American League baseball began the final leg of its season on Tuesday night, and while the somberness from last week still persists, there were small signs of excitement on what was dubbed "re-opening day."
The league's postseason berths are all but officially set in stone, though several record chases and the final games of notable players will give fans something to cheer about throughout the next three weeks.
And while baseball may help the country heal from last week's events by giving Americans a way to escape, it is also contributing directly to the relief effort. The league and its players association announced Wednesday that they would each contribute $5 million to establish a fund to aid victims of last week's terrorist attacks. The MLB-MLBPA Disaster Relief Fund will distribute money after consulting with governmental and charitable relief organizations.
On the field, the Seattle Mariners are pursuing the record for most wins in a season, and need to win 12 of their remaining 17 to eclipse the Cubs' 116 victories in 1906. Considering the way the Mariners have played this year, winning 12 of 17 is a distinct possibility. The team is riding a six-game winning streak, and has won 11 of its last 12.
The Mariners beat Anaheim Tuesday night, 4-0. Freddy Garcia tossed a three-hitter for his third shutout of the season and earned his 17th victory.
Equally as hot as the Mariners are the New York Yankees, winners of five straight and ten of their last 11 games, including an 11-3 trouncing of the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night. New York moved a season-high 30 games above the .500 mark and has blown the second-place Boston Red Sox out of the water.
The Yankees-White Sox game, which took place in Chicago, was filled with displays of patriotism. Small flags were handed out to fans as they entered the game, fans held out signs that expressed support for New York and America, and patriotic music was played over the public address system throughout the evening.
The Cleveland Indians are also cruising towards a division title and beat the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday, 11-2. Kenny Lofton belted a pair of solo homers, and Travis Fryman had a grand slam to give the Indians their 11th win in the last 16 games.
While the Red Sox are no longer competing with the Yankees for the American League East title, they have still had their share of melodrama this week. The Boston clubhouse looks more like backstage at the WWF these days, with several players waiting their turn to spar with management.
Pedro Martinez officially announced he will not pitch again this season because of shoulder soreness. Reportedly, this decision came after Martinez stormed off the field because of an argument with manager Joe Kerrigan during a workout on Saturday.
Over the weekend, Carl Everett decided he could not let Pedro and Nomar have all the glory. He took action on Sunday to make sure Kerrigan knew Carl should be number on his most-hated players list. Everett had an angry confrontation with the manager after he was late for a workout and has been suspended for four days.
When play resumed on Tuesday, the Sox beat the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, 7-2, for just their second win in 15 games. Manny Ramirez led the offensive attack by hitting his 40th homer of the year during the sixth inning.
Baseball fans across the nation are also keeping a close eye on the Baltimore Orioles' Cal Ripken as the season draws to a close. The veteran is ending his illustrious 21-year career, and has enjoyed salutes from several teams when playing his final game in their cities. Ripken will be playing in Baltimore when he dons the Orioles' uniform for the last time Baltimore.
