Ex-Cardinals Pitcher Rick Ankiel homers in debut as an Outfielder August 9, 2007 News from St. Louis by baseballhistorian.com After posting a solid 11-7 record as a starting pitcher in his first full MLB season back in 2000 for the St. Louis Cardinals and then falling off due to injuries after pitching just six games the next season, Rick Ankiel has been working his way up the minor league ladder as an outfielder. And… the 26-year-old returned today and blasted a 3-run homer in his game back to the majors. His out-of-the ballpark right-field blast helped St Louis win 5-0. He connected on a curveball from San Diego’s Doug Brocail in the 7th inning. ‘Unbelievable!’ declared a smiling Rick Ankiel. ‘You almost can’t put that into words.’ Playing this season, 2007, with Memphis AAA, Ankiel led the league with 32 home runs. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- August 11, 2007 – St Louis – TWO DAYS LATER before 44,2600 Rick Ankiel sent the Cardinals fans into a frenzy by powering two (yes 2) homers helping the Cardinals win again, 6-1.. On this day he got the crowd on its feet quickly with a 2-run first inning homer off LA Dodgers starter Derek Lowe, then, in the seventh inning lined a solo shot off of reliever Roberto Hernandez. In his first three games since returning to the majors as an outfielder, Rick Ankiel has five hits in 12 at-bats, 3 homers and 6 RBIs, and 14 total bases. |
