Patience. It’s a common literary device.

The Hebrews wandered in the desert for 40 years before reaching the Land of Milk and Honey. The Mummy bided his time for 3,000 years, hopeful to meet the reincarnation of his princess. Union members waited for Lefty. Two roadside goofs waited for Godot.

Adam Dunn’s wait ends today.

The Oakland Athletics’ slugger will play in his first – and possibly only – playoff game on Tuesday night in the American League eliminator against the Kansas City Royals. No player ever waited as long as Dunn to see a postseason game.

He is finishing his 14^th major league season and Sunday’s playoff clincher was his 2,001^st career game. He intends to retire when the A’s complete the season, so this is his shot.

The Chicago White Sox traded him to the A’s at the end of August, putting him in this rare position of being able to help a team take its shot at a wild card, a pennant and perhaps the World Series. After Sunday’s win, he expressed his gratitude to his teammates.

“To be honest with you, it’s what you work for your whole career and I don’t know how fair it is that I get there with the fruits of their labor, but beggars can’t be choosers,” said Dunn. “I’m happy.”

He also is no longer the major leaguer with the longest absence from postseason competition. That dubious distinction belongs to Jose Rios of the Texas Rangers (1,586 games). The Rangers owned the AL’s worst record this season, so Rios could be waiting a while.

For Dunn, though, what’s done is done.

Today’s question

The A’s or the Royals? Which team will move on to the AL divisional round, and why?

Answers in the comment box, please.
 
 
Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman .