I wrote in my book Cutting The Game, Inside Television Baseball From the Director's Chair (now available as an ebook on the Amazon Kindle and Barnes and Noble's Nook) that the most fun a TV baseball director has during a game/telecast is cutting a homerun. I may have to amend that chapter to include cutting a player's milestone.
Albert Pujols collected his 2000th hit during tonight's game/telecast as the Chicago Cubs played the Cardinals at Busch Stadium.
When Albert came to the plate in the bottom of the eighth inning we were ready in the TV truck.
The crowd in Busch Stadium was ready as well. It seemed like everyone in Busch Stadium was on their feet.
The energy was electric.
Albert doubled into the left field corner and the fun began!
The shots capturing this wonderful moment included Albert as he arrived at second base, a wide crowd shot of the crowd going crazy, Albert's teammates clapping in the dugout, a tight crowd shot of the jubilation, Albert's manager Tony Larussa applauding and a shot of Albert tipping his cap to the fans!
Our Producer, Mike, called a wonderful replay sequence of two swings followed by two real speed replays which were followed by a slow motion look at Albert tipping his cap.
Great, great sequence!
Great, great fun!
The fantastic energy of this moment was in direct contrast to the overall play of the Chicago Cubs during this game.
I remarked to our announcers earlier in the game that the Cubs had the worst pace of any team in baseball. From the pitchers to the batters in the box, their pace was embarrassing. They looked like they just did not want to be there.
Our analyst, Rick, commented on talk back (so the comment did not go out over the air) "They look like they are walking to the electric chair".
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