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Future Arrives As Upton Lives Up To Promise

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By JOE HENDERSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 7, 2008

CHICAGO This night was what the Rays had in mind more than six years ago when B.J. Upton was drafted second overall in the land. "The sky is the limit," the former general manager said that day, but it seemed like the sky was falling on him most of the time.

Until Monday night, that is. Even the sky couldn't hold him when it mattered most.

Two rockets off his bat dropped from that sky into the outfield seats at U.S. Cellular Field for home runs. That led to two trips around the bases but it felt like his feet never touched the ground. Teammate Carlos Pena would later call those home runs "body shots, like in boxing."

For Upton, though, they felt like the fulfillment of all that promise. The future everyone always talked about has arrived. The Rays are going to the American League Championship Series and B.J. Upton led them there.

"This seems all surreal right now," he said.

No, it's quite real after a 6-2 win against the Chicago White Sox to clinch the division playoffs. How appropriate that Upton was the hero. No one better makes a better metaphor for the rocky road traveled by this franchise to this moment.

He struggled in the minors. He changed positions several times. He was benched twice this season for a lack of hustle. He was booed at the Trop. There was criticism for a drop in power from 24 home runs last season to only nine.

There wasn't much talk, though, about the torn labrum in his left shoulder. He played most of the year with it.

"The man has so much heart," Pena said.

The man and his heart arrived at this moment completely relaxed. Outfielder Carl Crawford saw Upton munching on sunflower seeds before the game. Good sign.

"I was like, 'Yeah, this going to be a good day,' " Crawford said.

Upton's 384-foot homer two batters into the game put the Rays ahead 1-0. That was good.

He sent a 93 mph fastball from Gavin Floyd on a 417-foot ride to the seats his next time up. The Rays led 2-0 and the White Sox would never get that close again. That was real good.

"Honestly, I think that's the fastest I've ever been around the bases after a home run," he said, as streams of G.H. Mumm Champagne splattered and soaked anyone who dared venture inside the Rays clubhouse.

Upton stood drenched and maybe a little dazed, as if trying to absorb what had just happened. He cracked a slight smile as champagne dripped off the top of his head and down his face.

"I can't wait to get on the flight home and see what this plane ride is going to be like," he said.

It was probably a good one. The ride around the bases had to be better, though. B.J. Upton isn't about just promise any more. There are no limits now.

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