Saturday, June 09, 2001
Memorable night for Selby
Former Indian hits first HR in five years
By TOM WITHERS
AP Sports Writer
Selby
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CLEVELAND — Bill Selby has always loved to hit in Jacobs Field, he just never got much of a chance to do it.
Selby, released by Cleveland after last season, hit his first homer in more than five years in the Reds' 7-4 interleague win over the Indians Friday night.
Before the game, Selby, who spent three years in Cleveland's system, said hello to old friends and even gave Indians general manager John Hart a big hug.
“This was the first time I've been nervous before a game since my first time up in the big leagues,” Selby said. “I had three great years here and still have a lot of good memories and friends here.”
Selby's home run in the sixth off reliever Steve Reed gave the Reds a 4-3 lead. The light-hitting Selby last homered on May 28, 1996, against Oakland.
“Sure I remember it,” Selby said. “I remember just about every hit I've got in the big leagues.”
Selby never flashed much power with the Indians last season, and Reed wasn't worried about giving up the long ball.
“It was a slider right down the middle. I wanted it in the dirt,” Reed said. “I overthrew it badly. It's not much fun whenever you give up a homer.”
Later, the Indians intentionally walked Selby. When he got to first, Jim Thome asked him about the homer.
“He said, 'How'd you do that?' And I said, 'Watching you',” Selby recalled.
The Reds added two runs in the ninth inning on a two-run double
by Alex Ochoa, who finished with three RBI and two runs scored.
"I was going after him with splitters," right-hander Paul Shuey said. "I imagine
if he hit it that good, it must have stayed up."
Notes: Indians starter Charles Nagy, who casme off the DL Sunday, gave up three runs and six hits in 5 1-3 innings and walked off to a standing ovation. “I can't thank the fans enough for their well wishes,” Nagy said. “I've gotten so many cards and letters. Making the start in front of the home fans I was actually a little nervous.” ... Donnie Sadler, who entered as a pinch runner in the eighth, robbed Travis Fryman with a gorgeous diving catch at second. ... Indians OF Juan Gonzalez was a game-time scratch with a strained groin.
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Memorable night for Selby
