Doug Mientkiewicz

Doug Mientkiewicz, born Douglas Andrew Mientkiewicz (June 19, 1974 in Toledo, Ohio) is a first baseman who plays with the New York Mets (since 2005). His long name and peculiar spelling often confuse the average fan. Previously, he played for the Minnesota Twins (1998-2004) and Boston Red Sox (2004). Mientkiewicz was also on the U.S. Olympic team when they won the gold medal at the 2000 games in Sydney, hitting the game-winning grand slam against favorite Cuba. He bats left-handed and throws right-handed.

The ball controversy

Mientkiewicz recorded the final out of the 2004 World Series, ending Boston's 86-year championship drought. The Red Sox led 3-0 in Game 4 in St.Louis when Mientkiewicz entered in the bottom of the seventh inning as a substitute in first base. Mientkiewicz didn't handle the ball until there were two outs in the ninth. St. Louis shortstop Edgar Rentería grounded back to pitcher Keith Foulke, who trotted toward first base and underhanded the ball to Mientkiewicz. As the ball that symbolically ended the Curse of the Bambino, the item would be of considerable interest to memorabilia collectors. Controversy resulted when Mientkiewicz kept the ball and the Red Sox later asked for its return. A spokesperson for Major League Baseball indicated that the ball belonged to Mientkiewicz, but the Red Sox contended that it belonged to them, as they wanted to have it for archive or museum use. In an announcement made with the Red Sox in January 2005, Mientkiewicz said the ball will now accompany the World Series trophy as it makes its way through the cities, towns, and other assorted places of New England during its yearlong tour. The ball will be displayed as part of a special plaque. It was clear from the announcement that the ownership of the ball remains unresolved, or deferred, while giving fans the chance to see the ball.

Related Topics:
Out - 2004 World Series - St.Louis - Edgar Rentería - Pitcher - Keith Foulke - Curse of the Bambino - Major League Baseball

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