If my team is going to lose – in any sport – it’s easier to accept when I know they care. For as long as we have watched sports, there’s always that tragic shot into the losing dugout when a season ends. There he sits, with that same sullen look on his face; the player who becomes the face of a collapse and the curtain falling on a season of possibility.
While I was too busy trying to collect my own emotions in the final moments of the Washington Nationals celebrating the NLDS game five win at Dodger Stadium, I didn’t see who this player was for the Dodgers.
Certainly, lost in the shuffle of managerial decisions and Kershaw home runs allowed; this player exists. Furthermore, it may surprise you.
Alex Verdugo was the last man left in the Dodgers’ dugout. He sat on the top bench, hoodie on, watching the Nationals celebrate.
— Pedro Moura (@pedromoura) October 10, 2019
Pedro Moura of The Athletic reports that it was none other than outfielder Alex Verdugo. Indeed, this surprised me, and I definitely will file it away.
First, I noticed when the Dodgers had a few big moments in game five; Verdugo was out of the dugout and jumping with delight. It might not seem like much, but being a good teammate when you are on the sidelines for injury is a big deal to me.
More at Dodgers Nation
- Dave Roberts Reportedly Returns as Dodgers Manager
- Clayton Kershaw Stands Up to Media After Game 5 Disappointment
- Joe Kelly Talks Kendrick Grand Slam, Loss
Then, learning that Verdugo sat there presumably as upset as anyone on the team about what might of been? Well, that’s moved him up a peg in my book. Furthermore, he had not played since August 4th. Unfortunately for the Dodgers – they could have used his bat in the lineup. In a rookie year that finished up with .294 and 12 home runs, Verdugo will be a key cog going forward.
And things like this should not go without notice. Obviously, he takes pride in being a Dodger even when he’s not able to play. It meant something to him for his teammates to advance.
Good on you, beyond your years Alex.
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