity today on
uh such a tough day.
>> Did you feel like there was a different
energy from the crowd?
>> Of course, of course. I mean, you know,
it starts with the the USA chant you
hear right after the anthem. Um,
I mean, there's nothing cooler than
that. Just, you know, everybody um
being so proud uh
to be Americans and um
watching a baseball game between uh New
York's teams.
>> And how confident were you in that
challenge there in the second inning?
>> I can never be too confident in a
challenge. Um,
I was uh
okay, you always kind of read the room a
little bit. I I challenge cuz
instinctively and I look at Alvarez and
he's kind of like, "Uh, I don't know."
and uh you know, just waiting, waiting
and uh thankfully it was a ball. Um,
but I knew it was going to be close.
>> You get on base there with a single to
pass the baton to to Cody Bellinger. Is
it even more satisfying when it does go
your way, you find a way to get on and
and the guy behind you hits a three-run
shot?
>> For sure, for sure. I mean,
um
not only um setting the table for Belly
there, but just working a longer at bat,
working up the pitch count. Um,
and then of course, you know, getting on
for Belly and he does what he does uh
with the big swing there.
>> Clayton's was very good. How were you
guys able to do that overall tonight?
>> I mean, yeah, his stuff's really good.
Um,
it's it's moving in all different
directions. It's nasty. He throws hard.
Um, you just try to got to you got to
try to, you know, really get him in your
zone best you can. Um, but it's
definitely, you know, easier said than
done.
>> Do you feel like there's an extra energy
in the lineup when Judge is in there,
whether he's hitting or not, that you
guys kind of perform better?
>> Absolutely. I feel like when he got
back, that really invigorated us. Um
>> [snorts]
>> you know, he's Of course, he's he's been
around in some sort of a presence um
over the last um
you know, a months that that he's been
out, but you know, having him actually,
you know, in the dugout, in the lineup,
on the field, um
makes it feel a little different.
>> And you're swinging a 5000, why that?
Why was that important to you?
>> It's really cool. I mean, I mean,
Louisville just sent those bats to to me
and Belly and um
we were super thankful that they sent us
those just to um
you know, recognize them on on on a day
where
um
you know, that that really matters to
them. Um it matters to the city, so
um it was just a just a nice little
touch to be able to swing those.