McKean County now has a World Series champion in its realms in
St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Josh Kinney.

Kinney and the Cardinals won the World Series by beating the
Detroit Tigers 4-2 in Game 5 on Friday night.

“It’s been such a wonderful ride for him. I’m so proud of my
baby,” said Deb Brookens, Kinney’s mother, after the final out was
made.

Kinney, a Port Allegany native who played baseball at Oswayo
Valley High School, first took the mound in Game 2 of the World
Series and gave up a walk to his first batter and hit the following
Tigers’ batter.

With two outs and two on base, Kinney’s margin of error was slim
but he didn’t let the pressure get to him. He proceeded to get the
next batter to pop-out to centerfield, which ended the inning.

Kinney was called upon by manager Tony La Russa in Game 3, but
would only warm up in the bullpen. Starter and former Cy Young
award winner Chris Carpenter went deep into the ball game.

It’s safe to say that Kinney looked like a nervous rookie in his
first World Series appearance.

Kinney, who was sporting his hunting season facial-hair scruff,
came out in Game 4 of the Series and struck out one batter in 2/3
innings of work.

The Cards’ bullpen work and timely hitting helped them beat the
Tigers in dramatic fashion giving them an overwhelming 3-1 lead in
the championship series.

Kinney didn’t pitch in the championship-winning Game 5 because
starter Jeff Weaver pitched an amazing game. Weaver went eight
innings and closer Adam Wainwright was summoned from the bullpen to
close out the championship.

“This is what it’s all about. It’s awesome seeing my brother win
a World Series,” said Colby Brookens, brother of Kinney.

Driving around Port Allegany may only take five or 10 minutes,
but in those five or 10 minutes I’ve seen nothing but true hometown
support for Kinney.

It started with people watching the playoffs, waiting for the
hometown kid to pitch. It developed into a fan base where people
put Josh Kinney signs up in their yards.

Restaurants and businesses showed their support by putting ‘Go
Josh #52’ where they would normally advertise their daily
specials.

“Josh told me that he truly appreciates the amount of support
that Port Allegany has shown,” Brookens said.