New Jay is lights out
With dad in crowd, call-up Litsch simply fabulous in big league debut
May 16, 2007 04:30 AM
CATHAL KELLY
SPORTS REPORTER

In a season plagued by disappointment, the Blue Jays have their first fairytale of 2007.

Jesse Litsch, a virtual unknown from the minor leagues, was given a one-off pitching audition with the Jays last night and rode it into the record books.

The 22-year-old former Tampa Bay Devil Rays batboy stymied the Baltimore Orioles, allowing only one run in 8 2/3innings of stellar work.

"He did more than ever expected," Jays manager John Gibbons marveled afterward.

The narrow 2-1 Toronto victory marked the longest ever debut by a Jays pitcher.

"It's the best night, the best night of my life," Litsch beamed afterward. He was headed out afterward for a meal with his dad, Rick, who'd flown up from Florida to catch the game.
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http://www.thestar.com/article/214405

It was a great debut, for sure. Imagine a healthy Halladay, Burnett and this guy pitching even decently well? It could be a pretty good rotation. That's the one thing the Jays still lack, though, any real support for Halladay.

Good for him. I mean, with a severely deformed face like that, making it into the big leagues. Brings a tear to the eye

Didn't his dad get a shaving cream pie as well?

Yeah, it was in the full article. The Jays like to do that sort of stuff. I guess all teams do.

Awesome pitching for him!

The best thing about Litsch's pitching is that he doesn't waste any time between pitches. Some pitchers are so god-awful slow that it's painful. Plus they usually get even worse with runners on.