Master pitcher Barry Zito is ready for Wednesday's game, when he will open for the San Francisco Giants against Detroit Tigers in the World Series at AT&T Park.
Zitohas always been regarded as one of the finest pitchers, but the last few years have not been too kind to him. However, he has found his magical touch and is ready to trouble the Tigers batters.
He had played a crucial role when the Giants registered a 5-0 victory over the St Louis Cardinals to avoid elimination from the NLCS.
"For him to keep grinding, as we say, and trying to get better, for him to be at this point and starting the first game, I was really glad," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. "I told him, 'I'm glad to hand you the ball on the first game.'
"With all he's been through and the way he's handled it, it's been off the chart."
In hislast game Zitoreminded people of his calibre, when he had once won 23 games and the 2002 AL Cy Young Award. But, during the last few seasons he looked a mere shadow of his previous self. He was left off the postseason roster in 2010 when the Giants won the World Series.
"I feel like I've grown up in this game," Zito said. "When I came up in Oakland, I felt like I was a boy in the game. You have talent, and you just keep going to the next level, and all of a sudden everyone is kind of like looking at you.
"There are fans chanting your name and stuff, and you're not really sure why. And then to mature in this game is a big deal. That process is in huge part becoming a free agent, going to a new team, signing a big deal and dealing with everything that comes with that."
Now, Zito is feeling honored and is focused to continue his newly found excellent form in the first game of the World Series.
"He was proud, honored that we have the trust in him to start Game One," Bochy said.
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