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Article: Island of calm; Twins pitcher Brad Radke hates big games, with all the hype and attention - until he gets the ball. Then he shuts the distractions out and gets zeroed in on retiring batters.(SPORTS)
- Article from:
- Star Tribune (Minneapolis, MN)
- Article date:
- October 2, 2003
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2003 Star Tribune Co. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Byline: Jim Souhan; Staff Writer
New York, N.Y. -- For Brad Radke, who speaks softly and throws softer, shrugs are soliloquys. So when his eyes blaze and his voice raises, you know he's serious.
This is what he said Wednesday, with emphasis, while anticipating his start in Game 2 of the American League Division Series tonight in Yankee Stadium:
"I hate big games.
"Hate 'em.
"I'm serious. The hype, the attention, the extra stuff, I don't like. But once I get on the mound, it's just another game."
Therein lies his secret, according to teammates. Radke is the Twins' best big-game pitcher not because he "elevates his ...