A funny way for Patrick Scalabrini to reach the milestone of 700 career victories in the Capitals uniform. His expulsion, for having criticized the decision of official Manuel Fleites for an irregular feint to his starting pitcher Sam Ryan, coincided with the tribute to the Quebec players of the organization with several former Capitals in the stands.
This is also the place where Scalabrini watched the last takedown of the match.
“I watched most of the game at my desk and decided to go say hello to the seniors at the end of the game. There are several who participated in several of his victories and it was still pleasant to share it with them. The fact remains that this was not the way I had imagined this victory would unfold.”
All smiles after receiving a shower of Gatorade skillfully orchestrated by his players a few minutes after the triumph, Scalabrini admits that his expulsion happened quickly.
“He is a referee with whom I do not have a good relationship and I did not agree with his decision. When no one in the stadium, including our opponents, sees what they saw, there is a problem. I also mentioned to him that he has terrible stats when he’s behind the plate. Despite all that, I still believe that he expelled me much too quickly,” defended the manager who ironically received the title of player of the match for having reached the plateau of 700 victories.
A shower for Patrick Scalabrini courtesy of Jesmuel Valentin. (Caroline Grégoire/The Sun)
Great pride
Scalabrini also assures that he is happy to have achieved this feat without being a distraction for his team. It was the Capitals’ eighth straight victory and second home sweep.
“We are on such a good streak and that adds to this mark. I would never have had as much fun if it had happened at the start of the season. Looking back, I’m really proud to have reached this magic number and I never thought I would get this far when I started as a manager. In fact, I didn’t even think I would make it to my second season,” jokes the Quebecer.
Moreover, Scalabrini mentions that he developed the skills necessary to become a manager late in life.
“I really believe that I have reached the limits of what I could go as a player. I was a very good player in Quebec and what set me apart was my preparation and I developed an interest in studying the details of baseball. That’s when I first thought that I would like to stay involved in this sport. The offer from the Capitals came later and I am still here today.”
He ends by mentioning that he wouldn’t mind one day having a chance to reach the major leagues as a manager.
“It’s not necessarily a goal and it’s going to take a perfect offer because I love everything about my work with the Capitals. However, I’m starting to have an impressive CV and I don’t hate the idea of working my way to the top. There is, however, no rush.”
Anthony Quirion played an excellent game for Quebec. (Caroline Grégoire/The Sun)
Quirion rises
Casually, the Capitales also paid tribute to Quebec players of the past as well as those who currently play in the organization. Catcher Anthony Quirion repeated his exploits from the day before with three hits in four appearances and two RBIs.
“It’s certainly doubly pleasing to produce in a match like this with several former players in the stands. Jonathan Lacroix also set the tone with a big double. I’m just happy to contribute and the atmosphere is great in the dressing room. We’re just showing what we can do.”
Starting pitcher Sam Ryan was also very good for the locals, allowing two earned runs in six and a third innings of work to earn his third victory of the season.
With a day off tomorrow, the Capitals begin a three-game series at Tri-City on Tuesday. It should be noted that Guillermo Garcia will be absent from the trip since the Cuban does not yet have the necessary papers to travel to the United States.
Sam Ryan started a strong game for the Capitals. (Caroline Grégoire/The Sun)
What they said about Patrick Scalabrini’s 700th victory:
“He always worked very hard to improve his team even when things were going really well. I’m not surprised by its success. He takes so much time and he cares so much about it.” – Jonathan Malo (2012-2019)
“I’ve known him for so many years because he coached me in sports studies when I was in high school. What is often forgotten in the team’s success is that he is very good at recruiting players. He has a knack for choosing the right type of athletes with good personalities to complete his core of players.” – David Glaude (2021-2023)
“Pat is the guy who makes the best shakes in the world. He takes his world with different nationalities and completely diverse backgrounds and makes it a real team. There is no championship that I have won in Quebec where we did not have incredible chemistry. -Josué Peley (2012-2015)
“I played with Pat for quite a while and I never thought he would have such a great career as a manager because he never said he would like to do that later. As a player he knew the game and he always had a good work ethic. Maturity came with time.” – Olivier Lépine (1999-2001, 2004-2006)
“Pat, he’s a fair guy. If you play hard and you do what you have to do on the field, he will find a way to make you play. – David-Glaude
