Kreindler Raffle, WE HAVE A WINNER, see his choices

[baseball tourist]

Thanks for responses, ideas and comments everyone!

I have had some great chats/emails with Graig and really thought long and hard about my choices. In the end, I think that I will surprise a few of you - but pls understand that this image means a lot to me (I'll explain below).

It was down to Joe Carter, '93 WS HR "trot" OR Jose Bautista's emphatic bat flip, 2015 ALDS.

I've decided to go with Joey instead of Joe




I would be ecstatic with a Joe Carter image but when I look back at last season and how I had something to cheer about after over two decades of zero playoff baseball. I didn't miss a game (live or PVR) and despite a 4 hour flight, attended two regular season and two ALDS games and I was able to get into the fun with my daughter (she has a Bautista doll and at 8 months, could search for it by name - pls see photo below). Also included is a photo of my wife Katie with Millie and "friends" during the 2016 season opener (it was an early Sat in Calgary - pls excuse the PJs).

Even though it looks like Jose won't be re-signed at the end of this year (which I realize is a business decision, but like Carter, Alomar, Bell, Delgado etc, he deserves to have a place with the Jays greats) what he did while a Jay has been very special. Two HR titles, 54 bombs in 2010. Really the only star for a long while. I also have a modest Bautista player collection that this will go great with.

Carter's HR now, when looking back, seems like a cherry on top of a sundae that I couldn't finish. An embarrassment of riches from 1985-1993. All those great moments from that run blend into one pleasant memory. Bautista gave me a fresh one to hang on to and pass along to my daughter.

[Dewey]

The selection over Joe and the bat flip itself-- a bit unorthodox. I love it! There's no need for you to explain your decision, but I'm glad for the insight. I totally get it. I was harboring the idea, if I won, to pic an image from the Dodgers victory over the Cardinals in the 2004 NLDS. It was their first playoff win since 1988 World Series and I watched it in the labor and delivery suite with my wife and our child born an hour before the game. A good day! It just goes to show that so many factors play into these wonderfully personal choices. You're gonna enjoy that bat flip for a long, long time.

[baseball tourist]

Originally Posted by Dewey

The selection over Joe and the bat flip itself-- a bit unorthodox. I love it! There's no need for you to explain your decision, but I'm glad for the insight. I totally get it. I was harboring the idea, if I won, to pic an image from the Dodgers victory over the Cardinals in the 2004 NLDS. It was their first playoff win since 1988 World Series and I watched it in the labor and delivery suite with my wife and our child born an hour before the game. A good day! It just goes to show that so many factors play into these wonderfully personal choices. You're gonna enjoy that bat flip for a long, long time.

Thanks Dewey! I appreciate it!

[irv]

That pic, celebration will go down in infamy.

Great choice!

Looking forward to seeing it completed.

Congrats again, fellow Canuck.

[baseball tourist]

Originally Posted by irv

That pic, celebration will go down in infamy.

Great choice!

Looking forward to seeing it completed.

Congrats again, fellow Canuck.

Merci mon ami!

[Scott Garner]

The epic Joey Bats bat flip! I like it...

[baseball tourist]

Originally Posted by Scott Garner

The epic Joey Bats bat flip! I like it...

Thanks Scott!

[KingFisk]

Originally Posted by baseball tourist

Thanks for responses, ideas and comments everyone!

I have had some great chats/emails with Graig and really thought long and hard about my choices. In the end, I think that I will surprise a few of you - but pls understand that this image means a lot to me (I'll explain below).

It was down to Joe Carter, '93 WS HR "trot" OR Jose Bautista's emphatic bat flip, 2015 ALDS.

I've decided to go with Joey instead of Joe




I would be ecstatic with a Joe Carter image but when I look back at last season and how I had something to cheer about after over two decades of zero playoff baseball. I didn't miss a game (live or PVR) and despite a 4 hour flight, attended two regular season and two ALDS game and I was able to get into the fun with my daughter (she has a Bautista doll and at 8 months, could search for it by name - pls see photo below). Also included is a photo of my wife Katie with Millie and "friends" during the 2016 season opener (it was an early Sat in Calgary - pls excuse the PJs).

Even though it looks like Jose won't be re-signed at the end of this year (which I realize is a business decision, but like Carter, Alomar, Bell, Delgado etc, he deserves to have a place with the Jays greats) what he did while a Jay has been very special. Two HR titles, 54 bombs in 2010. Really the only star for a long while. I also have a modest Bautista player collection that this will go great with.

Carter's HR now, when looking back, seems like a cherry on top of a sundae that I couldn't finish. An embarrassment of riches from 1985-1993. All those great moments from that run blend into one pleasant memory. Bautista gave me a fresh one to hang on to and pass along to my daughter.

Awesome choice and the story behind the selection makes it truly special.

[Kawika]

Or you can get Goose Gossage to sign it.
Totally terrific choice, Chris. Bautista's Bat Flip was instantly iconic in the sports annals of Canada - such a singularly gfy in your face, ace moment, and pretty much the high water mark for this country's athletic endeavours in 2015 (unless you count Young Trudeau punching out Iceman Harper).

[baseballart]

Great choice Chris

[baseball tourist]

Originally Posted by baseballart

Great choice Chris

Thanks Max! Hey, we are back in Vancouver. Hope to see you and Jen at the C's games soon!

[clydepepper]

Chris - That's an exciting choice...man, that scene was really electric! Funny, while I know they didn't win the series, I cannot recall even who won the 'bat flip' game.

I wonder if you would consider a 'split-screen'-type effect with Joe's reaction shot on the left and the bat flip on the right...if it is possible, it's worth considering...14x28 could be enough room.

You should definitely see if Joey Bats could autograph it...but not Goose LOL

[baseball tourist]

Originally Posted by clydepepper

Chris - That's an exciting choice...man, that scene was really electric! Funny, while I know they didn't win the series, I cannot recall even who won the 'bat flip' game.

I wonder if you would consider a 'split-screen'-type effect with Joe's reaction shot on the left and the bat flip on the right...if it is possible, it's worth considering...14x28 could be enough room.

You should definitely see if Joey Bats could autograph it...but not Goose LOL

Thanks Raymond. Actually, the bat flip game was the deciding game of the series and Jose's HR put the Jays ahead 6-3 (they were down 3-2 after the top of the 7th). The Jays lost Games 1 & 2 (I attended both and my buddies sent me back home saying I was a jinx!) and stormed back to win 3 straight to take the best-of-five series. Essentially Jose's HR sent them to the ALCS. They took the ALCS vs the Royal to 6 games before bowing out.

I didn't think of a split screen type approach but think that if possible, I would have to seriously upgrade the size to do the scenes justice and that isn't in the cards unfortunately - moved the family at our expense and gave up my job and looking after our child as my wife is continuing her career after 17 months off.

[baseball tourist]

Originally Posted by Kawika

Or you can get Goose Gossage to sign it.
Totally terrific choice, Chris. Bautista's Bat Flip was instantly iconic in the sports annals of Canada - such a singularly gfy in your face, ace moment, and pretty much the high water mark for this country's athletic endeavours in 2015 (unless you count Young Trudeau punching out Iceman Harper).

Thanks Carl and David!