Gettin' Ziggy With It (Season 2, cont.)

by Brad Ziegler on Sep 8, 2008 9:52 AM PDT Comment 17 comments

Hey, everyone! Sorry this wasn't posted earlier this morning...I've been a little under-the-weather the last few days, and I slept in later than I anticipated...but better late than never, I hope!

Well, a lot has happened since I last wrote. I’ve gotten my first few saves in the big leagues, which is VERY exciting. I’ve enjoyed the late-inning role, and whether I’m closing or not, I hope I can continue to help our team in tight situations near the end of games. I feel like our team still has a lot of confidence in me, even though it’s been something like 12 outings since I’ve had a 1-2-3 inning.

I’ve been on a trend of walking nearly one batter per outing, dating back about 14 outings…which is NOT very exciting. I guess it's just another one of those minor obstacles along the way, and I'm working to correct it while still refining my delivery.

We’re in Detroit to open up a 3-game series tonight against the Tigers. Comerica is my favorite stadium that I’ve been to so far, as far as aesthetics. I love the tigers on top of the scoreboard (brought over from the old Tiger Stadium). I like the ivy for the hitting background, the fountains above the ivy, the statues of the all-time-great Tigers, and the well-lit infield. I just think it’s really pretty, and has everything a ballplayer would like in a ballpark.

I want to say "thank you" to all the fans that supported me when I had the streak going, when it ended, and even to this very day. You all have been awesome, and I really appreciate it. I can’t tell you how bittersweet it was to get a standing ovation after I gave up a run in the 9th inning of a tie game. But when I got the ovation last week when the A’s celebrated the records, I was extremely grateful. Even though this has been a tough 2nd half for our team, we greatly appreciate the continued and loyal support and encouragement you, as fans, bring to the field every night.

That was a fun night during the last homestand when the A’s celebrated the record with a brief ceremony and cheap tickets for the upper levels. I got to have my entire family in town (11 people besides myself) with which to share the moment. Uncle Tony and Aunt Adena, thank you for your help!! And the plaque the A’s gave me was VERY nice…it’ll make a nice addition to my small (but growing) memorabilia room at home.

2008 MLB Stats: 1-0, 6 SV, 0.54 ERA, 37 G, 49.2 IP, 31 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 22 K, 19 BB

2008 AAA Stats: 2-0, 8 SV, 0.37 ERA, 19 G, 24.1 IP, 15 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 20 K, 4 BB

Several of the players the A’s are counting on to be the core of the team a few years from now have been called up recently to get their feet wet and to try to help us win some games down the stretch. It’s a great time to come out and check out these new faces and see a possible glimpse of what the future holds. Enjoy these last few weeks! See ya at the ballpark!

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I live outside the country but I was there to join the standing O at the streak ending

from 18 rows above the dugout. One of my favorite moments in 36 years of watching baseball.

[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo

by WaddellCanseco on Sep 8, 2008 10:22 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

It's sure nice to see you still posting.

What a whirlwind the last few months must have been for you! I’d always hoped that you would make the show, and look, there you are. I would never have believed that your arrival would be in such grand style though! I imagine you can’t either! Cooperstown? In your first season? Just WOW.

We met briefly in Fresno last season, though I doubt you would recall since you’ve graciously taken the time to meet so many of the posters on this board. I just wanted to say that you’ve been truly blessed, of which I’m sure you’re keenly aware. It really couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy! It reaffirms my faith in the hand of providence, as well as the Director of such.

I sincerely hope that your stay in The Show is long and illustrious. If at all possible, I’m going to make one of the last homestands. I hope I get the chance to add my voice to the ranks of your supporters!

"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer

by alox on Sep 8, 2008 10:23 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks!

We all appreciate that you continue to take the time to keep in touch with AN. I am sure your collection of awards and memorabilia will continue to grow.
It’s fun watching you pitch, Ziggy and although this has been a tough season, it has been fun watching the club. Thanks for all the effort out there on the field.
Looking forward to these last games.
Go A’s!

"And sometimes, when it seems like all hope is gone, Life tosses you a special gift of a baseball game" . 7/10/08 BaseBallGirl headline

by LongTimeFan on Sep 8, 2008 10:26 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

What up Ziggs?

Good to hear fro you. Congratulations on all of your success this season. Thanks for being so humble and gracious. It is nice to see a professional athlete show some class in a world of “all about me” prima donnas.

Give a high five to all the fellas for all of us. We’re gonna get ’em good next year man! Dig it………

-mrod

by mrod on Sep 8, 2008 10:45 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for the update

I had the thought that for someone like you, making stops at various cities and ballparks for the first time, that part must be pretty exciting too. I love to travel and getting to do it as a baseball player is tough to beat. ;-)

A few of the more recent games you’ve been in just underscores how tough it is to go so long without allowing any runs and I keep thinking that the streak was some sort of reward for all the hard work and perseverance you’ve had in getting here.

Watching some of the pitches from the center field TV angle, it does look like there are the occasional times where a few pitches in a row just tail away from a lefty more than they should. I don’t know if you have the time to get into it here or maybe in the future, but is that just part of the process you’re going through getting more used to the release point?

That’s another thing I don’t think the average person realizes: you haven’t even been pitching like this for two full seasons yet, and look at what’s happened so far. It’s still hard to believe at times, but as long as you keep getting those ground balls and maintain that control there’s no reason you can’t keep pitching well. I know you’re the kind of person who won’t let the success go to your head, either.

By the way, Blez loved the photo. Thanks again for helping with that. I’ve got a few more things I can send you but I’m waiting until the season is over first.

Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog

by Flashfire on Sep 8, 2008 10:46 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Ziggy, Ziggy, Ziggy!

Alright, I understand walking a batter per inning over a stretch like that is not going to be thrilling to any pitcher….however, my man, you have an otherwordly ability to induce weak ground balls seemingly at will, and the rally killing double plays ensue. I want to see you doin this in the show into your 40’s!!! (hopefully for the beloved Green and Gold).

As stated in above posts. This is extremely cool to be able to interact with a ballplayer in this manner and we all hope you continue to do this!

Gonzalez, De Los Santos, Anderson, Cahill, Simmons...the best rotation in baseball....in, uh 2010.

by J Mack on Sep 8, 2008 10:47 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

AN loves our Ziggy!

"The Athletics at Fremont" is really bad

by ArakSOT on Sep 8, 2008 10:49 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Ziggy!

It’s amazing that you still find time to post with everything going on in baseball…
like everybody else said, THANK YOU! it’s awesome to “interact with a ballplayer in this manner” as J Mack said, and you have been one of the bright spots in this season. Keep it up! You are amazing!!!!!

I don't know who the cool people are, but if I look to the bottom of the standings, I know where the A’s are. ~theblackpearl

by #14fan on Sep 8, 2008 11:19 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks

Thanks for eveything Ziggy.

Tastelikedirt A's Baseball

by tastelikedirt on Sep 8, 2008 11:19 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Love that you continue to post here!

Having you on the team makes up for the whole second half of baseball. Hope next year is as good for you, and amazing for the team. You’d love a playoff run! ;-)

So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one

by baseballgirl on Sep 8, 2008 11:47 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Huzzah!

I don’t really have anything to add or ask, except to offer my profound thanks to you for continuing to keep us updated on your life in baseball. Thanks!

Will there ever be a boy born who can swim faster than a shark?

by JLeverenz on Sep 8, 2008 11:48 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Feel better!

And thanks for the post, as always. You have a special place in the hearts of ANers, Ziggy.

"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball." -- Connie Mack

by GreenSocks on Sep 8, 2008 12:08 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Again, congratulations, Ziggy!

I was at the Twins game where they presented you with the plaque. I’m sure you don’t remember, since you were in the midst of signing a million things, but again, congratulations on the streak! It’s not every day we see such an old record broken. Here’s to many more weak grounders and double plays.

by danmerqury on Sep 8, 2008 12:25 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Ziggy

It must be a bit different being almost one of the ‘veterans’ on this team and someone who’s had a lot of success in the majors as you watch other young players get called up in September.

keep up the great work!

Let's have our Piazza and eat the Cust too - SPWC

by closetasfan on Sep 8, 2008 1:53 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Feel better, buddy ...

Every year I try to get a rust belt/upper midwest tour of stadiums set up … but it’s hard because I just never have any reason to go there … Wrigley is, of course, on the top of my list of stadiums to visit — but Detroit is up there too …

Hasn’t happened yet …

"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback

by devo on Sep 8, 2008 3:35 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs