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Home , Albie Lopez, Craig Skok, Dave Winfield, Denny Doyle, Eric Davis (baseball), George Arias

NEWS SPRING 2018

FORMER PLAYERS GIVE MAJOR LEAGUE INSTRUCTION TO KIDS AT TUCSON CLINIC

By Fabian Ardaya / MLB.com League Players Alumni Charlie Montoyo, Nikco Riesgo Association’s Legends for Youth and Mike Sember. TUCSON, Arizona — A familiar baseball clinic in Tucson on It’s an opportunity that Lopez, a sound echoed throughout one of Saturday, January 20. local product who was part of the the practice fields at Kino Lopez joined former three- Diamondbacks’ 2001 Sports Complex. time Gold Glove winner and team, didn’t have at the same age. With each thud of a baseball hitting two-time All-Star “I was kind of in the same boat as the grass, the voice continued. as one of several former Major these kids where the coaching and “You’re out!” Leaguers hosting the free clinic opportunities were very limited,” for a projected 200 local youth, Lopez said. “To be able to have Several baseball hopefuls donned teaching life skills in addition numbers to match their idols. these former Major Leaguers come to how to throw a four-seam out and talk to these kids, we can One wore No. 44 for Arizona’s fastball as the kids cycled through . Another wore help them dream and give them a pitching, hitting, infield and routine where they can come out No. 1, matching Houston’s Carlos outfield drills. Correa. A third wore No. 34 for daily and execute it. . The voice bellowed Those joining Lopez and Davis “To be able to receive instruction from a No. 32 Sedona red included former Major Leaguers from these Major League guys jersey, as former Diamondbacks Shelley Duncan, Willie Adams, is huge, maybe helping them Albie Lopez led the series George Arias, Damon Buford, get help or giving a tip that an of pitching drills at the Major Dave Burba, Gil Heredia, Story continues on page 3...

A PUBLICATION OF THE PLAYERS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BASEBALL ALUMNI NEWS SPRING 2018

www.baseballalumni.com E-mail: [email protected] ordinary might not have.” “From an informational Telephone: 1-800-336-5272 TABLE OF CONTENTS When Davis, who grew up in Los standpoint, to be able to see all the Looking for a tax free deduction? Angeles, was this age, his dreams players and the Major Leaguers The MLBPAA is designated as a 501(c)(3) FORMER PLAYERS GIVE MAJOR LEAGUE weren’t on the baseball diamond - that have played, it would’ve non-profit organization. Under the IRS code, INSTRUCTION TO KIDS AT TUCSON CLINIC...... 1,3 they were on the basketball court. been huge (for me). My mouth your contributions, other than dues, are fully Now Davis—the first player in would’ve been wide open, just like tax deductible. Contributions can be made in WHERE ARE THEY NOW? RICK SAWYER...... 3-4 Major League history to smash 30 these guys’ are.” the form of cash, securities, or real estate. homers and steal at least 50 bases The lessons - and autographs - are Check with your accountant or tax advisor 2017 YEAR IN REVIEW...... 5 in the same season (1987) and a mementos parents and coaches hope regarding which is best for you. RIPKEN SR. FOUNDATION CARRIES ON LEGACY..... 6 World Series champion -- got the can stay with the young players far All checks should be made payable chance to teach kids the game he beyond the clinic. to the MLBPAA and sent to: MEMBER UPDATES AND BENEFITS...... 7 wound up falling for. “Baseball has taught me in my life 1631 Mesa Avenue, Suite D “It’s fun, because you get the to be a good human being, to be Colorado Springs, CO 80906. chance to help the kids and a good teammate,” Lopez said. MLBPAA Board of Directors identify with them and help “I’m always trying to be helpful, Jim Hannan – Chairman them towards their dream,” Davis especially in baseball, because Fred Valentine – Vice Chairman said. “Here, the dreams aren’t as baseball has allowed me to be Sandy Alderson, John Doherty, emphasized as once you sign a surrounded by good people my Denny Doyle, Brian Fisher, Joseph Garagiola, professional contract, but here is entire life.” Three-time winner Eric Davis rolls groundballs to kids in the outfield at a Legends for Youth Clinic in Tucson, AZ. Jr., Doug Glanville, Jim “Mudcat” Grant, just the fun part of teaching them This story was not subject to Rich Hand, Mike Myers, , and watching them learn. the approval of Major League Jim Sadowski, Fernando Tatis, Jose Valdivielso Baseball or its clubs. MLBPAA Officers President Vice Presidents , , , , WHERE , Fred Valentine – Secretary/Treasurer ARE THEY RICK SAWYER Brian Fisher – Assistant Secretary David Mindell – General Counsel NOW? Sam Moore ­– Legal Counsel Emeritus MLAM Board of Directors Link: https://www.mlb.com/mlbpaa Jim Poole - Chairman By Alex Trihias, MLBPAA Jerry Moses - Chairman Emeritus Bill Bray, Orestes Destrade, John Doherty, UPGRADE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TODAY BY VISITING

Evan Kaplan, , Brian McRae, Ethan Orlinsky, Andy Parton, WWW.BASEBALLALUMNI.COM/PLAYERMEMBER Former right-handed pitcher Rick a big part of my life, it felt natural to team to participate – allowing for an Sawyer loved coaching so much that he bring the two together,” Sawyer said. effective way for veterans to bond. Brooks Robinson, Ed Weber OR CONTACT YOUR MEMBERSHIP DEPARTMENT AT (800) 336-5272, EXT. 113, MLAM Officers put together a team for a city league in “Sports can give a veteran a chance Sawyer asked if the organization had – President OR BY E-MAIL AT [email protected] Bakersfield, . However, this to get out, talk to other veterans and 10 people who would be interested Fergie Jenkins – Vice President was no ordinary team. hopefully if they need support or want in playing. The Wounded Heroes – Vice President After a few years of playing Major support they will meet someone who Fund sent out flyers and soon enough, David Mindell – Secretary/Treasurer, League Baseball for the New York has been through what they might be responses poured in. General Counsel Yankees and Padres, decades dealing with.” MLAS Board of Directors In just one week, he had more than 40 of real estate and sales experience After quitting his high school coaching veterans of various ages interested. Craig Skok – Chairman and a successful high school baseball job in 2017, Sawyer was encouraged by Eddie Robinson – Chairman Emeritus coaching stint, Sawyer turned his love his wife, Theresa, to visit a local charity “It surprised me how interested Steve Rogers – Secretary/Treasurer for baseball into an outlet for military in Bakersfield called the Wounded everybody was,” Sawyer said. “I can’t , , Dexter Fowler, veterans. Heroes Fund. Sawyer’s goal was to believe all the calls.” , LaTroy Hawkins, Visit baseballalumni.com/necrology Jason Phillips, “I just wanted to do something to help gather enough people for one team to This year – his second year of coaching for our updated obituaries and archive. May they rest in peace. veterans and baseball has been such play in the City of Bakersfield softball the veteran team – Sawyer expects the league. His would be the only veteran number of participants to .

2 IN REMEMBRANCE OF BASEBALL LEGENDS A PUBLICATION OF THE MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYERS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 3 SPRING 2018 MLBPSPRINGAA 2018 Yea I Revie

Rick Sawyer and his veteran team visit the at during the summer of 2017.

The purpose of the baseball team that Donations rolled in to support Sawyer’s come out. I kept emailing him and PARTICIPATING Sawyer assembled is to in helping team including a donation for the texting him and still.” mor than military veterans with post-traumatic bus from an old friend of Sawyer’s, Though this particular veteran has yet PLAYERS 74,000 (INSTRUCTORS) stress disorder (PTSD). Bakersfield a graduate from the United States to join the team, Sawyer hasn’t given Vet Center outreach specialist and Military Academy at West Point. up on him. resource, Jenny Frank, said that when “I got local vendors around here to a veteran is suffering from PTSD or “I’m going to try to get him again this donate and we all put in money and we year, see if he’ll come out there,” he said. other injuries, they sometimes have bought them uniforms and entry fee difficulty reaching out for help. They into the game,” Sawyer said. Sawyer said he doesn’t have a specific may also feel that asking for help is a way of encouraging veterans to join 14 sign of weakness or that therapy would Sawyer plans to do another trip for his the team because he’s “just an old be uncomfortable. players to either a Angels baseball player”. Rather, he tells them or game – since of his experiences. “It’s amazing how these guys, they’ve most of his players are fans of those bonded together in this thing,” Sawyer teams – as he anticipates the larger “They ask questions about my said. “I mean, it doesn’t matter if we’ve volume of interested veterans for the experiences and I tell them, I have no won or lost, they’re having fun, they’re 2018 season. problem with that. Everybody likes laughing and if a guy makes an , baseball stories.” a guy makes an error. It’s no big deal. “We’ll probably have three or four Though at the end of the day, Sawyer They just like being together with all teams around this time,” Sawyer said. prefers to stay out of the spotlight. these guys that served with them.” Sawyer enjoys watching the veterans He considers himself blessed to get to Sawyer said he’s even received calls from talk about their time serving and spend time with some individuals he the players saying that they’re interested having fun playing the game. He highly respects. in playing in the winter as well. feels that the sentiment of teamwork that they lose once they’re out of “It’s not about me,” Sawyer said. “They want to play 365 days a year,” the military gets found again in an “I get a lot of satisfaction watching Sawyer said. atmosphere like his. these guys just kind of enjoy themselves. When they win a game During the summer of 2017, Sawyer “These guys come out of service and took his players to Petco Park for a San they get excited about it. It’s amazing they’re so respectful and they’re just how these guys come back from the Diego Padres game, courtesy of his enjoying themselves now,” Sawyer said. former teammate . service and all of the sudden they Sometimes, however, it takes some have to get a job and now they’re “I got some donations, we got a bus convincing. Sawyer had one instance excited about something. They look and we took 25 veterans down to San when a veteran with PTSD was forward to a game and I enjoy that.” Diego for a game,” Sawyer said. “They hesitant about joining the team because actually gave us a tour before the game of a lack of skills. and the vets got to meet some of the players and enjoy the game and came “It doesn’t really matter,” Sawyer said back so that was a good opportunity in regards to softball skills. “He came Photos courtesy of Rick Sawyer and for them.” out one time and then he’d come out Doug McWilliams/National Baseball a second time and then he wouldn’t Hall of Fame and Museum

A PUBLICATION OF THE MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYERS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 4 A PUBLICATION OF THE MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYERS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 5 BASEBALL ALUMNI NEWS SPRING 2018

RIPKEN SR. FOUNDATION CARRIES ON LEGACY By Oliver Macklin MLB.com BALTIMORE—Cal Ripken Sr. fully embraced the role of coach. Not just in baseball, but in life. GET INTO THE CLUBHOUSE TODAY! 1,500 players have already logged in and THE WIVES CLUBHOUSE AWAITS! Ripken was a natural born leader, Created just for baseball spouses and wives, the Wives teaching the importance of a completed a profile,have you? Clubhouse is how you can stay connected to all the wonderful strong work ethic, responsibility Stay in touch, re-connect, share what you’re up to and more. women in baseball. Keep in touch with old friends, share what and healthy living in the Major Did we mention that the Clubhouse is now mobile friendly? Leaguers he managed during you’ve been up to, add to the business directory, learn about Now you can access your online community from a mobile his 37-year in the Orioles’ upcoming events, take part in group discussions and more! organization, and the youth he phone or tablet without missing a beat! mentored following his career in It’s never been easier to stay in touch with the women who share the pros. Head to BaseballAlumni.com/Clubhouse in your journey, so login in today! to login and get started. Though he passed away in 1999, Visit BaseballAlumni.com/TheWivesClub to get started. his legacy lives on through his MEMBER UPDATES wife, Vi, and sons Cal Jr. and Bill, who created the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation in 2001 in his honor. The Foundation, in conjunction NEW MEMBER BENEFITS! with the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association, hosted TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE MEMBER ONLY PERKS its 14th annual Aspire Gala at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront on of the greatest one-day fundraising A pair of new program initiatives JACK Winery(Retired —player members member are benefiteligible toonly) receiveThe Ivory ClaspInspirato — (Wives - Inspirato Members is only) the, Ivoryprivate luxury Friday, February 23 to raise money events in Maryland, according to launched over the past year -- a 10% Clubhousediscount on is allour wines Association’s purchased new members- from Clasp isdestination a monthly club.handbag As a subscription member, you are invited to help support the “programming the Foundation. STEM Initiative and I’m GREAT only, secure, privateJACK onlineWinery community by using promothat empowers code MLBPAA members at to serviceto that try offers Inspirato members risk-free a fordiscounted six months first with no and initiatives for at-risk youth and “This year we’ll raise more money (Girls Respecting Each Other communicate withcheckout, current and& formercan enjoy players, free accesstastings resources at their and month commitmentrate at $39. In and addition, receive a $250portion credit. of the Inspirato underserved communities across and Themselves) -- will help the vineyard in Napa, CA. JACK Winery was founded proceeds will be donated back to the MLBPAA. than we’ve ever raised before,” advertise your personal business. Visit BaseballAlumni.com/Clubhouse gives you access to more than 800 vacation options including the United States.” foundation continue to better the by teammates Chris Iannetta and . Check Check out their website at: www.ivoryclasp.com. Salem said. “All the money goes to and login using your existing membership username and password. spacious private residences, luxury resorts and hotels, and “What we’re trying to do is carry reaching these kids in Baltimore, lives of children in need. them out at http://jackwinery.com/ on [Cal’s] legacy, and carry on what and across the country. So, In 2017 the Ripken Sr. Foundation Forgot your credentials? No problem, email us at Clubhouse@ members-only experiences.MyIDCare Plus, members— (Players, receive Wives personalized he believes so strongly in,” said knowing that it’s going to help us opened 10 STEM Centers mlbpaa.com. AsTicket of February Monster 15, 2017,— offers 950 playersmembers have loggedup to 40% in and attention from Memberand Care Professional Specialists whoMembers take care only) of all your executive director Steve Salem. at least for the next year and build throughout the U.S, all of which added 120 businessessavings onto thetickets growing for sporting business events,directory concerts, and added vacation planning and makeSave 15%sure youtoday get by the enrolling most before,during Hall of Famers , momentum into the future is really are supplied with the necessary 75 discussion theater,posts to themovies, home theme page. Most parks recently, and more. the Clubhouse Visit andin complete after your identity vacations. protection with MyIDCare. , , wonderful.” resources to teach enjoyable and Digest was developedtheir MLBPAA to regularly landing email page: featured http://mlbpaa. members, business Membership includes credit and dark web monitoring engaging programs to more than Fergie Jenkins and were Since its inception 17 years ago, spotlights, Clubhouseticketmonster.com/ News and player to discussioncheck it out. board Additionally, posts. and covers Ritzyou forCarlton all 9 types – Naples, of identity FL - theft.Competitive corporate among the 800 attendees at the 1,600 at-risk children. 5% from each purchase will be donated back to the the Foundation has joined forces rates for the Ritz Carlton – Naples, FL location. event, which honored Baltimore with “hundreds of youth and law I’m GREAT is expected to MLBPAA. Magellan Luxury Hotels — (Player MLB.TV - 50% off an MLB.TV Premium Yearly Inquire with KateHutchinson at [email protected]. Ravens legend Jonathan Ogden, enforcement agencies” to educate implement curriculums at three Members only) Magellan Luxury former Maryland Terrapins coach and improve the lives of children North Carolina sites to make a subscriptionAthletes by entering Brand code— (Players MLBTVMLBPAA and Wives Club. Visit Hotels will extend insider only rates, Gary Williams and U.S. Marshal throughout the country. The positive impact on teenage girls the followingMembers link toonly) purchase:, Athletes http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/ Brand is an online up to 40% Golfoff luxuryChannel hotel Amateur rooms, Tour to Discountmembers - of(Retired the player Johnny L. Hughes. organization has also constructed and help them comprehend the subscriptions/index.jsp?content=mlbpaastore that promotes a professional athletes’ MLBPAA, theirmember families, benefit andonly) friends. Your next Members pitch is on will the alsogolf course. “These guys are really passionate 74 Youth Development Parks since decisions they make, and how they brand while leveraging sales of products to raise Allbe MLBPAAgiven a 50% members discount are eligibleon our topremium join at the membership discounted rate of 2009, creating safe recreational can affect their lives as they grow about making a difference and money andFitBit awareness – (Retired for charities.player member MLBPAA benefit members only) $150tier, (Regularly$199)if they chose to Learn upgrade, more whichat GCAmTour.com/MLBPAA qualifies you for . facilities for more than 460,000 older. receive 20% off orders at www.AthletesBrand.com room upgrades, welcome amenities, and other benefits mentoring people, and keeping Ready to knock your fitness goals out of the people on the right track,” Salem kids each year. Of everything the foundation in at our great hotels! park? With Fitbit you can track every move you Beer of the Month Club - Receive a 10% discount said. In addition, there are 14 fields in honor of Cal Sr. has accomplished, EarFleek — EarFleek is a monthly make towards a healthy lifestyle— from exercise and food to weight and The Aspire Gala raised more than the development phase nationwide; Salem said, “It’s all about carrying earring subscription service. Use code on all gift and personal Beer Club memberships from $3 million last year, and is expected two are nearly complete in the on his legacy.” sleep. Receive discounts onMLBPAA 2 Fitbit devices at checkout by visiting to get the yourAssociation’s first www.beerofthemonthclub.com. Contact Shelton Dane to raise even more in 2018. It is one greater Baltimore area. customizedmonth online for store only at$2.25 www.fitbit.com/store/MLBPAA and a portion of the proceeds. Enter by phone, 800-625-8238 x116, or email, Shelton@ your last willname be with donated your MLBPAA back to themember MLBPAA. ID number Check to out receive their monthlyclubs.com. the discountwebsite (Example at: www.earfleek.com. Smith1234).

6 A PUBLICATION OF THE MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYERS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 7 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.

Pitcher for the 2008-2009 James Parr demonstrates how to properly grip a baseball at the Legends for Youth Clinic in Celebration, FL.

A PUBLICATION OF THE MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYERS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION