The home town fans came away from Baltimore’s 8-7 win over Phoenix delighted as they got to see the home town team win but also a little bit of history as long time Monarch and fan favourite Daniel Labrie joined the exclusive 3000 hit club. “When I bought my tickets in the winter I figured I might have a chance of seeing this happen, I’ve been following his hit count all year, and knowing he was three hits short coming into the game I couldn’t believe my luck!” one fan exclaimed. “Three hit games don’t happen all the time but I had a gut feeling he would do it tonight!”.
Coming into the game Labrie was three hits shy of 3000. In the first inning Labrie brought an excited Monarch sellout crowd into a frenzy with a RBI single. In the second Labrie came up again and drew a walk. In the bottom of the fourth the Baltimore crowd exploded as Labrie got his second hit of the night, and 2999th of his career, a two out single. He was left stranded at second after a Dale Bunker walk and Stephen Lubin fly-out. The crowd was restless for the next two innings in anticipation.
The Monarchs trailed 6-3 entering the bottom of the sixth when Labrie came to the plate for the fourth time in the game with a chance at history. The 54,927 in attendance were on their feet. Domminick Bromley missed with his first pitch and then again with his second. Labrie then took a called strike on the third pitch of the at-bat. On the fourth pitch Labrie swung and connected and the fans screamed…. but the ball was foul. The next pitch was fouled off again. Showing his trademark patience that made him a star Labrie watched a close pitch go by for a ball and a full count. The crowd, still standing, got louder in anticipation of the next pitch. With the count full Bromley unloaded the seventh pitch of the at-bat and Labrie connected sending a ground ball single past the short stop. The crowd went wild and the game was delayed as team mates congratulated Labrie. The ovation lasted some time as many long-time observers noted that they had never heard Monarch Park so loud. A Dale Bunker sac fly brought home Michael Richards but Labrie was left stranded and the Monarchs remained behind 6-4. In the bottom of the seventh Baltimore had rallied to cut the deficit to a single run and Labrie was up again but this time grounded out. A Stephen Lubin solo shot in the eighth tied the game. Labrie walked in the bottom of the ninth but was left stranded. His line fpr the night was 3-4 with 2 walks. The hometown fans went home extremely happy after Mike Roberts walked off with the game winning single in the bottom of the tenth. Said Roberts: “We’re happy to get this win for Dan. He’s been the leader here for many years and is one of the all-time greats in Baltimore and the league as a whole, 3000 hits is a big deal, just goes to show what a great player he is”. Labrie said “Looking back I’m sure this will be one of the most memorable nights of my career. I’m glad we won the game. I don’t know what to say. It’s been awesome. I’ve been fortunate to stay healthy and play with some great team mates. The fans have been great to me. I’m going to enjoy the moment but I’ll be back here ready to work tomorrow.” After so many years in the league and with all that he’s accomplished there is no secret as to what remains for Labrie. “I think we have a good chance to win this year. I’m going to do everything I can to get that Championship for Baltimore”.
