One of the more fun things to watch during the season is when players reach those special milestones. This year we got to see Bryan Reynolds reach 1000 hits. We also got to see Brandon Lowe already hit more home runs than any Pirates second basemen in a single season. Konnor Griffin’s first everything, Esmerlyn Valdez’s first everything, and the most special of all…Billy Cook’s first walk.
It’s an amazing feeling a player never forgets; the first time you trot that 90 feet not having to do anything. Trust me, I don't know. “Take your base” is a sound sweeter than cotton candy dipped in molasses. Again trust me, I’ve never heard it. At least not in the show.
This monkey was really starting to dig itself into Billy’s back, deeper than an Alabama tick. But on a hot August afternoon, it unlatched itself in the third inning and helped the Pirates pile on the Red Sox. It was a long 86 games but he finally broke like an egg yolk in a routine 9 pitch at bat off Patrick Sandoval.
With true class, Billy didn’t do the Steve Young at the Super Bowl and have a teammate rip the monkey off his back. With similar Nielsen ratings, he knew the eyes of the world would be strictly upon him. He acted like he’d been to first base. Which of course he has, just not for free.
I hope Billy gets to keep the base. Just don’t invite Lloyd McClendon over or it could get flung into a flatscreen. Next up on milestone watch, Billy Cook’s first Intentional Base on Balls. I know you’ll be glued to the stat sheet just like me.
Until then, let him Cook.
