Zambrano Adds No-Hitter to Chicago Cubs Dream Season

Ysponder

Collect new cards of this remarkable pitcher who defied the odds to make MLB history



North Las Vegas, NV (September 15, 2008) – Rotator cuff tendonitis is an inflammation of tendons in the shoulder that limits range of motion. It is also a very painful condition. So when right-hander Carlos Zambrano, the Cubs best hope for a World Series appearance this season, was diagnosed with this disorder recently, the Chicago faithful panicked. When Zambrano went out and pitched yesterday for the first time since September 2, most Cubs fans were just hoping he could provide a few strong innings. Instead he provided nine with an exclamation point!



Zambrano defied the odds and showed the heart of a champion by pitching a no-hitter against the Houston Astros, the first no-no thrown by a Cubs pitcher since Milt Pappas in 1972. There are a variety of things that make this achievement all the more impressive besides Zambrano’s ailing shoulder. First is the fact that the Astros are a red-hot team that’s streaking toward a chance at securing a playoff spot. Additionally, who would have thought Cubs skipper Lou Piniella would have let Zambrano throw so many pitches (110) and complete the game?



After the game, Zambrano said confidently, “I guess I’m back.” Not a bad way to return to action, to say the least.



“Zambrano’s performance was simply remarkable and we are excited to provide Cubs fans with some equally remarkable trading cards featuring the ace of the Cubs staff this week,” said Chris Carlin, Upper Deck’s hobby marketing manager. “Collectors can look for inserts of Zambrano and the rest of his teammates in 2008 Upper Deck X Baseball and 2008 Upper Deck Ballpark Collection Baseball. He made history, now you can collect it.”