Back when the Chicago White Sox still held open tryouts, a South Side kid took his chance in front of a Comiskey Park radar gun and left the scouts speechless.
I broadcast at least one Glens Falls White Sox game for our college radio station that year, but I can’t remember if Hickey pitched. That was a good club, though - a number of future major leaguers including Ron Kittle & Greg Walker.
Yes, they were in the early days very close to the “shorts” uni’s, except without the shorts. I have to confess that dredging all this up has mostly served to remind me that all of this was FORTY-FIVE years ago, though…
He and Veeck were one of the more iconic front-office partnerships for the time they were together between 1976 and 1980. Like a century of experience between them.
I found, but have not vetted, a short list of a few other players who began their careers in a tryout camp from the era: Woodie Fryman, Claudell Washington, and Dan Driessen. Washington would be a big one, as he wound up signing a huge free agent contract with the Braves and probably made more money in one year on that deal than Kevin Hickey made over his entire big-league career.
Not bad. Great connection to Papale. I think these stories have more of a hold in football than baseball, maybe because in baseball tryouts were more rare.
What a great story, Paul; can’t wait for part 2 next week! I’m still laughing at the simulated collars!! How awful and very much a product of the tackiness of the late 70’s/early 80’s.
P.S. I’m still trying to un-see Souki from last week! Souki seems to me to be the Chuckie of baseball mascots!
Veeck's intentions were good with that redesign, but as far as I can tell that's the only time in his career he really messed around with the uniforms and it revealed a real chink in his armor of delightful tastelessness.
I'm glad you are recovering from your brush with Souki. Perhaps a content warning was called for there. Reminds me a little bit of the old, old time Halloween costumes early trick-or-treaters used to wear. Something about the eyes!
I broadcast at least one Glens Falls White Sox game for our college radio station that year, but I can’t remember if Hickey pitched. That was a good club, though - a number of future major leaguers including Ron Kittle & Greg Walker.
Don't forget Randy Johnson*. That one threw me for a minute...
Question for you, Mark, it seems like the GF Sox were wearing a uniform pretty close to the Veeck-designed C Sox unis. Is that right?
Yes, they were in the early days very close to the “shorts” uni’s, except without the shorts. I have to confess that dredging all this up has mostly served to remind me that all of this was FORTY-FIVE years ago, though…
Sorry about that--I should probably start some of these with a disclaimer.
I never knew another team was following Bill Veeck's sartorial stylings. Even without the shorts, it's quite a look.
Very interesting story - well done!
Much appreciated, Adam!
Nice Paul! Every time I read or hear about Roland Hemond I wish I'd met him. Just a good human!
He and Veeck were one of the more iconic front-office partnerships for the time they were together between 1976 and 1980. Like a century of experience between them.
I've read multiple books on Bill Veeck. There's a screenplay to be written about his life!
The effects budget will need to be much larger than many other historic baseball biopics. Bougainville, fireworks, Orchestra Nights at the ballpark...
Quite a story - I believe Part II is in my inbox as we speak. As a native Chicagoan, I penned a piece about 16-inch softball a few years ago. . .
https://ruleofthree.substack.com/p/size-doesnt-matter-?utm_source=publication-search
More stories from your travels with the Clincher would be welcome, Bill!
I don't know, Paul - I might be hanging up my spikes.
It’s good to see a local kid not only get the chance to try out but actually get there.
The Yanks used to let unknowns try out too. I don’t know if that ever proved successful.
Reminds me of Vince Papale of Philly who made it for the Eagles. I believe they made a movie of Vince too.
Shocked me to see Kevin passed in his 50’s.
Thanks Paul.
I found, but have not vetted, a short list of a few other players who began their careers in a tryout camp from the era: Woodie Fryman, Claudell Washington, and Dan Driessen. Washington would be a big one, as he wound up signing a huge free agent contract with the Braves and probably made more money in one year on that deal than Kevin Hickey made over his entire big-league career.
Not bad. Great connection to Papale. I think these stories have more of a hold in football than baseball, maybe because in baseball tryouts were more rare.
What a great story, Paul; can’t wait for part 2 next week! I’m still laughing at the simulated collars!! How awful and very much a product of the tackiness of the late 70’s/early 80’s.
P.S. I’m still trying to un-see Souki from last week! Souki seems to me to be the Chuckie of baseball mascots!
Veeck's intentions were good with that redesign, but as far as I can tell that's the only time in his career he really messed around with the uniforms and it revealed a real chink in his armor of delightful tastelessness.
I'm glad you are recovering from your brush with Souki. Perhaps a content warning was called for there. Reminds me a little bit of the old, old time Halloween costumes early trick-or-treaters used to wear. Something about the eyes!
It is the something about the eyes. That’s why I thought of those Chucky horror movies.