World Series Notebook
For Bagwell, First Start Is Worth the Wait
"This is what I worked hard to get to," said Astros veteran Jeff Bagwell, who started at designated in his first World Series after 15 seasons with Houston.
(By Jonathan Daniel -- Getty Images)
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Sunday, October 23, 2005
CHICAGO, Oct. 22 -- It took 15 seasons in a Houston Astros uniform for Jeff Bagwell to reach the World Series. After much debate, he was in the starting lineup for Saturday night's Game 1.
Manager Phil Garner kept everybody waiting before finally revealing that Bagwell would hit sixth as the designated hitter, which is used in the American League park during the Series.
"This is what I worked hard to get to; I'm looking forward to it," said Bagwell, who met with Garner for several minutes prior to the game. "This cannot be a charity case or a sentimental pick."
Astros General Manager Tim Purpura said that starting Bagwell was not an act of charity.
"If he didn't think he could play," Purpura said, "he wouldn't want to be in the lineup."
This year had been particularly difficult for Bagwell, who had arthroscopic surgery on his ailing right shoulder in May and was expected to miss the rest of the season.
"I think there was probably some conversation about maybe to just take the rest of the year off and rehab his shoulder and get it strong over the winter and coming back and making his best efforts aimed at the beginning of the season next year," Garner said.
But Bagwell worked quickly through his rehabilitation and was able to return to the team on a limited basis in September. He had three hits in 10 at-bats but was still put on the Astros' roster for the Division Series and the National League Championship Series.
"We think he's been a big lift and it's really exciting to be able to put him in the lineup as the DH," Garner said.
In the playoffs, Bagwell has one hit in just three at-bats. Bagwell said he isn't sure where his timing at the plate might be but doesn't think that multiple at-bats will take a toll on the shoulder.
"I can't foresee that happening," Bagwell said. "Adrenaline is going to take over anyway."
Houston owner Drayton McLane said he was thrilled that Bagwell could be in the lineup.
