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NEWS SUMMER 2018

2018 HEART & HUSTLE

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A PUBLICATION OF THE MAJOR LEAGUE PLAYERS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION www.baseballalumni.com E-mail: [email protected] Telephone: 1-800-336-5272 Looking for a tax free deduction? BASEBALL ALUMNI NEWS The MLBPAA is designated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Under the IRS code, your contributions, other than dues, are fully tax deductible. Contributions can be made in the form of cash, securities, or real estate. Check with your accountant or tax advisor regarding TABLE OF CONTENTS which is best for you. All checks should be made payable MLBPAA ANNOUNCES TEAM WINNERS OF 14TH to the MLBPAA and sent to: ANNUAL HEART & HUSTLE AWARD...... 3 1631 Mesa Avenue, Suite D MLBPAA CELEBRATES ITS HISTORY AT ITS BIRTHPLACE..... 4-5 Colorado Springs, CO 80906. MLBPAA PUTS ON FREE YOUTH CLINIC AT THE TROP...... 6 MLBPAA Board of Directors WHERE ARE THEY NOW: GIL COAN ...... 7 Jim Hannan – Chairman Fred Valentine – Vice Chairman REMEMBERING OUR BOARD MEMBERS...... 8 Sandy Alderson, John Doherty, Denny Doyle, USA BASEBALL, ABCA ANNOUNCE COLLABORATION WITH Brian Fisher, Joe Garagiola, Jr., , Jim “Mudcat” Grant, Rich Hand, Jim Hannan, Mike MLBPAA...... 9 Myers, Steve Rogers, Jim Sadowski, Fernando Tatis, MLB ALUMNI REVISIT ONE SHINING MOMENT...... 10-11 Jose Valdivielso, Fred Valentine MLBPAA Officers Jim Hannan – Chairman Fred Valentine – Vice Chairman – President Vice Presidents – Bob Boone, , Carl Erskine, , Brian Fisher - Assistant Secretary Dan Foster – Chief Executive Officer Geoff Hixson – Chief Operating Officer David Mindell – Secretary/Treasurer & General Counsel MLAM Board of Directors Jim Poole - Chairman Bill Bray, , John Doherty, Evan Kaplan, , Brian McRae, Ethan Orlinsky, Andy Parton, Jim Poole, Brooks Robinson, Ed Weber MLAM Officers Jim Poole – Chairman Orestes Destrade – Vice Chairman – President Vice Presidents – Fergie Jenkins, Al Leiter, Andy Parton, Dan Foster – Chief Executive Officer Make a $50 contribution to the MLBPAA Geoff Hixson – Chief Operating Officer David Mindell - Secretary/Treasurer & General Counsel this year and you’ll receive a limited edition MLAS Board of Directors “Passion. Pride. Tradition.” t-shirt. Craig Skok – Chairman Eddie Robinson – Chairman Emeritus Steve Rogers – Secretary/Treasurer , , Dexter Fowler, Steve Simply complete the middle envelope, Garvey, LaTroy Hawkins, Jason Phillips, Steve Rogers, including your shirt size, send it back to us , Craig Skok and we’ll take care of the rest. Or give online at: MLAS Officers Craig Skok – Chairman Eddie Robinson – Chairman Emeritus Steve Rogers – Secretary/Treasurer http://baseball.mlbpaa.com/dev2018 David Mindell – General Counsel

2 BASEBALL ALUMNI NEWS SUMMER 2018

MLBPAA ANNOUNCES TEAM WINNERS OF 14TH ANNUAL HEART AND HUSTLE AWARD A PLAYER FROM EACH MLB TEAM WINS RESPECTED HONOR; OVERALL WINNER PRESENTED NOV. 8 Colorado Springs, Colo. — The established relationships to each team. Pedroia (2013), (2014), Players Alumni One player from each Major League (2015), Association (MLBPAA) is pleased to team is chosen by the committees (2016) and (2017). announce the 30 preliminary winners based on their passion, desire and The overall winner will be announced of the 2018 Heart and Hustle Award. work ethic demonstrated both on on November 8, 2018 at the 19th This esteemed award honors active and off the field. These players will annual Legends for Youth Dinner players who demonstrate a passion for be recognized prior to an upcoming in New York City. This event is the the game of baseball and best embody home game. As the season draws to a primary fundraiser for the series of free the values, spirit and traditions of the close, all alumni and active players will Legends for Youth Baseball Clinics. game. The Heart and Hustle Award is vote to select the final winner from the These clinics impact more than 18,000 also the only award in Major League 30 team winners. The previous overall children each year at 185 clinics, Baseball that is voted on by former winners are (2005), allowing them the unique opportunity players. Voting is conducted prior to (2006, 2007), Grady to interact with and learn from players All-Star break. Sizemore (2008), (2009), who have left a lasting impact on the The MLBPAA formed 30 committees, (2010), game of baseball. comprised of Alumni players with (2011), (2012), Dustin 2018 HEART AND HUSTLE AWARD WINNERS:

BALTIMORE ORIOLES: : : : EDUARDO ESCOBAR BRANDON NIMMO : : : : AUSTIN ROMINE CÉSAR HERNÁNDEZ : : : : YOLMER SÁNCHEZ JAVIER BÁEZ : MARINERS: REDS: PADRES: JOSÉ RAMÍREZ GUILLERMO HEREDIA SCOOTER GENNETT JOSÉ PIRELA : : : GIANTS: JACOBY JONES JOEY WENDLE : : : ST. LOUIS CARDINALS: ISIAH KINER-FALEFA HARRISON BADER NATIONAL : : : NATIONALS: SALVADOR PÉREZ J.T. REALMUTO : : MIKE TROUT

Cover Photos: Top row, from left to right: : José Pirela, Skip Schumaker (Photo Credit San Diego Padres). Houston Astros: Alex Bregman, A.J. Hinch (Photo Credit Houston Astros). Middle row: : Brandon Crawford, (Photo Credit San Francisco Giants). Bottom Row, from left to right: New York Mets: Brandon Nimmo, Tim Teufel, John Franco and MLBPAA Supporters Timothy Gillen and Gerard Petrocelli (Photo Credit New York Mets). Colorado Rockies: Trevor Story, Mike Redmond and MLBPAA CEO Dan Foster (Photo Credit Colorado Rockies).

A PUBLICATION OF THE MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYERS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 3 BASEBALL ALUMNI NEWS

MLBPAA CELEBRATES ITS HISTORY AT ITS BIRTHPLACE By Greg Swatek Special to MLB.com

A group of more than 25 former MLB players gathered in Washington, D.C. prior to the start of All-Star Week for an Alumni Day Event.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On today, such as the legalization of the Senators and Sunday evening, July 15, inside sports betting, pace of play and and one of 17 original members a first-floor ballroom right in the competitive balance. when the Alumni Association first heart of the nation’s capital at the There was already a buzz in town started. “We didn’t have any means Renaissance Hotel, several dozen because the 89th MLB All-Star or any idea of how to do this. We former players and their families Game was just two days away just knew that this was needed.” convened for an event put on by at , marking the Valentine, the Senators’ MVP the Major League Baseball Players first time D.C. had hosted the in 1966, and Jim Hannan, who Alumni Association. Midsummer Classic since 1969. pitched in Washington from Waiters with hors d’oeuvres A scene like this was unimaginable 1962-70, were honored at Sunday’s fluctuated around the room during on Feb. 17, 1982, when the alumni event for their longtime the social hour. Dan Foster, the Major League Baseball Players service and contributions. chief executive officer of MLBPAA, Alumni Association was founded Hannan, another original member, stood before the gathering and in this very city. The Washington now serves as the Chairman of the told a captive audience about the Senators had pulled up stakes for a Board of Directors for MLBPAA. growth of the alumni association second time in ‘71. There was no “We all have the common bond and the services it provides. Then, hometown baseball team. , executive director of of playing in the big leagues,” he the MLB players’ union and the “When we first started this, we said. “We knew what we had to first former player to serve in that didn’t have the money to buy endure. We knew what we had capacity, addressed some of the stamps,” said Fred Valentine, a to do to succeed. It’s just great to primary issues facing the game former Major League for see how far we have come. Now

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we are established. We are recognized, whether it’s by the Commissioner’s Office or (Major League Baseball).” The idea for MLBPAA was born when its founder, Chuck Hinton, a former Senator, returned from a Washington Redskins alumni golf event. “Chuck said, ‘Well, the NFL has an alumni association. Why don’t we have one?’” Hannan said. “We said, ‘I don’t know.’ Then, he said, ‘Well, I think we should start one.’” So, a small group of former players for the Senators started meeting every two weeks, and it gradually grew from there. Now, the MLBPAA serves roughly 9,000 members. It puts on 185 free baseball clinics and 31 coaching clinics each year Former players Bert Heffernan and Brian Kowitz catch up at the Washington, D.C. around the world. Sunday’s event at the Washington Renaissance Alumni Day on July 15, 2018. was one of 20 Alumni Day events MLBPAA will host this year. Check out our past and “It’s just great to see all of this growth that has taken place,” upcoming Alumni Day Events, Valentine said. coming to a city near you. Both Valentine and Hannan were delighted to see the All- Star Game back in Washington. One of Hannan’s vivid memories of the 1969 game is , a former Phoenix (February 24th) Houston (August 10th) teammate on the Senators, launching a home into the Tampa (April 13th) Durham, NC (August 11th) upper deck at RFK Stadium. “This [All-Star Game] means Minneapolis (May 31st) Atlanta (August 17th) that baseball is fully and truly back here in the nation’s Los Angeles (June 24th) St. Louis (August 18th) capital,” Hannan said. “This is San Francisco (June 26th) Philadelphia (August 31st) the nation’s capital. A lot of bad things come out of here. A lot Washington D.C. (July 15th) Arizona (September 8th) of good things, too. We are glad to have it back.” New York (July 24th) San Diego (September 18th) Seattle (August 5th) Pittsburgh (September TBD)

Email Kaitlyn McNicholas ([email protected]) to join us at upcoming events.

A PUBLICATION OF THE MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYERS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 5 BASEBALL ALUMNI NEWS

MLBPAA PUTS ON FREE YOUTH CLINIC AT THE TROP By Greg Zeck Special to MLB.com because of what she taught me and my brothers and how important being smart is.” Johnson, meanwhile, called the life lessons portion of the clinic one of the most important parts of the day as he emphasized how important it is to listen to coaches, teachers and parents. “When you’re a kid, you don’t want to listen as much, because you just want to play,” Johnson said. “I think it’s important to teach them that if you listen and learn, you’ll Local youth take in the opportunity to train with the big leaguers at , player better. Your parents are home of the Tampa Bay Rays, on April 14, 2018 for a Legends for Youth baseball clinic. always there to help you and teach you to make you better in life.” ST PETERSBURG—More than Rich Thompson, who focused on The event was just one of 75 youth baseball players were on fielding skills; and Brian Tollberg, approximately 185 youth clinics hand to participate in a baseball who ran the players through the MLBPAA runs each year, in clinic hosted by the Major League baserunning drills. addition to the 41 ’s clinics Baseball Players Alumni Association the organization runs. They teach Johnson said he was impressed with more than 18,000 children each with the help of the Tampa Bay how eager the kids were to learn Rays on Saturday, April 14. year throughout the United States and praised how they applied the and 14 other countries. The players, from Burg Baseball coaching they were receiving. and Wildwood Baseball in St. Johnson said he hopes the programs “It’s an honor to come out here continue to expand, adding it is Petersburg, participated in the with these kids because they like free clinic at Tropicana Field that ultimately up to the former players to listen and they like to play,” to do their part. featured six former Major League Johnson said. “It’s great to come players. Among them was current out here and talk to them and teach “When they come out and play Rays broadcaster Orestes Destrade, them how to perform because some with us, I think it’s important, who spoke highly of the event put of these kids are amazing at the age because they go back and tell their on by the MLBPAA. they are right now.” friends and then the friends want to come play, too,” Johnson said. “I “It’s a slam dunk for me, because At the conclusion of the clinic, this is what I do, what I like to do was blessed to play as long as I did, players spoke candidly about life and I wish I had the opportunity to -- the broadcasting is like an aside,” lessons needed to be successful in said Destrade, who coached the play in some of the alumni group a career in baseball or elsewhere camps like this. To be able to pay it players in hitting drills. “It’s what before an autograph session with it’s about and I really try to push a forward and teach the kids, I think the players. Destrade preached that’s very important. message of combining education the importance of academics and the sports part.” and of the three P’s - practice, Photo courtesy of the Tampa Bay Rays Joining Destrade were Jason preparation and performance. Johnson and Kevin Ohme, who “My big praise to them is ‘Play hard instructed the children on pitching and play harder,’” Destrade said. mechanics; Rob Mackowiak and “It’s really because of my mom,

6 SUMMER 2018 WHERE GIL COAN ARE THEY

NOW? By Alex Trihias, MLBPAA

Very few people love their alma mater College current President David C. and his wife have made over the years. more than Gil Coan loves his. It’s Joyce. “We are eternally grateful for his In addition to monetary donations, where his career and Dovie’s friendship and unwavering Coan has remained active in Brevard’s started, where they named a baseball support.” First United Methodist Church, been field after him and where he met his Coan said this honor means a lot to an active member of the Brevard wife of nearly 77 years. him because he met his wife, Dovie, at Chamber of Commerce and led and “The college has meant a lot to me the college in 1941. provided guidance on other boards such as First Union Bank. because I was seen playing baseball by “We were married in 1941 – scouts at Brevard College,” Coan said. September 21st of that year and we “We’ve got a baseball field named [after “I played baseball in 1941 when I was have been married since,” he said. us] and we’ve named a lot of other a student there and it has given me items on campus,” Coan said. “The an opening to professional baseball. Coan and his wife have regularly connection is important in that respect, That’s when I got my start, from being donated to their alma mater for years. especially for my wife.” scouted there and following up on that. So much so that someone once pointed out that the baseball field at the college After retiring from baseball, Coan Coan went on to play for 11 years as an was named after him. returned to Brevard College to coach outfielder for the Washington Senators, the baseball team for five seasons Baltimore Orioles, Chicago White Sox “I said ‘well, I built it’ - it was an between 1959 and 1963. In 1962, and New York Giants and still holds expensive item,” Coan joked. Coan began Brevard Insurance Agency the record for most at-bats in a season The baseball field isn’t the only – an agency which has been owned and in which a player .500 or better. contribution to the community Coan operated by the Coan family since. In 1951 he placed 23rd in American League MVP voting. “If it had not been for the college baseball field and my part in playing baseball there so a scout would look at me, I would’ve never been heard of,” Coan said. Now the oldest-living player in the Giants organization, Coan was recently recognized in a board resolution by the Brevard College Board of Trustees for his 24 years of service with the title of Trustee Emeritus. “Gil Coan’s lifetime of service to this college and the Brevard community deserve to be recognized. It is my honor and privilege to present this Board Resolution to Gil,” said Brevard Gil Coan (right) and five-time AL champion George Case (left) prepare for a foot race - later billed as the race to determine “the fastest man in Major League Baseball” - prior to a game at Griffith Stadium in 1946.

A PUBLICATION OF THE MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYERS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 7 BASEBALL ALUMNI NEWS REMEMBERING OUR BOARD MEMBERS

RUSTY STAUB JERRY MOSES was born on April 1, 1944 in New Orleans Jerry Moses was born on Aug. 9, 1946 in Yazoo City, and made his major league debut on April 9, 1963 with Miss. and went on to play for nine seasons in the major the Houston Colt .45’s. A left-handed hitting leagues. A right-handed hitting , Moses made his and , Staub went on to play for 23 seasons big league debut on May 9, 1965 and would go on to be in the big leagues. While playing for the , an American League All-Star in 1970 with the Boston Staub became one of the team’s first stars, obtaining the Red Sox. In 386 games, Moses collected 269 hits en route endearing nickname “Le Grand Orange.” due to his to a respectable career batting average of .251. efforts to learn the French Canadian language. The only When Moses was 18 years old, he became the youngest player ever to notch 500 hits with four different teams, player in Red Sox history to pinch-hit a , Staub ranks 13th on the all-time list for games played, accomplishing the feat in his second MLB at-bat. and collected 2,716 hits, 292 home runs and 1,466 RBIs Throughout his nine years in the majors, Moses played for during his career. A six-time All-Star, Staub became one of the Red Sox, Angels, Indians, Yankees, Tigers, the most reliable offensive players for the New York Mets Padres and White Sox, and closed out his career with a between 1972 and 1975, establishing himself as a beloved off Hall of Fame in his final big figure amongst Mets fans. league at-bat on Aug. 9, 1975. After his playing career, Staub devoted his life to giving Beloved by many due to his kind-hearted nature, back to others, becoming heavily involved in charity Moses served as the chairman for Major League Alumni work. On top of the Rusty Staub Foundation’s efforts Marketing for several years, and as the chairman emeritus to provide millions of meals for those in need, Staub until his passing. Moses passed away on March 27, 2018. is best remembered for the work he did for families of fallen police officers and firefighters in New York City, for whom he raised millions of dollars. Staub also served as a goodwill ambassador for the New York Mets and was a vice president for the MLBPAA, serving as the chairman of the annual Legends for Youth Dinner. Staub passed away on March 29, 2018 in West Palm Beach, Fla.

IN REMEMBRANCE OF BASEBALL LEGENDS Visit baseballalumni.com/necrology for our updated obituaries and archive. May they rest in peace. 8 SUMMER 2018

USA BASEBALL, ABCA ANNOUNCE COLLABORATION WITH MLBPAA MLBPAA WILL OFFER COMMUNITY CLINICS FOR COACHES AS PART OF THE BASEBALL ACE PROGRAM By USA Baseball MLB.com DURHAM, North Carolina — USA Baseball and the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) announced on Thursday, June 7, their collaboration with the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA) to offer coaching clinics through the Baseball ACE program. Baseball ACE is a joint initiative between USA Baseball and the ABCA to create a higher standard of coaching education and enhance the ability of coaches to better serve coaching and running a practice. players and parents of youth players athletes, teams and communities. A comprehensive list of Community This program is part of a broader alike. We are looking forward to see Clinics offered across the United States the positive residual effects of this educational partnership between is available at CoachClinics.org. USA Baseball and the ABCA to collaboration on the game of baseball provide a comprehensive platform “We are thrilled to be collaborating over the next several years.” that combines online and in-person with the MLBPAA on this priority “This collaboration with USA learning opportunities for baseball initiative,” said Rick Riccobono, Chief Baseball and ABCA is a fantastic way coaches at all levels. Development Officer at USA Baseball. to provide opportunities to coaches “Over the years, the MLBPAA has throughout the country,” said Dan In an effort to deliver these demonstrated its commitment to educational opportunities to an Foster, Chief Executive Officer at the growing the game by inspiring and MLBPAA. “As this program begins even larger audience, Baseball ACE educating players and coaches through Community Clinics were developed to to expand, we will further fulfill our its platform of grassroots clinics. This mission of promoting the game of encourage active mentorship among collaboration marks an impactful the baseball coaching community baseball while inspiring coaches to next step in the ACE program’s become better leaders for their teams by providing coaches at all levels the mission to unify the baseball coaching opportunity to learn and grow by and involving former players in their community in order to make the sport local communities.” interacting with one another. stronger at all levels.” The MLBPAA will support the “We are excited to collaborate with Baseball ACE program by hosting USA Baseball and the MLBPAA various Community Clinics, which to provide more educational TO ATTEND will be held year-round at facilities opportunities for coaches throughout OR LEARN nationwide. The clinics will feature the nation,” said ABCA Executive MORE ABOUT four to five former Major League Director Craig Keilitz. “We feel Baseball players to instruct local strongly that the more opportunities COACHES youth baseball coaches, volunteers, to learn that are available and easily CLINIC, VISIT: parents and enthusiasts on proper accessible for our coaches willresult in fundamentals, drills and techniques of an enhanced experience for coaches, MLB.com/mlbpaa/events/coaches-clinics

Visit baseballalumni.com/necrology for our updated obituaries and archive. May they rest in peace. A PUBLICATION OF THE MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYERS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 9 BASEBALL ALUMNI NEWS

MLB ALUMNI REVISIT ONE SHINING MOMENT By John Hickey Special to MLB.com MEMBER UPDATES

Former players gather for a photo at the San Francisco Alumni Day on June 24, 2018.

SAN FRANCISCO—Although -- as part of outreach programs by called up.’ It was a great moment,” he’s heard a little about Moonlight the player alumni groups. It’s the Gene “Butch” Rounsaville said. Graham, Leroy Reams has never fifth of 20 programs put on by Rounsaville, who was also at seen the movie “Field Of Dreams.” the Major League Baseball Players Tuesday’s event, was Reams’ No matter. He’s lived much of Alumni Association this year, some roommate at the time and even the same dream that Graham did. of which will include participation now refers to Reams by his Reworked into a fictional existence from NFL, NBA and NHL alumni. “CatMan” nickname. in W.P. Kinsella’s novel “Shoeless It’s a chance to catch up with former On May 7, after he’d been up a Joe,” Graham made the move to brothers in arms, take in a game and few days, Reams got the word from the big screen when the book was hear what that alumni group has in Bob Skinner in the eighth adapted into the Kevin Costner/ the works for its members. to get ready. Down 6-1 to James Earl Jones movie. “It was a wonderful opportunity, the Astros, the Phillies needed a Graham made it to the big leagues a great experience,” Reams said of pinch-hitter. Houston ace Larry for one game. He got to play right his one big league game. “It was the Dierker, in the middle of what field with the New York Giants crowning point of my life and all would be his only 20-win season, for one inning (on June 29, 1905, I went through to get from Class needed just four pitches -- all in reality; at season’s end in the C ball to the top. And being here -- to strike Reams out. movie), but never got to bat. tonight, this makes it all worthwhile.” “It might have been the best game Reams can identify. He made it to A native of Oakland, Reams started of his career that night,” Reams said. the big leagues in 1969 with the in the Yankees’ organization in “He struck out 14, he was just on. Phillies. He was up for a week, 1969, moving from Class C ball He just climbed the ladder with me.” struck out in one pinch-hit at-bat (Idaho Falls in the Pioneer League), Two days later, after a rainout, but never played on defense. eventually making it to the Eugene Reams got taken aside. Reams and about two dozen Emeralds, the Phillies’ Pacific Coast “Skinner told me, ‘You can’t hit big former Major Leaguers gathered League team. In the first week of league pitching,’” Reams said. May 1969, he got the call. Tuesday, June 26 at AT&T Park After just four pitches, that was in San Francisco -- together with “He came over to me all smiles something of a rush to judgment. a similar number of NFL alums and said, ‘The CatMan is getting

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Alumni Leroy Reams and Gene Rounsaville make up for lost time at the San Francisco Alumni Day after having played together in the 1960s in the Phillies organization.

But there would be no MLB it to -A before moving on. Ed Bressoud, Noah tomorrow for Reams. “I was a little surprised that Lowry and Nate Oliver. He said it never occurred to him CatMan never got another shot,” Even Rounsaville got into eight big that he’d never be back in the big Rounsaville said. “He could hit. league games for the White Sox in leagues. But after one more season If there’d been a , 1970, including pitching in relief on at Triple-A, he retired, went home he would have played a long time, for the Sox that season. to Oakland and began a successful for sure. He played all over the But Reams’ experience was every career as an insurance salesman place for us, never really had a fixed bit as intensive. with Metropolitan. His son, Ron, position, but he could always hit.” “I always loved baseball, loved the who made the journey across the Reams’ big league experience wasn’t game,” Reams said. “Playing in the bay for Tuesday’s meeting and as extensive as that of other attendees big leagues, even for one game, was game, also played baseball, making like catcher Matt Walbeck, infielder a rewarding experience.”

A PUBLICATION OF THE MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYERS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 11 Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association 1631 Mesa Avenue, Suite D Colorado Springs, CO 80906 Phone: (719) 477-1870 Fax: (719) 477-1875 Email: [email protected] www.baseballalumni.com

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MLBPAA Mission Statement To promote the game of baseball, raise money for charity, inspire and educate youth through positive sport images and protect the dignity of the game through former Major League players.

All smiles for a Tampa Bay boy who enjoyed a Legends for Youth Clinic at the home of the Rays, Tropicana Field, on April 14, 2018.

A PUBLICATION OF THE MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYERS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION