Juan: a tribute

by cardsfaninmass on Sep 6, 2007 7:37 AM EDT

So now that the horrific news. has come out on Juan's season-ending eye injury, I thought I'd repost my earlier chronicle of the 10 crucial, clutch and game-changing hits Juan contributed the 2007 campaign.

Juan has taken a lot of heat on this board (undeserved in my opinion). I just hope that when all is said and done in 2007, we don't forget the contribution Juan made. I don't think we're in this September 'race' without him....

Wow - can this team take any more tragedies...ughh...

The Cardinals had dropped two of the first three to Col and desperately needed a split - Juan delivers a go ahead double to put them up for good 4-2.

Tie game w/ cincy, 6th inning, Juan homers to put them up for good, 3-2.

Juan offers a game-changing 3-run homer to put the cardinals up for good against philly, 4-1.

Tie game, 8th inning in Cincy, Juan delivers a clutch single to put the Cardinals up 3-2 and give them the victory.

Remeber when we took 3 of 4 from Ari, well this was game three of that series, 8th inning, we're losing 4-3, and Juan doubles in the tying run, and then scores the winning run (driven in by Rolen).

Same Ari series - Juan took care of all of the scoring in this one - 3 run homer.

The least significant of my findings, but still big - Juan delivers a single to put the cardinals up 2-0 against Florida. You may recall this is the game where Kip wells turned his season around. How much do you think he appreciated those first inning runs?

Tie game, 8th inning in Atlanta, Juan delivers again with the winning RBI to put the cards up for good 2-1.

You all must remember this one - perhaps the most important game of the season. We'd lost 2 of 3 to the Cubs, the first of 4 to the Brewers, and had gone down 6-0. Juan delivered 3 (3!!!!!!) two-out single to cut the lead to 6-2, 6-3, 6-4, setting the stage for the heroics that ensued.

Remember that crazy 5th inning vs. San Diego? Juan delivered the go ahead rbi.
.

Tweet Comment 70 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Juan

At least he's a live and not life-threateningly injured. A situation like that could have gone SOOO much worse.

by redbirdnation8206 on Sep 1, 2007 1:40 PM EDT reply actions

hear hear!

thanks for the tribute, I also think Encarnacion was hated on unfairly.

by PolancoMcEwing on Sep 1, 2007 2:19 PM EDT reply actions

Criticism of Juan was justified

Juan delivered some timely hits, certainly. He also butchered a number of balls in the outfield, and his casual attitude about the game in general was grating.

Obviously, his injury is tragic, and I am praying for his recovery. But the opprobrium that was heaped on his head before he was hurt was, in large part, well deserved.

All things are ready if our minds be so.

by Dexter Westbrook on Sep 1, 2007 2:30 PM EDT reply actions

Casual attitude

I disagree. That casual attitude was really more our perception of of Juan.

The St Louis Cardinals- 11 time World Champs!

by Zubin on Sep 2, 2007 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Like lboros said once

hustle is in the eye of the beholder.

But just to counter the 'casual' argument, I remember several times this season when Juan popped up to the outfield and slammed his bat down, shouting something in spanish meant for adult ears only. :-) Say what you will - but that shows intensity.

by cardsfaninmass on Sep 2, 2007 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Thanks for this.

I've been critical of Juan, sure. But it's more poking fun than anything. He's made me grumble from time to time, but that's again, just out of love!

Thanks for posting some of his great contributions to this team.

Hearing the outcome of what happened yesterday is horrible. I am glad he wasn't hit more in the head to suffer a major head injury. However, getting hit in the eye is remarkably bad. I do fear he will have a loss of vision, which would put his career in serious jeopardy.

I wonder about the guilt Miles feels.

by erinroseparade on Sep 1, 2007 2:31 PM EDT reply actions

I'm sure

Miles feels awful - but it's the kinda situation where you almost have to say - 'whadda ya gonna do?'. 999,999/1,000,000 players hit that foul ball safely to the side...in fact, Miles was being his normal, peskly self - fouling off pitches, taking a good AB. You surely can't aim those fouls....It just sucks it had to happen...and it came off of his bat.

by cardsfaninmass on Sep 1, 2007 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Last night

when Dan said "Oh my goodness" and the umpire ran over to Juan, and the news hit, I told my wife "Juan Encarnacion just got hit in the face by a foul ball."

She replied "I thought you didn't like that guy", which was based on my frequently expressed frustration with some of his apparent lack of interest in playing hard. I said "yeah, but I don't hate him personally", which probably reflects the attitude of most Cardinal fans.

Many of us have been frustrated with Juan's performance on the field, and are of course thrilled when he comes through, but nobody wanted this to happen. Here's to his speedy and full recovery.

by lawman3842 on Sep 1, 2007 5:07 PM EDT reply actions

Agreed

Frustration at a player's game on the field is entirely different than liking someone personally. Much of the criticism at Juan was not a matter of dislike, but a desire to further improve our team.

This is horrible news, and extremely sad to hear. Juan always seemed like a nice guy, and while you hate to hear about something like this happening to anybody, it's even worse when he's such a nice guy.

Hopefully he can recover for next year, and continue to play the game he loves.

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on Sep 1, 2007 7:47 PM EDT up reply actions

Enc has been doing better than rolen this year

and now they're seasons are both over

by kyle man on Sep 1, 2007 11:46 PM EDT reply actions

Just

to see the way the ball rebounded...you knew it was horrible. Let's just hope the eye is OK...

All the bashing stuff, I dunno, he was a major leaguer wearing the BOB - deserves some respect.

The sun don't shine on the same dog's ass all the time. - Catfish Hunter

by klcard on Sep 2, 2007 12:41 AM EDT reply actions

Juan

I hardly have time to post, but in this case I'm going out of my way.

Man I really feel bad for the dude. Yeah, it was irritating to see his blunders, but no matter how many he makes, there is no way any of us wanted to see his career end. I mean, that's something different entirely. It's a personal thing now.

I really do hope that he can play baseball again. If I were in his shoes I'd probably be worried about my career and wonder what I'm going to do with my life if I can't play again. I really hope other people can see what this guy may be thinking right now, and I hope he has good family and friends to help him through this difficult time.

Juan, you weren't the best player in the world, but all of us here do wish you the best and hope that you can come back and play baseball again sometime. If you do, I'll be there watching TV or at the game giving you a standing ovation as you come to the plate or run out onto the field.

You will be missed.

GoStLouis

by gostlouis on Sep 2, 2007 1:20 AM EDT reply actions

Hurt on the job

Juan was hurt badly while doing his job, and it reminds me of many others in less glamorous occupations with painful or even life-altering injuries. Nobody deserves what happened to Juan, and I appreciate the reminders of his contributions to the team.

Muchas gracias, Juan, y buena suerte.

by madridbend on Sep 2, 2007 7:21 AM EDT reply actions

Juan update:

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/5B3CA01947C9DC5B86257349005F8F5B ?OpenDocument

"A team official said Encarnacion's orbital bone "exploded" and that there was significant harm to the eye itself. The concern is that Encarnacion's optic nerve was damaged by the trauma.

Eye specialists saw Encarnacion on Saturday, though it could be several days and even a week before he has surgery to repair the fractures. It also could take that long for swelling and bruising to withdraw and reveal the true scope of the injury. His right eye is unharmed."

by StLHugo on Sep 2, 2007 9:34 AM EDT reply actions

Slightly more upbeat update

"He was trying to make us feel better," said Pujols, who stayed in Juan's hospital room until 3 a.m. Saturday. "He was making jokes. He was worn out, but he talked and was in pretty good spirits. He didn't want anyone to feel sad."

In Bernie's column today.

Still a horrific situation, but it's good to hear he's in good enough spirits to be joking around. And kudos to those teammates who stayed with Juan through Friday night into Sat Morning (AP, Joel, Yadi, and Aaron). It's curious that Bernie mentions 'some' of the players were wearing #43 armbands last night; I can't fathom why all of them wouldn't be?!?!

Good Luck, Juan.....

by cardsfaninmass on Sep 2, 2007 11:15 AM EDT reply actions

The thing often overlooked about Juan

is that he seems to have a knack for getting hits against pitchers who trouble us.

by rob is back on Sep 2, 2007 12:22 PM EDT reply actions

I read this site everyday

and I rarely post. I live in the Tulsa area and had to go through the news everyday about Mike Coolbaugh being killed by a foul ball. Juan is very lucky. Even if he never plays ball again, he should consider himself fortunate that he walked away. I think that alone could help him find some sort of solace if indeed his playing days are over.

Here I Am, Rock You Like a Hurricane

by OKCardsfan on Sep 2, 2007 1:03 PM EDT reply actions

thanks for this diary, cardsfaninmass.

i appreciated it when you outlined juan's contributions before, but it takes on a little different meaning now.

also, i'm glad to see the more guardedly hopeful article, and add my good thoughts to the many being sent juan's way. hope he gets the chance to continue his career.

by acham8206 on Sep 3, 2007 3:21 AM EDT reply actions

I also want to add my thanks to carsfaninmass

I've thought Juan has been underappreciated for a long time and it's nice to see someone taking the time to show what he gave to the team.

I also think Juan's personality has been misunderstood (including by me).

I was really moved by the story of Juan in the hospital, visiting with some of his teammates. Juan's attempt to keep their spirits up was really a tribute to him as a person.

I was especially touched with how he dealt with Miles, asking about the rest of the game and thereby turning Miles' attention back to the team. It seemed like a perfect way to deal with Miles' guilt.

From Goold's article in the P-D: "Miles told him about the rally that happened that inning and how the game was won four batters after Encarnacion was felled. But he also told him that he did not get a hit. "No, I struck out," Miles said. "He got kind of mad at that. ... He just told me to go get them tonight. He gave me the thumbs up."

It's nice to see everyone, including critics, coming together and wishing Juan well.

by nycardfan on Sep 3, 2007 11:46 AM EDT reply actions

Get well, Juan

Dude, even when you weren't a Cardinal, I knew who you were. Your name was always on TV--mainly because your teams were usually in the playoffs. I can't think that this was a total accident.

Here's hoping there are more postseasons with the name Encarnacion on the back of a jersey (not Edwin:), whether it's in the birds on the bat or not.

Cardinal Nation is with you!

"I don't believe what I just saw!" ~ Jack Buck

by itsalemmon1019 on Sep 4, 2007 9:21 AM EDT reply actions

Get Well Soon

Since LBoros is forwarding this thread on in case it is actually read by or for Juan I wanted to tell him to get well soon. Best wishes and best hopes for the best.

by StLHugo on Sep 4, 2007 9:22 AM EDT reply actions

a full and speedy recovery

hope we're able to see you playing baseball again soon

by lboros on Sep 4, 2007 9:31 AM EDT reply actions

All the Best - to Juan

Cardinal Nation is praying for you to get better soon. We all hope to see you on the playing field next year, but the man is more important than the player in an instance like this. Your friends, family and the fans here in St. Louis wish you all the best. When you come back, there will be an ovation waiting for you.

How about handin' me another helpin' of those mashed taters...thank you very much!

by Elvis on Sep 4, 2007 9:38 AM EDT reply actions

Mr. Encarnacion

We wish you a complete recovery. You are in our prayers, with our other friends and family who are hurt or sick.

It's got to be a strange transition from a busy baseball team to a hospital or recovery room. Maybe it's a place where you can be with God--who was injured too, in the middle of a very successful career.

"Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals." --Churchill

by lordsummer on Sep 4, 2007 9:58 AM EDT reply actions

All the best to Juan

Thinking of you and praying for your complete recovery. Hope you will be back on the field competing in this great game by next season!

by cardsgirl95 on Sep 4, 2007 10:07 AM EDT reply actions

Get well, Juan!

We're all pulling for you and praying for a full recovery.

Call up Jarrett Hoffpauir!

by player2bnamedl8r on Sep 4, 2007 10:14 AM EDT reply actions

Hey Enc

Get well soon buddy! We're all thinkin' about you!

by brindled on Sep 4, 2007 10:15 AM EDT reply actions

Best Wishes

Get well, and soon, Juan. We all hope to see you in Spring Training.

by bourgeois_rage on Sep 4, 2007 10:20 AM EDT reply actions

We're all thinking of you, Juan

and keeping track of your condition with hope and anticipation. You are in my family's prayers during every game. And I'm glad to see your teammates being so supportive. It's nice to see your number being worn by other teammates during your absence.

Get well and come back soon!

by nycardfan on Sep 4, 2007 10:26 AM EDT reply actions

Get well Juan...

you are in our prayers.

"It takes pitching, hitting and defense. Any two can win. All three make you unbeatable". Joe Garagiola

by MRCARD on Sep 4, 2007 10:30 AM EDT reply actions

Good luck, Juan

Get well soon and thanks for everything.

by birdjam on Sep 4, 2007 10:50 AM EDT reply actions

Get Better Man!

We couldn't have won a world championship without you. Good luck on a safe recovery.

Save the Kipper don't make him go back out there.

by gibbyfan on Sep 4, 2007 10:53 AM EDT reply actions

Best wishes

Glad to see the ballclub rallying around you; the fans all appreciate what you have done for this team and hope you are up and around in no time!

by Zack Morris on Sep 4, 2007 10:58 AM EDT reply actions

Get well Juan

We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

by lynx on Sep 4, 2007 11:47 AM EDT reply actions

Juan - you are in my thoughts and prayers

I will miss you the remainder of this season. I hope to see you back next year. Take care and get well soon.

by sweet number 5 on Sep 4, 2007 12:10 PM EDT reply actions

sensación mejor, amigo

Hello, playoff mosey

by Alxfritz on Sep 4, 2007 12:23 PM EDT reply actions

Get well soon, Juan

You will be missed on the team, but our thoughts and prayers are with your overall health.

Get well!!!!!!!!!!

by cardsfaninmass on Sep 4, 2007 12:56 PM EDT reply actions

Get well soon!

Juan, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

by cardsgirlinAR on Sep 4, 2007 1:03 PM EDT reply actions

Be well, Juan

All our best wishes to you and your family. Take good care and see you back in a Cards uniform soon!

aloha, Susan & family
Kane`ohe, Hawai`i

by hawaiifan on Sep 4, 2007 1:19 PM EDT reply actions

hope

your eye heals and you get your sight back, thank you for your hard work on the filed and here's to you playing again.

by mdarshan on Sep 4, 2007 1:36 PM EDT reply actions

Get well soon!

When I lived in Miami in 2002-2004, you were always one of my favorite Marlins, one on a team of a lot of loveable players. I was happy when the Cardinals signed you last year and I hope you are able to play baseball, regardless of the team, once again.

Best wishes and here's hoping to a quick and best recovery possible.

by Fro Jackson on Sep 4, 2007 1:38 PM EDT reply actions

Get Well Soon, Juan

Cardinal Nation is with you in spirit and we collectively send hope, love and prayers to you for a quick and complete recovery. Your presence will be missed by all, and we look forward to seeing you strong as ever next season! Take good care of yourself Juan, and know that as much as we want you back in the lineup, that we care so much more about your personal health & welfare.

The Cardinals bring more joy & pride to me than I could ever express, and you have certainly been a big part of St Louis having something to be so proud of.

Vaya con Dios, #43!

by dorfmunder on Sep 4, 2007 1:44 PM EDT reply actions

JUAN

I've always been a fan. Even when you were a Marlin. I have a few nicknames for you: "Juan Mower" (Sounds like "lawn mower." It's stupid. I know. A few people think its funny). Every time you homer, I call it a "Juan Bomb" (That's neither original, nor creative - but I have a good time with it). You're a pleasure to watch and I've enjoyed your tenure on the RedBirds.
I hope you are doing well and recover quickly. I can't imagine the pain or frustration you're feeling right now. Hopefully everything will return to some sort of normalcy in your personal life and it would be gravy if we could get you back on the field at some point.

by udcardinals on Sep 4, 2007 1:44 PM EDT reply actions

Get better Juan!

Our Thoughts and prayers are with you man. Here's hoping for a quick recovery and a return to the lineup next year.

- Y. Molina stole third

by TriplePlay on Sep 4, 2007 2:12 PM EDT reply actions

Get well Juan!

by truemun12 on Sep 4, 2007 2:33 PM EDT reply actions

We miss you Juan!

Best wishes for a full recovery. The lineup misses you bigtime, but Redbirds' fans miss you even more!

"Sometimes beating these last-place teams is like trying to chase kitty-cats in the park... you just can't do it!" - Mike Shannon

by Oregonian Redbird on Sep 4, 2007 3:04 PM EDT reply actions

Thanks

Great season, Juan! Hope to see you back in the Cards uniform next year!

by IrishDomer08 on Sep 4, 2007 3:07 PM EDT reply actions

Get well soon

Juan, we Cardinals fans are grateful for your contributions to our favorite team, and hope you recover fully and soon.

by lawman3842 on Sep 4, 2007 3:12 PM EDT reply actions

Sr. Juan Encarnacion

Reciba un cordial saludo desde la isla de Curazao. Le apreciamos como persona y como integrante de los Cardenales de San Luis, equipo con el cual simpatizamaos desde 1964. Lamentamos mucho el accidente sufrido por Usted la pasada semana.

Esperamos y oramos al Cielo que permita que los médicos puedan hacer todo lo posible para ayudarlo a recuperarse totalmente y tener un futuro estupendo, tanto en el diamante beisbolero como en su vida particular.

Le deseamos lo mejor a Ustred, a su familia y a sus compañeros de equipo. Que el Cielo a todos les dé mucha fuerza para superar esta etapa dolorosa.

Con aprecio y respeto,
Johnny Sjoekran,
Curazao

From Curaçao, the friendly island in the Caribbean

by Johnny64 on Sep 4, 2007 3:21 PM EDT reply actions

Dios la Bandega

Senior Juan.
My prayers are with you.

Dont give up boys!

by yer dog first on Sep 4, 2007 3:27 PM EDT reply actions

Get Well Soon!!!!!

Get well soon Juan. I send my prayers to you and wish you all the love and support from your friends here at VEB and in Cardinal Nation! We'll miss you, but plan on seeing you back next year!

by msustargazer on Sep 4, 2007 4:00 PM EDT reply actions

Thanks Juan

Here's hoping you make a full recovery and are back in a Cardinals uniform next year. Get well soon!

Nick

by stlcardinalsfang on Sep 4, 2007 4:07 PM EDT reply actions

Get Well

I hope you can regain normal sight and maybe even rejoin the team at some point next year. Regardless, thanks for all you've done for this team, Juan.

by john vb on Sep 4, 2007 4:23 PM EDT reply actions

Hola, mi amigo,

Sé que su resolución le conseguirá con esto, Juan; Tengo fe en usted. La paz sea con usted mi hermano.

by cardsrul on Sep 4, 2007 4:28 PM EDT reply actions

Get Better Soon,

Juan. Clear vision, long life.

"Don't try to figure this game out"--S. Rolen

by glennrwordman on Sep 4, 2007 4:45 PM EDT reply actions

Hope to see you next year - 2008 - playing ball

No one, unless they are a moron, wants this to happen to anyone.

Best of Luck, Juan! I hope your recuperation is complete and you'll be as good as new next year.

Good Vibrations!!!!

by treborsgonecruising on Sep 4, 2007 5:03 PM EDT reply actions

Juan

Really a tough break, and incredible to learn that you've come back from a similar knock once before. You were on the best of your game, and and doing a big part keeping this team in a pennant race. Now you have to fight for yourself. We all hope you make it back.

Get well Juan!

by Birds on the Bat on Sep 4, 2007 6:23 PM EDT reply actions

To Juan

We are all pulling for you, Juan. I hope it helps you to know you have fans and friends all over the country and world who are wishing you a speedy and total recovery.

I read about your visit from your teammates. It says a lot about your strength and character that you were more concerned with putting your teammates at ease than with your own devastating injury. As fans, we don't always get to see the way our favorite team's players conduct themselves off the field. I'm sorry that this glimpse into your fine character came at such an enormous cost. You provide an incredible example we can all strive to follow.

I'm proud to be a Cardinals fan and a Juan Encarnacion fan--and I will be forever, wherever the future takes you.

by acham8206 on Sep 4, 2007 7:18 PM EDT reply actions