Extra Innings by Joe Boesch

Watching the Phillies vs Diamondbacks in the NLCS, one can't discount what Dave Dombrowski has done in Philadelphia. He's built winners where he goes from Detroit to Boston, he's done it all. A proven leader, he's made a difference with their run last year to the World Series and if it goes as planned, this year also. So, hats off to the Phillies a truly great team with great players.  Until then, see ya at the park! — Joe Boesch

Each year we get older. Each year we look back and ponder. Each year we dream of what we really want to do in life. Each and every person that writes about baseball, has a dream. A dream to write. My dream began at 16 and I never left it. Though, I have hit many bumps in the road, I still lived my passion of baseball and the written word. See, I grew up liking two things in life: baseball and writing. I pursued with a passion that I wanted to be the next Red Smith, Tom Verducci, Ira Berkow, Peter Gammons, etc. I think you get the picture. With the baseball postseason here, live your dream and don't ever let anyone tell you in life not to do it. Pursue your dream with drive and heart and don't look back. Keep going, hit the homerun and pitch the perfect game that you want. The one thing in life is to work at a job you hate and not do what you really love. There are many people that I can thank, but the list is long. By no means was this ride for me a success. I hit many potholes...

It happened again to the  Atlanta Braves . They've been ousted by the  Phillies  in the NLDS sent packing their bags and have to wait again until next year for a trip to the  World Series . The Braves finished the regular season with a best league record of 104-58 and they were the favorites to win it all. However, that was cut short again by the Phillies just like last season. So it goes and they must wait until next year. Until then see ya at the park. — Joe Boesch

A predicted run into the 2023 playoffs before their season began, turned into a year to forget for the Mets. With Buck and Billy gone, there's a clean slate for David Stearns to rebuild the team again which seems like normalcy for the Mets. With Steve Cohen as owner, it was thought the days of disappointment were over? But that's not the case. One has to wonder if the Mets will ever be in contention? They have to find a new manager, general manager and build a winning team for 2024. Until then, we can only dream of a World Series. Until then see ya at the park! — Joe Boesch

Now that the baseball season is in the final days, besides the weather in New York, here's a look at the upcoming MLB calendar of events: Oct. 1 — Regular season ends. November TBA — Last day for club to make a qualifying offer to an eligible former player who became a free agent, fifth day after World Series, 5 p.m. EST. Nov 7-9 — General managers meetings, Scottsdale, Ariz. Nov. 14 — Last day for player to accept a qualifying offer, 4 p.m. EST. Nov. 17 — Last day for teams to offer 2024 contracts to unsigned players on their 40-man rosters. Dec. 3 — Hall of Fame Contemporary Baseball/Managers-Umpires-Executives Committee vote announced, Nashville, Tenn. Dec. 3-6 — Winter meetings, Nashville, Tenn. Until then see ya at the park! — Joe Boesch

A look at some Yogisms to make for a great week: "When you come to a fork in the road.... take it." "You can observe a lot by just watching." "It ain't over till it's over." "We made too many wrong mistakes." "No one goes there nowadays, it's too crowded." "Baseball is ninety percent mental. The other half is physical." — Joe Boesch

Two men had an argument on who was the best baseball team in New York. "You know the Yankees are the best," the friend replied. "No way, the Mets are…remember Tom Seaver?" The friend lashed back. "Why don't you jump on the Red's bandwagon while you're at it?" "I resent that!" An older man heard what the two friends were arguing about. He replied: "You're both wrong. The Brooklyn Dodgers were the best baseball team in New York. Case closed." — Joe Boesch