Former Lake Elsinore Storm Players Battling In MLB World Series

The following is a news release from the Lake Elsinore Storm:

In the last decade, including 2013, the Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals will have combined to capture five World Series titles with the help of players who once donned the eyes logo across their chest. Boston’s John Lackey (2000 Storm) and St. Louis’ David Freese (2007 Storm) will be playing in their second World Series, while Jake Peavy (2001 Storm) will make his Championship debut.

“I’ve never wanted anything as bad as I want this,” said Peavy in an interview with the Boston Herald. “For us to be a step closer, to be in the dance to have a chance at a championship, is a big of a blessing as I’ve ever had.”

The former San Diego Padre, who has his number 22 retired at The Diamond in Lake Elsinore, was a late season acquisition for the Red Sox going 4-1 over 10 starts for the American League East Champions. 

For the Storm, Peavy went 7-5 in 19 starts, striking out 144 batters in 105 innings pitched, and finished with a 3.08 ERA.

Boston starter John Lackey finds himself back in the World Series for the first time since 2002, when he was a rookie starter and won Game 7 as a part of the Anaheim Angels first World Series title.

He pitched for the Storm in their final season as an Angels affiliate, going 6-6 over 15 starts while posting a 3.40 ERA. Lackey, now 34, will most likely be starting for the Red Sox in either Game Two or Three. 

On the opposing side, the Cardinals miracle man in their last World Series appearance, David Freese, also once played at The Diamond. Freese, who was the World Series MVP in 2011, is hitting only .189 this postseason, but has a lifetime postseason batting average of .306, with seven home runs and 29 RBI in 42 games.

Freese was a California League All-Star third baseman with the Storm. He batted .302 with 17 homeruns, 96 RBI and scored 104 runs in 128 games.

No matter who wins, the 2013 Series is a salute to Storm pride and a few of the players that fans have cheered for here in Lake Elsinore. 

On a local note, St. Louis Cardinal and Chaparral High School grad, Allen Craig, is expected to be added to the 25-man World Series roster for the Cards. He has been sidelined with a foot injury since September 4 but will be a welcomed return to the Redbirds. 

"I mean, it's huge," catcher Yadier Molina told MLB.com of Craig's impending return to the Cardinals. "The bat that he brings the lineup, it could be the difference. I'm happy to have him back. Hopefully he'll help us to win."

Craig finished the year leading the Cardinals with 97 RBIs and a .454 batting average with runners in scoring position. Overall, he hit .315.