Here's a nice backstory to the Yankees' comeback win over Minnesota yesterday. Seems Brett Gardner's inside-the-park home run in the seventh was preordained.
Earlier in the day, the center fielder paid a visit to New York Presbyterian Children's Hospital in Manhattan, to hang out with and read to a group of kids. While he was there, he was given a gift by a young girl that she claimed had special powers. Said Gardner:
One girl gave me a bracelet and I asked her what it was for. She said it was for me and she told me if I kept it, I'd hit a home run.
Think she'll make one for Vernon Wells?
The funny thing is, Gardner wasn't even supposed to play yesterday. He only entered the game after a close-cropped Johnny Damon got tossed for arguing balls and strikes. Making the whole thing even more unlikely, it's not as if Gardner's a big power hitter, and a Yankees player hasn't hit an in-play homer in ten years:
"It was probably more likely for me to hit an inside-the-parker than it was to hit one over the fence," Gardner said. "I'm glad I could do that for her. I hope she was watching."
Gardner's insertion continued to pay big dividends for New York, as he also had a triple in the ninth off Twins' closer Joe Nathan, which sparked his team's game-winning rally.
In less inspiring news, Alex Rodriguez made his New Yankee Stadium debut last night. He was sort of cheered.
Yankees' real hero: After hospital visit, Brett Gardner plays key role with inside-the-park homer [New York Daily News]
Bracelet propels Gardner's inside-the-parker [Yankees.com]