Ben Casparius is headed to the World Series.
The 2017 Staples High School graduate — believed to be the first former Wrecker ever to reach baseball’s Major Leagues — now goes to the ultimate games.
And he’s one reason they’re there.
Called up from the minors in August, Casparius has proven to be a reliable relief pitcher. Last night he threw 1 1/3 innings, allowing 2 hits, walking 1 but giving up no runs, as the Dodgers beat the New York Mets 10-5.
And Casparius — one of 7 LA pitchers — was credited with the win. It was his first in MLB.
Jeff Mitchell explains: “If the starting pitcher does not complete at least 5 innings and leaves the game with a lead that the team maintains, the official scorer will decide which relief pitcher is credited with the win.
“The scorer typically awards the win to the relief pitcher who was the most effective in preserving the lead during the game. Because no relief pitcher pitched more innings than Ben (1 1/3) nor had a better ERA (0.00), Ben was awarded it.
“I highly doubt any pitcher in the history of baseball has won a post-season game with fewer regular season appearances. Ben had appeared in just 3 regular season games, and now has appeared in 4 post-season games.
“However, rumors are that Dodger relievers Brusdar Graterol and Alex Vesia might be well enough to return for the World Series. That means they would need to replace 1 or 2 relievers currently on the roster.
“Ben is not assured to be back on the starting roster. But I think he’ll be in the dugout to be used in case of injury.”
Here’s the clubhouse scene, after the game:
Meanwhile, as the California team battled to reach the World Series — against the New York Yankees — most folks assumed the Connecticut native had grown up rooting for either the Yanks or the Mets.
Nope.
Yesterday’s Boston Globe reported:
Dodgers rookie righthander Ben Caspariusgrew up in Westport, Conn., which is Yankees territory. But he was a Red Sox fan.
“My father is from Maine and he and my mom went to Northeastern,” Casparius said. “So I always liked the Sox.”
The Globe added:
Casparius was a two-way player at North Carolina then transferred to UConn to focus on pitching.
It was a good decision. He had a 3.36 ERA as a starter in Triple A this season, made his major league debut as a reliever, and worked 3 scoreless innings in his first 2 postseason games, striking out 4 and not allowing a hit.
His message from manager Dave Roberts?
“Just be myself,” Casparius said. “It’s just another day in baseball, nothing needs to change, or reinvent the wheel or try anything new. And really just to soak it all in and just take in every moment. Enjoy it.”
Casparius hit 97 miles per hour with his fastball against the Mets in Game 3 of the NLCS. While his work has not been in high-leverage spots, Casparius picking up outs has helped the other relievers get some rest.
(Hat tip: Jeff Booth)
Ben Casparius (screenshot courtesy of Dave Briggs)
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Speaking of sports: Members of the Staples High School boys and girls soccer teams, and the field hockey squad, joined many other Westporters yesterday morning, at the annual Push Against Cancer event.
The giant push-up festival raises funds to support The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, aiding children with serious illnesses.
First selectwoman Jen Tooker was there to support the cause, and event founder Andy Berman.
Literally, as the photo below shows:
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, and Andy Berman.
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A gentle reminder, from Westport’s great Parks & Recreation Department: From now through March 31, dogs are welcome at Compo Beach.
There are leashed and unleashed areas on the sand.
Dogs are not allowed on the sidewalk or boardwalk. Please keep them free for humans!
(Photo/Carm Roda)
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Gail Bernstein — who in her more than 30 years as benefits coordinator for the town of Westport solved many problems, made life better for countless employees, and earned great respect — died peacefully at her Fairfield home on Thursday, surrounded by her family. She was 89.
She is survived by her sons Paul (April) and Douglas; sister Judy (Dan); nephews Jeffrey (Jo), Matthew (Paloma), Rob (Jennifer), Peter (Scott), David (Linda); niece Martha; step-grandchildren Michael, Emily and Jason; grandnieces Sabrina and Nicole; grandnephew Michael, and other extended family and friends.
A funeral service will be held Tuesday (October 22, 12 noon, Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield). Burial will follow in Lawncroft Cemetery. F
Friends and family may visit at the funeral home from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday. Click here to leave an online condolence note.
Gail Bernstein
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Bees do it.
Cooperate, that is.
Nancy Vener provides an up-close-and-very-personal look, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
(Photo/Nancy Vener)
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And finally … in honor of Ben Casparius’ Boston Red Sox fandom:
(Good times never seem so good as when you’re part of our great “06880” community. If you enjoy our hyper-local blog, please consider supporting our work. Just click here. Thank you!)
Maybe rather than having men sit on her like she’s a park bench, maybe she should go answer her e-mails.
Buffoo
Jack, I’m sure you’re not alone. Anything for a foti op.
To further honor Ben’s Red Sox fandom and to incorporate a Westport connection😉: https://youtu.be/Kyq3KFh9bEM?si=VdSoAe3A0BXHMGt8
Perfect choice of song and artist to end with Dan; Red Sox fans applaud Ben and you!🤓
Go Yankees!
Avenge 1963!
Avenge 1981!
October 1964 is Halberstam’s new audio about baseball — it’s about the last season of the Yankee dynasty. Although I was a Yankees fan from 1952 until 2000, I hope they get crushed by the Dodgers. I especially don’t like arrogant Soto! I do like Judge though because he’s humble and a good person; that’s why the family of Roger Maris was rooting for him to break his 1961 record! My father was at the game when Maris hit # 60, and I have a ticket stub from the first game of the 1961 World Series- Box Seat, Lower level- price $10.50.
It’s time the Dodgers end their extended west coast road trip and return to Brooklyn.
the battle of the payrolls
Soto runs out hits and refrains from bat flipping. He appears to be having a good time. And, he delivers the goods. Nothing arrogant in any of that.
What happened to you in 2000?
I used to go to 14 games a year with my kids. I was a teacher so I could go anytime in the summer. There was a dirt parking lot that I used to park in, and I’d get to it maybe 10 minutes before it opened. There were 4 parking spots reserved for the press just outside the entrance. The cop always let me park there for 9 or 10 minutes until the lot opened. I had two young kids with me in a convertible. Once the cop came over and said, “I have to ask you to move because Mr. Steinbrenner called headquarters and complained. Just drive around the block a few times.” I left and Steinbrenner came out with a stool, and sat outside directing the cops. The incident made the Daily News, but no names were mentioned, just that Steinbrenner freaked out on how the cops were doing their job. That incident along with the fact that they bought their way to success over many decades turned me sour on the team, after 48 loyal years. I hope they lose 4 straight! (Not sure I spelled Steinbrenner correctly.) He actually reminds me of Trump.
Steinbrenner hired and fired Billy Martin five times. He was an impulsive know-it-all. If the Yankees don’t win the World Series, then my team won. If the Cowboys don’t win the Super Bowl, then my team won.Almost every year my team wins! And Soto is arrogant. He’s got an attitude. You can tell by his facial expressions. On the other hand, I like Judge and respect him, just like Roger Maris’s family does.
My last comment will be about the First Selectwoman. She’s on all fours with a guy sitting on her, and there’s no negative comments? It’s totally inappropriate!
This thread is closed to comments. I have deleted ad hominem and/or gratuitous comments.