1. No jewelry if you are in the game. You can be ejected. Please do not wear jewelry to practice.
2. Keep your helmet on from the dugout back to the dugout.
3. The umpire will call a foul ball.
4. The umpire will signal a fair ball. No call.
5. If first base isn't occupied, or there are two outs, you can run to first on the third strike if the pitch is in the dirt, the catcher drops it, etc.
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Week One & the Beginning
The first week of the season is often spent out west so we begin the year in the warm weather. The Tigers season began rolling in the same manner, three games in Los Angeles and three games in San Diego before traveling home. While LA competed with Boston for the American League title last season, SD lost an amazing 111 games. They were terrible and didn't improve much in the off season.
The games against LA were fun, with Rodney Hobbs leading the way and the pitchers throwing zeros at the Royals. The three games in SD were all shut outs and Toledo scored 42 times in the series. The Tigers headed back east with a 6–0 record and four shut outs. Each team in each league plays the other teams in the league 25 times. If you're having a rough year, your record can really show that.
"We're looking forward to getting back east, but this was a valuable trip," commented the manager, Bob Maxwell. "The team is playing well and we're looking all right. I like the arms right now."
New York and Boston would visit before Toledo would head to Milwaukee and Detroit. The first month is a warm up month when the teams face each other. Toledo's schedule, for the most part, would start in the west, head home, head nearby, then east, home, west. All teams followed a similar pattern. This would be the final year of this pattern, though, as next year expansion occurs. It will be interesting.
The Boston Barons are moving to Houston, but a team will be located in Boston. Arlington/Dallas Texas will gain a team as will the San Francisco area. Three teams coming on board at once will reek havoc on the schedule, but the schedule makers will do their best to make it fair.
"What's fun is this will be the last year that the league champion automatically gets into the Series. You actually have to play a playoff to determine who's going to get into the Series starting in '79," commented Maxwell. "This is a historical season."
New York and Boston both didn't know what hit them when they arrived in Toledo. This was the Tiger team that ended the season last year, not a young kitten like many predicted.
The games against LA were fun, with Rodney Hobbs leading the way and the pitchers throwing zeros at the Royals. The three games in SD were all shut outs and Toledo scored 42 times in the series. The Tigers headed back east with a 6–0 record and four shut outs. Each team in each league plays the other teams in the league 25 times. If you're having a rough year, your record can really show that.
"We're looking forward to getting back east, but this was a valuable trip," commented the manager, Bob Maxwell. "The team is playing well and we're looking all right. I like the arms right now."
New York and Boston would visit before Toledo would head to Milwaukee and Detroit. The first month is a warm up month when the teams face each other. Toledo's schedule, for the most part, would start in the west, head home, head nearby, then east, home, west. All teams followed a similar pattern. This would be the final year of this pattern, though, as next year expansion occurs. It will be interesting.
The Boston Barons are moving to Houston, but a team will be located in Boston. Arlington/Dallas Texas will gain a team as will the San Francisco area. Three teams coming on board at once will reek havoc on the schedule, but the schedule makers will do their best to make it fair.
"What's fun is this will be the last year that the league champion automatically gets into the Series. You actually have to play a playoff to determine who's going to get into the Series starting in '79," commented Maxwell. "This is a historical season."
New York and Boston both didn't know what hit them when they arrived in Toledo. This was the Tiger team that ended the season last year, not a young kitten like many predicted.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Mr. McGwire
William "Billy" or "Bill" McGwire signed with the Toledo Tigers in 1960. Scrawny and lacking power, McGwire struggled through four minor league seasons, including three at AAA Omaha, before getting a call to the show in September 1962. Despite a penchant for little power, McGwire slugged a home run in his first two at bats and seemed to understand big league pitching. From '63 through '68, McGwire played first base for the Tigers and played it well. His 23 homers and 105 RBI in 1966 set the tone for his enormous fan base in Toledo. A great trade offer from Boston after the '68 season, though, was too much for the Tigers to turn down. McGwire became a former Tiger and had some decent years in Boston. The Detroit Autos acquired McGwire during the '73 season, one in which McGwire struggled and suffered his first injury. In '74, McGwire hit 20 homers and knocked in 78 runs, while hitting .304. In '75, he knocked in 100 runs. That may sound like no big deal, but it was the first time in 10 seasons he crossed the century mark in RBI. 1976 would be his final season in Detroit, though. Following the season, he signed a free agent contract to return to the team who signed him, Toledo. He was older, grayer, and not as strong, but he hoped to be a valuable addition to the Tigers.
The Bos
Ricky Boswell signed his first contract in 1971. He didn't appear with Toledo until 1975 when he made the team out of spring training. He pitched well, but ended up back at Omaha because of injuries. He spent most of '76 at AA Richmond but finished '76 in Toledo where he was 3–1 down the stretch.
In 1977, he was 16–15 with a 3.84 ERA and 164 strike outs in 237 innings.
His minor league career is worth discussing, as in '72 he won 17 games at AA. He actually debuted in AA but Toledo's management hadn't determined if they saw him as a starter or reliever. He did a bit of both and by the next spring the team had determined they liked him as a starter. His '72 campaign was stellar, with a 17–5 record, 3.02 ERA, and 109 strike outs in 173 innings. His '73 season totally flamed out in June. He pitched his ninth complete game and fifth shut out of the season in early June and never pitched again in '73. He finished 8–1 with five shut outs for AAA Omaha. His arm shot, he headed home for the summer.
Spring of '74, he watched from the sidelines. He thought that his career might be over. He hoped it wasn't and by late May he was throwing. He ended up pitching 14 times, winning eight games and striking out 90 in 99 innings. Ricky Boswell threw five complete games in '74 and allowed only 18 runs and 19 strike outs in those 99 innings. His ERA, 1.64, Toledo almost promoted him to the major league team; however, due to his frequent injuries, they sent him home in early September.
The summer of '75 was another bummer for Boswell. He began the season in the Major Leagues, but reinjured his arm. He finished August in Omaha and pitched terrible. His control, usually his strength, was sorely missed. He was told in September that he may regain control but his delivery was prone to lapses of control. Boswell looked forward to a recovery but vowed that one more injury would be his last.
In 1977, he was 16–15 with a 3.84 ERA and 164 strike outs in 237 innings.
His minor league career is worth discussing, as in '72 he won 17 games at AA. He actually debuted in AA but Toledo's management hadn't determined if they saw him as a starter or reliever. He did a bit of both and by the next spring the team had determined they liked him as a starter. His '72 campaign was stellar, with a 17–5 record, 3.02 ERA, and 109 strike outs in 173 innings. His '73 season totally flamed out in June. He pitched his ninth complete game and fifth shut out of the season in early June and never pitched again in '73. He finished 8–1 with five shut outs for AAA Omaha. His arm shot, he headed home for the summer.
Spring of '74, he watched from the sidelines. He thought that his career might be over. He hoped it wasn't and by late May he was throwing. He ended up pitching 14 times, winning eight games and striking out 90 in 99 innings. Ricky Boswell threw five complete games in '74 and allowed only 18 runs and 19 strike outs in those 99 innings. His ERA, 1.64, Toledo almost promoted him to the major league team; however, due to his frequent injuries, they sent him home in early September.
The summer of '75 was another bummer for Boswell. He began the season in the Major Leagues, but reinjured his arm. He finished August in Omaha and pitched terrible. His control, usually his strength, was sorely missed. He was told in September that he may regain control but his delivery was prone to lapses of control. Boswell looked forward to a recovery but vowed that one more injury would be his last.
Bill Coswell
William Coswell pitched from 1961 through 1976 in Tampa. He played on several World Championship teams and won a numerous games. In '61, he sat on the bench and watched his team beat the San Diego Chargers four games to two to win the Championship. Tampa would return to the Championship Series again in '67, but lose to Toledo in six games. Coswell was 19–15 during the season with a 2.80 ERA. He pitched well in the CS, but his two wins didn't lead to popping the champagne.
In '68, he was virtually unhittable. He pitched 330 innings, threw 29 complete games, struck out 295 hitters, and had a 1.64 ERA. He won 28 games. His year was incredible. Tampa beat Detroit in four games to be the Champions. The Tampa crew won it all again in '69 and '71. They returned in '73, but lost to Los Angeles in six games, despite Coswell's two wins (and 27 during the season). The team was getting old and changes were imminent. Coswell led them to one last title in '74. He tossed 16 complete games, was 19–12 with a 3.03 ERA on a team that won the series in seven games against San Diego. Coswell won three games in the Series.
The Buccaneers were old and began to fade after '74. It didn't matter, though, because the Dallas Sky Giants took over and won three straight Series. In the summer of '76, with hopes fading fast, the Bucs traded Coswell, shocking the world. The team that acquired him shocked everyone even more: the conservative Toledo Tigers picked up Coswell for a pretty good price. He would win 13 games down the stretch for the Tigers, who ended the season with 87 losses.
"It would have been about 100 if we hadn't made the trade. When we made the trade, things weren't as bad as they must have really been," commented manager Hal Newman. "Things were on the downswing."
Coswell was the ace in '77, winning 21 games. He finished the year with 285 wins and had a chance to go over 300 in '78.
"Bill Coswell will be our ace this season. We don't necessarily expect him to throw 30 complete games like he did in '67, but if he started 30 games that would be great," Manager Bill Maxwell said.
In '68, he was virtually unhittable. He pitched 330 innings, threw 29 complete games, struck out 295 hitters, and had a 1.64 ERA. He won 28 games. His year was incredible. Tampa beat Detroit in four games to be the Champions. The Tampa crew won it all again in '69 and '71. They returned in '73, but lost to Los Angeles in six games, despite Coswell's two wins (and 27 during the season). The team was getting old and changes were imminent. Coswell led them to one last title in '74. He tossed 16 complete games, was 19–12 with a 3.03 ERA on a team that won the series in seven games against San Diego. Coswell won three games in the Series.
The Buccaneers were old and began to fade after '74. It didn't matter, though, because the Dallas Sky Giants took over and won three straight Series. In the summer of '76, with hopes fading fast, the Bucs traded Coswell, shocking the world. The team that acquired him shocked everyone even more: the conservative Toledo Tigers picked up Coswell for a pretty good price. He would win 13 games down the stretch for the Tigers, who ended the season with 87 losses.
"It would have been about 100 if we hadn't made the trade. When we made the trade, things weren't as bad as they must have really been," commented manager Hal Newman. "Things were on the downswing."
Coswell was the ace in '77, winning 21 games. He finished the year with 285 wins and had a chance to go over 300 in '78.
"Bill Coswell will be our ace this season. We don't necessarily expect him to throw 30 complete games like he did in '67, but if he started 30 games that would be great," Manager Bill Maxwell said.
The Bullpen
Mike Pullett was a 22 year old rookie in 1977. He led the team with 12 saves in 39 appearances. He started five games and pitched in 70 games. He injured himself late in the season and began '78 on the disabled list. Pullett's ceiling was unlimited early in his career. He threw hard and changed speeds well. But, he was prone to injury and Bob Maxwell doubted that Pullett would ever pull his own weight.
"Mikey pitches nice, but he throws violently. He doesn't allow adequate time to recover. He could start, but might not have the stamina. He could relieve, but he might not recover from day to day," Maxwell said early in '78.
Maxwell liked the idea of Pullett on the team because he was a hard–throwing lefty.
"The kid can throw hard. I enjoy knowing he's down there. I hope he's down there. He'll be back in a month," he added.
Rich Grey is a 10–year veteran in the bullpen. Maxwell planned to rely on him to get outs. He throws hard and gets key strike outs. Another factor in Grey's repertoire is that he doesn't walk a lot of batters.
Ron Harrelson, a 19–year old, expected to contribute as both a starter and reliever depending on the team's need. Maxwell said his upside was too good to keep him in the minors.
"No way the kid should be in the minor leagues. He throws nice. Real nice. He might strike out a batter or two an inning. He's damn good," suggested Maxwell.
Bill Slerpie, 40 years old, would be the closer in '78. He'd never regularly closed but he would be a valuable asset, according the the manager.
"Mikey pitches nice, but he throws violently. He doesn't allow adequate time to recover. He could start, but might not have the stamina. He could relieve, but he might not recover from day to day," Maxwell said early in '78.
Maxwell liked the idea of Pullett on the team because he was a hard–throwing lefty.
"The kid can throw hard. I enjoy knowing he's down there. I hope he's down there. He'll be back in a month," he added.
Rich Grey is a 10–year veteran in the bullpen. Maxwell planned to rely on him to get outs. He throws hard and gets key strike outs. Another factor in Grey's repertoire is that he doesn't walk a lot of batters.
Ron Harrelson, a 19–year old, expected to contribute as both a starter and reliever depending on the team's need. Maxwell said his upside was too good to keep him in the minors.
"No way the kid should be in the minor leagues. He throws nice. Real nice. He might strike out a batter or two an inning. He's damn good," suggested Maxwell.
Bill Slerpie, 40 years old, would be the closer in '78. He'd never regularly closed but he would be a valuable asset, according the the manager.
Review of '77
Leaders of 1977 —
Hitting
AB – Hobbs, 639
H – Hobbs, 226
2B – Gwynn, 38
3B – Hobbs and Jones, 9
HR – Powers, 29
RBI – Powers, 106
SB – Hobbs, 63 (Team: 199)
SO (most) – Gwynn, 93
SO (fewest) – Jones, 29
BB – Hobbs, 70
R – Hobbs, 106
Pitching
APP – M. Green, 58
GS – Coswell, 36
IP – Coswell, 273
CG – R. Green, 14
SO – Coswell, 240
BB – R. Green, 58 (165 IP)
ERA – R. Green, 3.16
SHO – M. Wilcox and B. Andrews, 3
W – Coswell, 21
L – Boswell, 15
S – Pullett, 12
Hitting
AB – Hobbs, 639
H – Hobbs, 226
2B – Gwynn, 38
3B – Hobbs and Jones, 9
HR – Powers, 29
RBI – Powers, 106
SB – Hobbs, 63 (Team: 199)
SO (most) – Gwynn, 93
SO (fewest) – Jones, 29
BB – Hobbs, 70
R – Hobbs, 106
Pitching
APP – M. Green, 58
GS – Coswell, 36
IP – Coswell, 273
CG – R. Green, 14
SO – Coswell, 240
BB – R. Green, 58 (165 IP)
ERA – R. Green, 3.16
SHO – M. Wilcox and B. Andrews, 3
W – Coswell, 21
L – Boswell, 15
S – Pullett, 12
1978 Tigers
The Opening Day line–up:
1. #1 – Larry Jones, CF (5th year, 26 years old)
2. #9 – Larry Gwynn, 3B (6th, 26)
3. #23 – Rodney Hobbs, LF (4th, 24)
4. #14 – Bill McGwire, 1B (16th, 38)
5. #34 – Bobby Richardson, RF (3rd, 24)
6. #13 – Larry Powers, C (12th, 32)
7. #16 – Andy Powell, SS (1st, 19)
8. #2 – Marcus Heys, 2B (2nd, 20)
9. #47 – Bill Coswell, P (17th, 39)
1. #1 – Larry Jones, CF (5th year, 26 years old)
2. #9 – Larry Gwynn, 3B (6th, 26)
3. #23 – Rodney Hobbs, LF (4th, 24)
4. #14 – Bill McGwire, 1B (16th, 38)
5. #34 – Bobby Richardson, RF (3rd, 24)
6. #13 – Larry Powers, C (12th, 32)
7. #16 – Andy Powell, SS (1st, 19)
8. #2 – Marcus Heys, 2B (2nd, 20)
9. #47 – Bill Coswell, P (17th, 39)
Thursday, September 25, 2008
The grand old park
It was an unhappy day when Toledo announced that the stadium would be replaced by a new downtown park. It was 1971 when the Toledo politicos and Tiger ownership announced that a new domed stadium would be built. It sounded great but several local folks expressed concern.
So did some players.
Bobby Maxwell spoke out more than others.
"We don't need to be playing baseball in an artificial environment. Baseball should be played outside. Especially in a great city like Toledo. I don't have any interest in a dome. I hope people speak up."
Several people supported Maxwell's comments.
Even ownership listened.
Bob Crain, partial owner, said in 1969: "Bob is an outspoken young man who we greatly admire. I think the world of him. I will listen to what he has to say. Maybe he's on to something. Perhaps we'll look at the drawing board and seek another new idea. We'll see."
The Toledo Tigers were a team of the people.
"I'm glad to hear Mr. Crain has an open mind. I don't know if I could play in a dome. I really don't," commented Maxwell to the Toledo Blade.
So did some players.
Bobby Maxwell spoke out more than others.
"We don't need to be playing baseball in an artificial environment. Baseball should be played outside. Especially in a great city like Toledo. I don't have any interest in a dome. I hope people speak up."
Several people supported Maxwell's comments.
Even ownership listened.
Bob Crain, partial owner, said in 1969: "Bob is an outspoken young man who we greatly admire. I think the world of him. I will listen to what he has to say. Maybe he's on to something. Perhaps we'll look at the drawing board and seek another new idea. We'll see."
The Toledo Tigers were a team of the people.
"I'm glad to hear Mr. Crain has an open mind. I don't know if I could play in a dome. I really don't," commented Maxwell to the Toledo Blade.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Kurt Vonnegut Says ...
I see that Kurt Vonnugut, Jr. suggests:
Use the time of a total stranger in such a way that he or she will not feel the time was wasted.
Give the reader at least one character he or she can root for.
Every character should want something, even if it is only a glass of water.
Every sentence must do one of two things—reveal character or advance the action.
Start as close to the end as possible.
Be a sadist. No matter how sweet and innocent your leading characters, make awful things happen to them—in order that the reader may see what they are made of.
Write to please just one person. If you open a window and make love to the world, so to speak, your story will get pneumonia.
Give your readers as much information as possible as soon as possible. To hell with suspense. Readers should have such complete understanding of what is going on, where and why, that they could finish the story themselves, should cockroaches eat the last few pages.
Not that anyone else is reading this except me ...
Whatever happened on Opening Day ....
I'll never forget Opening Day 1978. It was a great day. Unbelievable.
Some people said a 19 year old should bat first on Opening Day. Another said a guy almost 40 probably shouldn't be your starter the first game. Another person mentioned that Slerpie wouldn't cut it in the bullpen. "He's warshed up, ya know."
Opening Day is always a lot of fun. Especially in downtown Toledo.
Andy Powell led the game off for Toledo with a nice double to centerfield. He looks like a good player, even if he isn't even 20. He had two hits overall and played good defense. It's clear that he is comfortable on the team. Even if he is only 19.
Bill Coswell started for the Tigers and threw eight great innings, striking out nine and walking only one. He pitched well and looked solid for someone so close to 40. He is expected to be the ace of the staff and a mentor to the "kids." You know, Toledo has some 19 year old wunderkinds. Cos, as they call him, looked great.
To close the game out — and not even get a save — veteran lefty Billy Slerpie pitched six pitches in the ninth inning. He wasn't even hittable. He is pitching in the bullpen for the first time in years, but Maxwell has him convinced he's perfect for the "closer" role for the first time.
The highlight of the day, for me, was watching Rodney Hobbs display power, speed, and diligence. He batted five time, had five hits, three stolen bases, four runs scored, and three runs batted in. His box score is awesome for the opener. After the game, Maxwell told the men in the media:
"I'm not kidding you. He's the best player in the game. He's better than the rest. He can do things he doesn't even know yet. He's going to be the MVP. Look out."
He was not kidding. He was serious. He was staking a claim early.
To recap, Coswell pitched well, Slerpie pitched better, Powell slugged it hard, and Hobbs put an exclamation point on a victory. It would be the first of many, if you listened to Coach, er Manager Bobby Maxwell.
"It's gonna be fun, boys. It's gonna be fun," he said.
Some people said a 19 year old should bat first on Opening Day. Another said a guy almost 40 probably shouldn't be your starter the first game. Another person mentioned that Slerpie wouldn't cut it in the bullpen. "He's warshed up, ya know."
Opening Day is always a lot of fun. Especially in downtown Toledo.
Andy Powell led the game off for Toledo with a nice double to centerfield. He looks like a good player, even if he isn't even 20. He had two hits overall and played good defense. It's clear that he is comfortable on the team. Even if he is only 19.
Bill Coswell started for the Tigers and threw eight great innings, striking out nine and walking only one. He pitched well and looked solid for someone so close to 40. He is expected to be the ace of the staff and a mentor to the "kids." You know, Toledo has some 19 year old wunderkinds. Cos, as they call him, looked great.
To close the game out — and not even get a save — veteran lefty Billy Slerpie pitched six pitches in the ninth inning. He wasn't even hittable. He is pitching in the bullpen for the first time in years, but Maxwell has him convinced he's perfect for the "closer" role for the first time.
The highlight of the day, for me, was watching Rodney Hobbs display power, speed, and diligence. He batted five time, had five hits, three stolen bases, four runs scored, and three runs batted in. His box score is awesome for the opener. After the game, Maxwell told the men in the media:
"I'm not kidding you. He's the best player in the game. He's better than the rest. He can do things he doesn't even know yet. He's going to be the MVP. Look out."
He was not kidding. He was serious. He was staking a claim early.
To recap, Coswell pitched well, Slerpie pitched better, Powell slugged it hard, and Hobbs put an exclamation point on a victory. It would be the first of many, if you listened to Coach, er Manager Bobby Maxwell.
"It's gonna be fun, boys. It's gonna be fun," he said.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Spring of '78
Bob Maxwell's first Spring Camp couldn't arrive soon enough. The team had played well under his leadership. After releasing a few players and making some changes to the team's approach, the Toledo Tigers were ready for the challenge of a full season.
Certainly, Maxwell's old school style was an upgrade over previous manager Hal Newman. The personnel had to fit Maxwell's style — and it did so far. Maxwell's plan — to win the World Championship Series — hinged on two 19–year old kids, Ronald Harrelson and Andrew Powell.
Both were drafted the previous summer and were expected to have an impact in the Major Leagues eventually. Maxwell decided it would be much quicker than expected. He liked the fastball that Harrelson chucked and the speed that Powell could provide.
"My plan is to break Ronny in this season. I won't overuse him. He'll pitch in relief, spot start, you know get his feet wet. Powell, he's probably going to bat leadoff and play short stop. We'll see for sure. They both earned a shot," Maxwell commented late in spring.
The Toledo Blade ran a preview of the season, predicting that the Tigers would compete for the division and league title but nothing was guaranteed. It mentioned that the team was quite young in some areas, but old in others. The author, Jim Fitzpatrick, suggested that the team could surprise some people but that Bob Maxwell might have overachieved last summer.
Said Fitzpatrick: "Maxwell is a local hero returning and getting another chance in the city that he quit on years earlier. Sure, he could have hit 30 home runs and knock in 100 with a bum knee, but he didn't think that was enough. I remember him saying that 'At 80% I don't have a lot left offer. Yeah, I could hit all right, but I wouldn't be what I would like to be.' He cared a great deal about giving his all. And he feels that he owes something to a city he loved."
Spring Camp was work but fun for the team. Maxwell provided structure and focus, but allowed time for fun and enjoyment.
Larry Gwynn, third baseman, commented, "Under New we worked hard and drilled, but we never focused, never planned for the season. We worked and played day by day. When Max arrived, he put things into perspective for us. It was about the team, the season, and winning the World Championship Series. He really believed that if you weren't focused on winning the whole thing, there was no sense in playing the season. The mindset helped focus all of us. Even the kids."
With a week left in the spring, the team was humming. Players were learning a new approach. Pitchers were focused in on throwing stikes. Hitters swung only at strikes. And the Toeldo Tigers were ready to strike.
Certainly, Maxwell's old school style was an upgrade over previous manager Hal Newman. The personnel had to fit Maxwell's style — and it did so far. Maxwell's plan — to win the World Championship Series — hinged on two 19–year old kids, Ronald Harrelson and Andrew Powell.
Both were drafted the previous summer and were expected to have an impact in the Major Leagues eventually. Maxwell decided it would be much quicker than expected. He liked the fastball that Harrelson chucked and the speed that Powell could provide.
"My plan is to break Ronny in this season. I won't overuse him. He'll pitch in relief, spot start, you know get his feet wet. Powell, he's probably going to bat leadoff and play short stop. We'll see for sure. They both earned a shot," Maxwell commented late in spring.
The Toledo Blade ran a preview of the season, predicting that the Tigers would compete for the division and league title but nothing was guaranteed. It mentioned that the team was quite young in some areas, but old in others. The author, Jim Fitzpatrick, suggested that the team could surprise some people but that Bob Maxwell might have overachieved last summer.
Said Fitzpatrick: "Maxwell is a local hero returning and getting another chance in the city that he quit on years earlier. Sure, he could have hit 30 home runs and knock in 100 with a bum knee, but he didn't think that was enough. I remember him saying that 'At 80% I don't have a lot left offer. Yeah, I could hit all right, but I wouldn't be what I would like to be.' He cared a great deal about giving his all. And he feels that he owes something to a city he loved."
Spring Camp was work but fun for the team. Maxwell provided structure and focus, but allowed time for fun and enjoyment.
Larry Gwynn, third baseman, commented, "Under New we worked hard and drilled, but we never focused, never planned for the season. We worked and played day by day. When Max arrived, he put things into perspective for us. It was about the team, the season, and winning the World Championship Series. He really believed that if you weren't focused on winning the whole thing, there was no sense in playing the season. The mindset helped focus all of us. Even the kids."
With a week left in the spring, the team was humming. Players were learning a new approach. Pitchers were focused in on throwing stikes. Hitters swung only at strikes. And the Toeldo Tigers were ready to strike.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
The Legend of Rodney Hobbs
Rodney Hobbs never played rookie level or Single A ball. He was signed in 1973 and joined the Richmond AA team for the Toledo Tigers. He was a quick study, batting .260, but stealing 76 bases and knocking in 95 runs in 126 games. He played both left field and first base. The organization was impressed with his speed and his eye — mostly when men were on base.
"Rod had a problem early on. He didn't like hitting with nobody on base. He had a hard time finding focus," commented an early coach William Simms.
In '74, he played every game, mostly in center field, but some in left. He increased his average, but still hit only 19 homers with 106 RBI. He did steal 79 bases.
Simms said, "He didn't like to bat with nobody on, but if he got on base, he usually stole. He was fast. And knew how to run."
In September of '74, Hobbs joined the Toledo Tigers.
Manager Hal Newman loved writing his name into the line–up. Toledo was challenging both the San Diego Chargers and Detroit Autos for the Eastern Division title. Hobbs played sparingly because of the high stakes.
In 10 games, he batted 46 times and hit four homers, knocked in a dozen runs, and stole five bases.
Newman remembers that he wanted to play him more, but wasn't sure how he would respond to the pressure.
"We were mostly a veteran team and I didn't know if I should throw Hobbs into the fire. Plus, I wasn't sure how the veterans would handle the kid. We all called him 'the Kid.'"
The Tigers finished a game out.
Not a lot changed prior to the 1975 season, but Hobbs won a job in spring training. In '75, Hobbs played sparingly again. He was a Tiger all year but only played in 110 games. He hit .232 with a dozen homers and 60 RBI. He did steal 38 bases. Toledo finished five behind the Chargers.
He worked hard during the tough 1976 spring camp and wanted desperately to play more.
He got a chance and played in 133 games. He hit .302 and belted 17 home runs with 80 RBI. He led the league with 91 steals, but only hit 17 doubles. The team finished 30 games behind the Autos and word was that Hobbs might be dealt for more pitching depth.
The year of change
Hobbs hobbled out to a decent start as the full time center fielder in 1977. He was hitting okay and scoring some runs, but the team was falling apart at the seams. A team so close to going to the Championship Series just two short seasons ago looked lost and lethargic.
"Change was gonna happen. We could tell," Hobbs remembers.
Sitting at 30–46, change happened at the All–Star break. Bobby Maxwell was named manager. And a lot of careers changed. Quickly.
"Rod had a problem early on. He didn't like hitting with nobody on base. He had a hard time finding focus," commented an early coach William Simms.
In '74, he played every game, mostly in center field, but some in left. He increased his average, but still hit only 19 homers with 106 RBI. He did steal 79 bases.
Simms said, "He didn't like to bat with nobody on, but if he got on base, he usually stole. He was fast. And knew how to run."
In September of '74, Hobbs joined the Toledo Tigers.
Manager Hal Newman loved writing his name into the line–up. Toledo was challenging both the San Diego Chargers and Detroit Autos for the Eastern Division title. Hobbs played sparingly because of the high stakes.
In 10 games, he batted 46 times and hit four homers, knocked in a dozen runs, and stole five bases.
Newman remembers that he wanted to play him more, but wasn't sure how he would respond to the pressure.
"We were mostly a veteran team and I didn't know if I should throw Hobbs into the fire. Plus, I wasn't sure how the veterans would handle the kid. We all called him 'the Kid.'"
The Tigers finished a game out.
Not a lot changed prior to the 1975 season, but Hobbs won a job in spring training. In '75, Hobbs played sparingly again. He was a Tiger all year but only played in 110 games. He hit .232 with a dozen homers and 60 RBI. He did steal 38 bases. Toledo finished five behind the Chargers.
He worked hard during the tough 1976 spring camp and wanted desperately to play more.
He got a chance and played in 133 games. He hit .302 and belted 17 home runs with 80 RBI. He led the league with 91 steals, but only hit 17 doubles. The team finished 30 games behind the Autos and word was that Hobbs might be dealt for more pitching depth.
The year of change
Hobbs hobbled out to a decent start as the full time center fielder in 1977. He was hitting okay and scoring some runs, but the team was falling apart at the seams. A team so close to going to the Championship Series just two short seasons ago looked lost and lethargic.
"Change was gonna happen. We could tell," Hobbs remembers.
Sitting at 30–46, change happened at the All–Star break. Bobby Maxwell was named manager. And a lot of careers changed. Quickly.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)