Detroit Tigers’ relief pitcher Phil Coke enjoying ride to fame – MLB News
Detroit Tigers’ relief pitcher Phil Coke will be feeling very optimistic about his situation these days. After all, he has been in the spot light more than usual after showing great throwing skills in Game 4 of American League Championship Series between
the Tigers and the New York Yankees.
It seems Coke is enjoying the ride. As a closer, Coke showed nerves of steel against the Yankees. His recent performances have certainly helped him earn a bit more breathing space with Tigers’ Manager Jim Leyland.
In fact, Leyland was so happy that he did not mind the fact Coke hit him with a bottle of champagne while celebrating Tigers’ series sweep against the Yankees.
''That was just Phil Coke pouring champagne. I got real cold. I usually don't go out in those celebrations. But they got me, and I was freezing, so I jumped up and he was - as Phil Coke will do - he kept dousing the thing,'' Leyland said. ''Well, as he poured
the bottle down, I jumped up. Well, he hit my bald spot in the back, split my head open, but fortunately it was just a big scab. It didn't slice it open. I didn't need stitches or anything. After a couple more vodkas and cranberries, I didn't feel anything.''
Coke had a decent time on the mound through all of 2012, finishing the season with 4.00 ERA and 51 strike-outs. Grabbing opportunities with both hands, he pitched seven plus shut-out innings in the playoffs, which instantly made him a fan favourite.
In some ways, it has been a very difficult season for the skipper Leyland. Tigers under achieved for most part of the regular season but they peaked just at the right time. Leyland and company now find themselves on the biggest stage. It is a chance for
them to show the world just what they are capable.
Tigers lost to the Texas Rangers in last year’s American League Championship Series. Credit should be given to Leyland for rising the wave of uncertainly earlier this season and it will be interesting to see if the Tigers can win four out of their next seven
games to claim their first World Series title since 1984.
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