October 12, 2004, 06:00 AM
Biggio and Bagwell--a night to celebrate-a night to cry
I think I was the only person in the media, or maybe in the country, that confidently predicted the Astros would make the playoffs and get to the World Series. I realize they have to beat the Cards, but no matter what the experts say, beating the Cards is just formality.
Last night, in a bitter night of irony, the two veteran cornerstones of the Astros, Bagwell and Biggio, finally did something they have wanted to do for a long time, win a playoff series. Both were major keys to the win last night as Biggio had one of the biggest two out, two strike hits of his career that started a 5 run rally that put the game out of reach. Bagwell homered a few batters later. It was over. The final score was Houston 12 - Atlanta 3.
However, on a night that should have been all celebration, there was great sadness for Bagwell and Biggio, as both lost one of their closest friends, Ken Camaniti, who died of a heart attack on Sunday.
Those three players were inseparable when all three played together for the Astros. Bagwell and Biggio never made excuses for their friend and his drug addiction, however, they never abandoned him either. How ironic that on the very day they learned of his death, they finally broke through and led the team to a playoff victory.
Before the game both said they had a heavy heart and wanted to play for him. You see these type of story lines in movies, but this time it was real life. Bagwell and Biggio, who have both struggled in past playoffs, put the team on their shoulders and carried it to victory.
I have said all along that this is a team of destiny, that also has power hitting and two great pitchers. Last night it was destiny again when with two outs and two strikes, Biggio hit a line drive to right field that fell just 1 foot in front of the right fielder; one foot higher and the inning was over. Bags would not have had a chance to hit a homerun in the inning and the outcome could have been in question.
Two outs and two strikes--a ball falls one foot in front of the right fielder---their best friend dead at the age of 41--- this is a season that all Astro fans will remember forever. This isn't Hollywood, it's real life.
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