Awesome article Paul. I remember Phil Rizzuto mentioning Weaver’s tomatoes when the Yanks were playing Baltimore one time. And I always liked Weaver & Sparky from Detroit - two great managers.
Far as manipulating the field goes, I wonder if that still exists. In my book that’s really cheating but so is ‘framing’ the ball but MLB allows that a well as ‘sliding’ gloves for the runners. Wouldn’t shock if you see the runners running with pool noodles next.
I think it was Abbot & Costello once saying, “I’m a diamond cutter.” When they were referring to running a mower for a baseball team.
That's a good question, Jeff. The most recent groundskeeper I can recall who was known for manipulating the field was the White Sox' Roger Bossard, who remains in that role today. Like many of the quirks I find so compelling about baseball in the "before times," I suspect "competitive groundskeepking" has fallen out of favor given the amount of money being invested in the players. It is now in every team's interest to make every field as safe a place for play as possible.
Paul, I always turn to you for entertaining gardening, er, baseball stories. “Pinching the buds” sounds very similar to “loading up the baseball” - someone needs to be strip-searched.
Nice one, Paul. I could just hear “We are fam-a-lee…” when you referred to the Pittsburgh Family! Being a Baltimore native, I am a fan of the O’s, although since I have lived in Atlanta for many years, the Braves are who I follow the most.
Entertaining story. Enjoyed it immensely.
Every ballpark should have a garden nearby with something growing.
It would certainly give the grounds crew another way to show off their particular set of skills. I'm all for it.
Awesome article Paul. I remember Phil Rizzuto mentioning Weaver’s tomatoes when the Yanks were playing Baltimore one time. And I always liked Weaver & Sparky from Detroit - two great managers.
Far as manipulating the field goes, I wonder if that still exists. In my book that’s really cheating but so is ‘framing’ the ball but MLB allows that a well as ‘sliding’ gloves for the runners. Wouldn’t shock if you see the runners running with pool noodles next.
I think it was Abbot & Costello once saying, “I’m a diamond cutter.” When they were referring to running a mower for a baseball team.
That's a good question, Jeff. The most recent groundskeeper I can recall who was known for manipulating the field was the White Sox' Roger Bossard, who remains in that role today. Like many of the quirks I find so compelling about baseball in the "before times," I suspect "competitive groundskeepking" has fallen out of favor given the amount of money being invested in the players. It is now in every team's interest to make every field as safe a place for play as possible.
Paul, I always turn to you for entertaining gardening, er, baseball stories. “Pinching the buds” sounds very similar to “loading up the baseball” - someone needs to be strip-searched.
Don't forget about the squeeze play, Bill.
Now I can’t think about anything else - thanks for that, Paul.
Never in my wildest dreams did I think that my two favorite stories of the bunch would be tomato-based.
Nice one, Paul. I could just hear “We are fam-a-lee…” when you referred to the Pittsburgh Family! Being a Baltimore native, I am a fan of the O’s, although since I have lived in Atlanta for many years, the Braves are who I follow the most.
1979 was certainly a colorful year for baseball. Great characters, plot, and soundtrack.