KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Joba Chamberlain was smiling. The previous major-league pitcher wore a shirt with “Retired” throughout the chest. His beard was lengthy and specked with grey and he blended in with the followers earlier than Recreation 4 of the American League Division Collection between the New York Yankees and the Kansas Metropolis Royals at Kauffman Stadium.
Besides Chamberlain had bling no one else may declare. On his proper hand, he wore the World Collection ring he earned with the Yankees. On his left hand was the ring he bought with the Royals in 2015.
“(Batting observe) gave me goose bumps,” he stated.
Chamberlain, 39, stated he selected a whim to make the three-hour drive from his residence in Lincoln, Neb., to attend Thursday’s recreation with a number of associates. Chamberlain had seats not far behind the Yankees’ dugout. He signed autographs for a number of followers who acknowledged him.
Which group was he rooting for? He didn’t say, however he raised the hand with the Yankees title ring. Chamberlain nonetheless says “we” when referring to the Yankees.
“I’m so grateful and honored that I used to be capable of put on these uniforms and be capable to win,” he stated. “Nevertheless it’s additionally like the best pleasure for me to observe them.”
However he added that he hoped the best-of-five sequence — of which the Yankees have been up 2-1 — would go the gap.
“I wish to see Recreation 5,” he stated. “I need extra baseball. That’s it. I really like the sport. I really like every thing about it.”
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Joba Chamberlain returned to Kauffman Stadium for Recreation 4 of the ALDS. (Brendan Kuty / The Athletic)
The previous prime Yankees prospect-turned-reliever who began 31 video games for the 2009 group stated he was thrilled by the emergence of 1 explicit Yankees participant: Luke Weaver.
Chamberlain may relate to Weaver in that Weaver additionally was a highly-regarded beginning pitching prospect who ultimately discovered success within the bullpen. For the Yankees, Weaver has grow to be a lockdown nearer since all however inheriting the job when the group demoted Clay Holmes in September to lower-leverage spots.
“What Weaver has performed is unbelievable,” Chamberlain stated. To take the bull by the horns, simply the mentality of like, ‘OK,’ now that is mine. Understanding the struggles the bullpen has had on and off all year long.”
Chamberlain added that he was glad to see Giancarlo Stanton play hero together with his go-ahead solo residence run within the Yankees’ Recreation 3 win Wednesday evening.
“Yeah, he could not outrun the cattle truck outdoors,” Chamberlain stated. “However he’s going to alter the sport.”
Chamberlain spent seven seasons with the Yankees and made six appearances with Kansas Metropolis in 2015. He pitched his final major-league recreation in 2016.
Earlier than the sport, Chamberlain chatted with Mike Harkey, who was the Yankees’ bullpen coach in 2009 and holds the identical job now. Chamberlain stated he noticed a number of acquainted faces nonetheless with the group, however so many had gone elsewhere.
He stated he lately dropped off his son, 18-year-old Karter, at Hutchinson Neighborhood Faculty in Kansas and that he felt like he had no cause Thursday to not attend the playoff recreation.
Chamberlain stated it didn’t really feel prefer it had been 15 years because the Yankees had received their final World Collection ring. On the time, Chamberlain was 24 years previous.
“You’re making me really feel even older than I’m,” he stated.
Chamberlain stated he deliberate to benefit from the recreation within the stands and even purchase a plastic helmet with ice cream in it.
“I’m going to be a fan,” he stated. “I’m not sitting on my sofa and watching it on TV. I’m really right here getting to observe it. It’s simply an absolute honor to be a component, clearly, of the Yankees group and Kansas Metropolis for the little bit that I used to be and to have the ability to be right here and watch two nice baseball groups battle it out.”
(Photograph of Joba Chamberlain from 2013: Elsa / Getty Pictures)
