A week after acquiring Wells, utility player Clay Bellinger was released. This move typifies why the Yankees have not won lately. Bellinger was a gutsy, motivated player with limited ability who got the most out of talent because he had to take advantage of every little mistake the opposition would make. He could play every position except pitch and had good power at the plate.
His greatest moment, which only he and Sam seem to recall, occurred in the second game of the last World Series the Yankees won. The Yankees staked Roger Clemens to a 6-0 lead going to the top of the ninth inning. Clemens had allowed no runs, two hits, and struck out nine but starting pitchers, even starting pitchers named Roger Clemens, even starting pitchers named Roger Clemens in the World Series, no longer complete games. Manager Joe Torre brought in Jeff Nelson to pitch the ninth inning, a move that almost cost him the game. He also replaced David Justice in left field with Clay Bellinger, a move that saved the game.
Edgardo Alfonso led off the inning with a single to left. Mike Piazza homered to make it 6-2. Robin Ventura singled. Torre brought in Mariano Rivera to face Todd Zeile who hit a fly ball to deep left center field. Bellinger quickly moved back and to his left, timed his leap, and caught the ball as it was going OVER the fence. Instead of 6-4 with no out, it was 6-2 with one out.
