I already posted once tonight about game seven of the NLCS being a classic in the making. Now I'd like to offer a little piece of trivia for all of you.
If the Tigers do go on to win the 2006 World Series, they might want to pony up for an extra ring for Michael Young of the Texas Rangers.
You see, back in July, the AL trailed the NL 2-1 at the all-star game in Pittsburgh. With 2 outs in the ninth, Young came up to bat against Trevor Hoffman, who was trying to save the game for the National League. As you probably guessed, Young drove in both runners and Mariano Rivera closed the game for the American League.
Why does this matter? By winning the All-star game, the American League once again gave itself home field advantage in the World Series. So not only do the Tigers get to play games one and two in front of their own fans, but all-important games six and seven will be played for a home crowd too.
All of this because a shortstop from a sub-500 team made a clutch hit 3 months ago.