Musial & Kell
Some Ballyard posted a comment asking who had an effect on me as a third baseman. Thank you for your kinds words about defense. I’ve always enjoyed the defensive part of the game. I’ve always had that hand – eye coordination and thought it was a God-given talent. I don’t think I had any one person who had an effect on me. When I grew up I was a pitcher, catcher, my last 2 years of American Legion Baseball I played second base and I signed with the Orioles as a second baseman and I played my first 50 professional games in York, PA at second and then they moved me over to third.
The only person that really had an effect on me was Stan
Musial. I was a big Stan Musial fan
growing up. I was a big Cardinal
fan. I used to get out of school every
year right before the season started when the Cardinals and White Sox would
play an exhibition game in Little Rock before they opened the season. I would
say that Stan Musial was my hero growing up.
Also, George Kell, who was a
third baseman was another idol of mine growing up. He grew up about 60 miles from me and he was
a terrific third baseman for the Detroit Tigers. Not only defensively - he beat out Ted
Williams one year for the batting crown. He ended his career in Baltimore. In fact, in 1957, Opening Day, I played third
and he played first at Old Griffith’s Stadium in Washington, DC. I’d probably say that those guys in particular had an effect on me but
not a third baseman in particular.
Connie
Bruce posted a note asking how my wife Connie handles our lifestyle. Thanks Bruce. It’s nice to hear from you again. You’re not getting too personal. Connie and I had our 45th Wedding Anniversary here in October. It has been a little difficult for her - the lifestyle we’ve had. I figure that out of the 45 years we’ve been married, I’ve been gone half the time. At one point in the 60’s we had 3 babies in diapers - 1, 2 and 3 year old boys. She’s a real trooper. At this particular time, if we go someplace for an appearance we try to take a few extra days so we can spend some time together. Neither one of us like to take those short trips through the airport. She’s always been very accommodating and tolerant when people wanted autographs, even during dinner. It really didn’t bother her. I run into an obnoxious guy about once every 20 years. People are very nice and they don’t take advantage of you. I enjoy signing autographs and it hasn’t been a problem for her. I’m very lucky.
Hi Brooks,
Just introducing myself. I'm a Tiger fan who has just come to your blog today. Very exciting a ball player such as yourself to have a blog. I grew up respecting the likes of you and George Kell although I am a bit too young to really remember you playing. (36) I think I remember watching baseball when you retired. I probably watched before then but can't remember. Growing up, baseball was my life. It's all I did all day every day (well softball, since I'm a girl) I remember when I was little I wanted to be the first woman SS for the Tigers. Never happened! HA! I spent my years playing MVP caliber SS and 3B. Defense was always very important to me! My dad worked with me constantly and drilled me hard on defensive skills. I loved it! Also, he could throw the ball faster to me than any girl ever could hit! One time, and one time only, my dad threw a ball to me that I let go by instead of catch because it was so fast. Man. It whistled by my ear and went very far down the street. I never had to be afraid of the ball when I played because if I could survive my dad I could survive anything. In my adult years, I played co-ed softball at the Hot Corner (My boyfriend calls me his hot corner babe) and the men would see little old, female me at 3B and just drool over the prospect of getting a basehit past me. Well, it never worked but they never stopped trying. It was funny, that male pride thing that kept working in them. I was amazed at how accurate they were with their hits. They always hit it like one inch of the line. That's where I would set myself up waiting for them. You would crack up if you saw how close to the line I played. But I had to. They would hit bullets right down the line every time. They would look at me with that look like they were going to burn me and I looked them right in the eye as if to say, "Bring it on. You ain't getting nothing!" It was great fun. Needless to say, my dad was very proud.
Sorry to say so much about me. I will your other postings at a later time. Gotta get the kids ready for school.
TigerFan
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This is kind of off topic, but I just found your blog. I just wanted to let you know how much I respect you. You really played with heart. I have a few DVD's that feature you on them, and sometimes I just watch clips of you playing over and over and over again. I can't help but be amazed at some of the plays you made (esp the '70 WS). You seem like a really nice guy from what I've heard from others that have sent you TTM (through the mail) auto requests and whatnot. Anyway, I dont want to bore you because I am sure you get a lot of fan mail every day. I just wanted to thank you for being one of my favorite players of all time. I look forward to reading this thing on a regular basis.
-Daniel
p.s. I do have one question for you... Do you keep any of your memorabilia or trading cards? I know some players keep game used bats and jerseys from special games and some even collect their cards. I have some pretty cool auto'd stuff of yours.
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