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.