Three Cheers for Daniel Bard!!!

I have to admit that I am not particularly looking forward to watching the 2020 MLB season.

Trying to play a 60-game season in the midst of a global pandemic in which many of the localities involved are experiencing spikes seems at best an exercise in futility and at worst a death wish.

I also don't like the idea of a runner being put on second base to start extra inning games. It reminds me of when Earl Weaver complained about Mike Flanagan not holding runners on first and during a spring training workout and escalated the complaint by stealing second. Flanagan asked Weaver, "Earl, how did you get on first?"

But I am heartened by one story.

Daniel Bard has made the Colorado Rockies roster.

Bard, 35, hasn't pitched in MLB since April 2013 when he made two appearances with the Boston Red Sox.

The Texas born hurler was a first round draft pick of the Red Sox in 2006 and made the big league club in 2009. By 2010, Bard was Jonathan Papelbon's set up man. In 73 appearances, Bard posted a 1.93 ERA striking out 76 batters in 74.2 IP. In 2011, Bard made a club record 25 consecutive relief appearances without giving up a run.

But 2011 was the year the Red Sox had a monumental September collapse going 0-4 with a 10.64 ERA in the final month of the season. When the Red Sox hired Bobby Valentine to be its manager he moved Bard to the starting rotation with disastrous results. Bard would fare no better when he was returned to the bullpen. In 17 appearances in 2012, Bard went 5-6 with a 6.22 ERA walking 43 batters in 59.1 IP. The Red Sox would demote Bard to Pawtucket where his woes continued with an ERA of 7.03 ERA.

Over the years, Bard toiled in the minors with the Chicago Cubs (two stints), Texas Rangers, St. Louis Cardinals and New York Mets. In a single appearance with the Gulf Coast Mets in 2017, Bard gave up five runs with four walks in only 0.2 IP. This was last professional appearance until this year.

To give you an idea of how remarkable Bard's accomplishment is consider the fact he made his last MLB appearance on April 27, 2013. One day later, Nolan Arenado made his MLB debut with the Rockies. Today they are teammates.

Just when you're ready to give up on baseball it pulls you back in.

Three cheers for Daniel Bard!!!