By Paul Casey Gotham
****Remember, try this without research. Make like Wally, and release your inner James Joyce. Show us your stream of consciousness as you try to decipher the answer.
I am a rarity of sorts. There aren’t any others in my line of work like me. Of the 286 former major league players who’ve become managers since 1946, just 22 have occupied the same position on the field as me. More on that later. In 15 Major League seasons, I wore four different uniforms. I got myself a ring with the ’85 Royals. Yeah, I was there when Billy protested the pine tar on George’s bat. I served number 500 to Reggie. I led the NL in losses one year with 16. Geez. That was a tough season. Hard to imagine I could get my job after a year like that. Actually, I followed my manager’s lead. Roger Craig was a former pitcher who became a manager in the Bigs. There aren’t many who do that. In fact, I am the only former pitcher who is currently a manager in MLB.
Who am I?
Working backwards from the clues, it’s gotta be Bud Black, the manager of the Padres. Bud was a left-handed hurler for those champion KC Royals and a bit of a journeyman pitcher as the clues point out. I didn’t know he was the ONLY current manager who was a former pitcher, but I certainly knew he was the current manager of SD.
So why are there so few former pitchers as managers, yet so many catchers??? Is it because the catchers didn’t make as much money during their playing days??? Can’t be because they’re smarter … remember, catcher’s gear are “the tools of ignorance”. 😉
I had no idea, but I found your comment interesting Wally. It comes as no surprise to me that catchers are popular choices as managers. They are the QBs/PGs of their sport. A pitcher has to perform, but a catcher has to THINK.
Just remember … when a catcher flashes the signals, it’s merely a suggestion to the pitcher on what to throw. The pitcher ultimately makes the decision. But yes, the catchers are required to think a lot more than the other players.
C’mon, you pitcher you. Catcher calls more than just pitches. No matter who performs, the catcher directs, be it by suggestion or demand.
Catchers: Dumb for becoming catchers in the first place, but they sure do really learn the game once they’re there.
In addition to catchers, I would think middle-infielders would constitute the next greatest % of big league managers throughout history … for the same reasons. Casey, do you have the ability to verify?
Bud Black it is.
Pete – great job getting in there with a discussion.
What about … oh, forget it.
Wally – great job deciphering. YOU DA MAN!!!!! 🙂
😉
I didn’t know you grovelled. 🙂