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Home , Al Leiter, Brad Lidge, Craig Biggio, Dave LaPoint, Joe Rudi, Josh Towers

SPRING 2019

MLBPAA, YOUTH FUTURES INTERNATIONAL HOST GOLF TOURNAMENT By Lukas Eggen / MLB.com 1994 to 2003, was one of more than a dozen “It’s for a good cause,” Davis said. “When you former MLB players taking part in the Major get a chance to show young men and women renidad Hubbard remembers League Players Alumni Association what the future could be like, showing them Muhammad Ali visiting his school as kid. and Youth Futures International Golf they can achieve great things in their future, “I’m not comparing myself to Ali, but Tournament on April 1 in Las Vegas. that’s important.” Tit meant the world that a celebrity would take the Among the players who took part in the The tournament benefited Youth Futures time,” Hubbard said. “I remember the experience tournament, VIP dinner, and auction International, an organization aimed at much more than the words spoken.” included Tommy Davis, a three-time All-Star maximizing young leaders’ potential to Giving back to communities across the and 1963 champion with the impact the world in a variety of ways. world—and helping to inspire future . No matter what your interest, players were generations—is something Hubbard has While everyone was having a blast on the course, focused on making sure the kids knew that made his mission. it’s the lessons the kids will take with them that no matter what their dreams are, they Hubbard, who played in the majors from truly inspires the players who attended. can find success. Story continues on page 3...

Cover Photo Caption: Former MLB players (from left to right) Duke Sims, Rickey Clark, Rudy Law and Joe Rudi participate in the MLBPAA and Youth Futures International golf tournament in Las Vegas on April 1, 2019.

A PUBLICATION OF THE PLAYERS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BASEBALL ALUMNI NEWS www.baseballalumni.com E-mail: [email protected] Telephone: 1-800-336-5272 Looking for a tax free deduction? TABLE OF CONTENTS The MLBPAA is designated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Under the IRS code, your contributions, other than dues, are MLBPAA, YOUTH FUTURES INTERNATIONAL HOST GOLF TOURNAMENT... 1–3 fully tax deductible. Contributions can be made in the form of cash, securities, or real FORMER MLB PLAYERS CHERISH CHANCE TO TEACH CHILDREN...... 4 estate. Check with your accountant or tax advisor regarding which is best for you. MLAM WRAP-UP...... 5 All checks should be made payable to the MLBPAA and sent to: WHERE ARE THEY NOW? ...... 6 1631 Mesa Avenue, Suite D Colorado Springs, CO 80906 NEW MEMBER BENEFITS ...... 7 MLBPAA Board of Directors Jim Hannan – Chairman Fred Valentine – Vice Chairman Sandy Alderson, John Doherty, Denny Doyle, MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THE Brian Fisher, Joe Garagiola, Jr., Doug Glanville, Jim “Mudcat” Grant, Rich Hand, NEXT WORD TO THE WIVES CHAT! Mike Myers, Steve Rogers, Jim Sadowski, Fernando Tatis, Jose Valdivielso MLBPAA Officers Jim Hannan – Chairman Fred Valentine – Vice Chairman – President Vice Presidents – , , Join Wives Club members this spring on the first Friday of every month Carl Erskine, , to hear from guest speakers regarding member benefits, resources, Brian Fisher - Assistant Secretary upcoming events, and more! Dan Foster – Chief Executive Officer Geoff Hixson – Chief Operating Officer David Mindell – Secretary/Treasurer & Upcoming Word to the Wives Chats: General Counsel – Answering the 5 W’s of Baseball Sam Moore – General Counsel Emeritus May 3rd Assistance Team Hosted by B.A.T MLAM Board of Directors Jim Poole - Chairman June 7th – Benefits of a Wives Club Membership Bill Bray, Orestes Destrade, John Doherty, Hosted by Erika Boughter Evan Kaplan, , Brian McRae, Ethan Orlinsky, Andy Parton, , Ed Weber MLAM Officers Jim Poole – Chairman Orestes Destrade – Vice Chairman – President To join, call (877) 358-8686 and enter conference Vice Presidents – Fergie Jenkins, Al Leiter, ID#599-275-3673 at 1PM ET/10AM PT. Andy Parton, Dan Foster – Chief Executive Officer Geoff Hixson – Chief Operating Officer David Mindell - Secretary/Treasurer & MLBPAA MEMBERSHIP General Counsel EXCLUSIVE: MLAS Board of Directors Craig Skok - Chairman 50% OFF MLB.TV Eddie Robinson - Chairman Emeritus SUBSCRIPTION! Steve Rogers - Secretary/Treasurer , LaTroy Hawkins, Stream every 2019 out-of-market regular Jason Phillips, season game live or on demand from any of your favorite supported devices. Catch every MLAS Officers big play—take advantage of this MLBPAA Craig Skok – Chairman exclusive offer! Eddie Robinson – Chairman Emeritus Steve Rogers – Secretary/Treasurer Please visit MLB.com/live-stream-games/ David Mindell – General Counsel subscribe/mlbpaa2019discount to sign up!

2 SPRING 2019

“Baseball has brought me so much joy,” Hubbard said. “You never know what Hall of Famer you’re going to tap into when you tell participates in a golf tournament someone something. I think the point hosted by the MLBPAA and that needs to be driven home is I was in Youth Futures International in their shoes. Whether it’s golf, baseball, or Las Vegas on April 1, 2019. whatever, the one way to achieve your goal is through hard work. Mediocrity is easy to find, but if you lead with your heart and put in the work, you can be one of the best.” The festivities began on Sunday with a Legends for Youth clinic on Sunday. Kids young and old took part in different stations from pitching to base running.

Three-time All-Star and champion Tommy Davis at the MLBPAA and Youth Futures International golf tournament in Las Vegas on April 1, 2019.

“Baseball has been so good to me. Ever since I stopped playing, I’ve wanted to teach the game the right way,” Mike Gallo said. “We’re here to keep baseball strong and keep it rolling.” Gallo spent four seasons with the Astros. To join, call (877) 358-8686 and enter conference As MLB players interacted with kids of ID#599-275-3673 at 1PM ET/10AM PT. all ages, it wasn’t who won the golf tournament or how to correctly swing a bat that will stick with everyone. It’s the time they shared and the life lessons that MLBPAA MEMBERSHIP will be lasting memories. EXCLUSIVE: “The memories you make, they far outweigh the good hits,” Hubbard said. “It was an 50% OFF MLB.TV amazing experience and we never lost sight of SUBSCRIPTION! the cause. That’s what made this so great.” Stream every 2019 out-of-market regular Photo Credit by Lukas Eggens / MLB.com season game live or on demand from any of your favorite supported devices. Catch every big play—take advantage of this MLBPAA exclusive offer!

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

it. You made a mistake, and you can FORMER MLB PLAYERS CHERISH always make up those mistakes.” CHANCE TO TEACH CHILDREN The Ericksons also said they By Zak Kerr / MLB.com Phillies as an example. All of the children appreciated extended time to learn were familiar with Harper’s deal, from experts. The alumni’s attention to ELEBRATION, FL. -- If you could which LaPoint used to demonstrate the details stood out to Asher. get free hands-on instruction importance of good character. for your child from former MLB “I learned what the steps are to throw Cplayers, would you? “We all know that if we want to play as an , kind of taking a little baseball, certain people are going to be shuffle,” Asher said, describing a crow More than 50 families jumped at looking at us along the way,” LaPoint hop. “I also learned for batting you need just such an opportunity March said. “Scouts come and look at you and to have an even horizontal line of the 2nd at Celebration Little League. A they’re going to send an evaluation on bat, and usually you want your knuckles group from the MLB Players Alumni what type of person you are. One of the to be even.” Association coached their children first things they do is go talk to your in the fundamentals of hitting, teachers. Not just your grades, but what baserunning, fielding, and throwing. kind of a person are you? AUCTIONS AT 189 GAMES This edition in the Legends for Youth “When I got signed to a contract, a scout baseball clinic series featured retired came up to me and said, ‘The one thing IN 13 STADIUMS DURING SPRING TRAINING players Orestes Destrade, Lenny we noticed about you is that you’re Faedo, Jason Johnson, Seth McClung, that guy out there helping pick things James Parr, Wily Mo Pena, Mark up after practice, and you were trying , 57 GAMES 132 GAMES Worrell, and World Series champions to help your teammates.’ If you’re Dave LaPoint and Mike Devereaux. 4364 AT 5 STADIUMS AT 8 STADIUMS going to play this team sport, be a good ITEMS SOLD AT AUCTIONS Young players moved among these teammate. We’re going to try to make IN FLORIDA IN ARIZONA alumni in six stations: baserunning, that guy better because that’s going to DURING SPRING TRAINING infield technique, throwing form, make our whole team better.” pitching motion, footwork Former Seth McClung works with ,and swing mechanics. McClung affirmed LaPoint’s message participants at the Legends for Youth clinic in REGULAR SEASON PRESENCE IN 2019 and drove home to the children how Celebration, Fla. The session ended with a group photo, critical determination and desire are. autographed , and words But Asher made sure to reiterate of wisdom from the instructors. “Anything you want in this world LaPoint and McClung’s parting words They stressed dedication as crucial requires commitment and sacrifice,” about taking nothing for granted and to success, whether in baseball or McClung said. “If I could leave you with working every day. elsewhere in life. anything today; If you want something, make an action to get it.” “If you want something, you have to “We’ve been doing this a long time,” earn it,” Asher said. “Life isn’t given LaPoint told the children, pointing to These messages seemed to resonate to you. If you want a job, you have to one sitting directly in front of him. with the children. Brothers Asher and earn it.” “Look at the sweat on this dude’s hat. Judah Erickson, 11 and 7 respectively, That’s a hard worker right there, kids.” said they understood the primary Zak Kerr is a contributor to MLB.com. importance of sticking with it. MLAM EXCLUSIVE ATHLETES: LaPoint used this light moment to transition to the importance of hard “Be calm,” Judah said. “If you did BRANDON CRAWFORD PAUL DEJONG BRENT HONEYWELL work. He used outfielder Bryce Harper’s something that you think is really bad, HARRISON BADER JACOB DEGROM MICHAEL KOPECH record $330 million contract with the you don’t have to just worry about

4 SPRING 2019

INTERESTED IN FUNDRAISING JOIN US AT AN FOR A LOCAL CHARITY? ALUMNI DAY!

The MLBPAA’s Swing with the Legends golf events have been staged since Your Alumni Association will host 15 1984 and continue to feature great names in baseball including Hall of reunion events in stadium this season. Famers, All-Stars, winners, and other former Major League Visit the events calendar for dates and heroes. These golf tournaments, in conjunction with outside charities locations. and organizations, get our members involved in their communities while fundraising for charitable foundations. We hope to see you at the ballpark soon! Last year, the MLBPAA had alumni members attend 73 different events such as golf, poker, whiffle ball, baseball, and top golf tournaments across the country in the name of charitable fundraising.

For more information about these events, Go to MLB.com/mlbpaa/events please contact Katherine Sartain at for more information. [email protected] or 719-477-1870, ext. 132.

MLAM SPRING TRAINING WRAP-UP Our for-profit subsidiary company, Major League Alumni Marketing (MLAM), has been busy this spring! With the mission of giving current and former players the opportunity to stay involved in the game through appearances, speaking engagements, and autographed memorabilia, MLAM hosted memorabilia auctions throughout the Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues this Spring Training, and will be present at Big League and Minor League stadiums for the 2019 season. AUCTIONS AT 189 GAMES IN 13 STADIUMS DURING SPRING TRAINING , 57 GAMES 132 GAMES 4364 AT 5 STADIUMS AT 8 STADIUMS ITEMS SOLD AT AUCTIONS IN FLORIDA IN ARIZONA DURING SPRING TRAINING

Former pitcher Seth McClung works with participants at the Legends for Youth clinic in REGULAR SEASON PRESENCE IN 2019 Memphis Redbirds Celebration, Fla. AutoZone Park

Houston Astros Francisco Giants Salt Lake City Bees Park Smith’s Ballpark

St. Louis Cardinals Sacramento River Cats Las Vegas Aviators Raley Field Las Vegas Ballpark

MLAM EXCLUSIVE ATHLETES: MIKE TROUT BRANDON CRAWFORD PAUL DEJONG BRENT HONEYWELL MILES MIKOLAS HARRISON BADER JACOB DEGROM JACK FLAHERTY MICHAEL KOPECH BUSTER POSEY

For more information about Major League Alumni Marketing, contact [email protected].

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

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? BRAD LIDGE

By Alex Trihias / MLBPAA “I wanted to be physically active in it said Lidge. “You dig under five-to-six feet, you somehow and participate in world history,” know if there’s a glass vase fully intact it’s any Major League Baseball players Lidge said. “So archeology was a natural pretty mind-blowing.” transition into coaching, scouting, or fit where I could get out there and do field broadcasting once their career on Though Lidge has never kept any of the work and excavate. That would kind of M artifacts, chances of them ending up in a the diamond ends. One player, however, scratch the itch of being physically active shifted his focus from dugouts to digging. museum somewhere in the world are still, which I appreciate.” very likely. A World Series champion and two-time All- While Lidge is still active with MLB Network Star, Brad Lidge’s 11-year career was nothing “If you put it this way every country has Radio, he also participates in excavations short of a success. However, Lidge always had its own rules of what you can and can’t do, during the summer that last anywhere a passion for world history, which led to his but for most professional and academic between three weeks and one month. He love for archaeology. excavations everything you’re finding and his family have traveled to Italy for contributes to the site, so it’s all part of the “I probably would have gone into this field if the last five years for his excavations, as excavations,” Lidge said. “In Italy after it’s I hadn’t played baseball,” Lidge said. “On the his master’s degree’s focus was on ancient For the excavated, it’s documented and cataloged road, you have a ton of downtime hanging Roman archaeology. in 100 different ways. It ends up going to in the hotel for way too long, so I started “Because the ancient empire was as big as it the region that you’re in and ends up going [considering] how was, I have done an excavation to the region’s museum.” to finish my degree in England on ancient Roman and wanted to While most of Lidge’s excavations occur in stuff,” said Lidge. “So you can complete my degree Europe due to his concentration in Roman pretty much go anywhere.” as soon as possible archaeology, he admits that he’s done some because I started Lidge also said that he’s digging in his own backyard as a way to thinking that I uncovered artifacts from test himself and retain what he’s learned. would like to do various time periods. However, his backyard may not be the only something in world one Lidge gets to explore. “When I was on this history again after I excavation [in Italy] I found “I remember has asked me since retire.” Brad Lidge during one of his ancient attraction artifacts he has a lot of property in ,” said Lidge. During his last excavations in Europe. from 400 B.C., but then we “He has found some Native American cultural few years of Photo courtesy: Brad Lidge also found medieval stuff artifacts that he wanted me to get down there playing, Lidge from 1500 A.D., so you find a and set up a trench and excavations. I haven’t decided to finish earning his undergraduate variety of stuff,” Lidge said. “This is because done it yet, but as soon as I get time I’m going degree through online courses at the Regis typically if the Romans were there, societies to give him a call back and make it happen.” University. After that, Lidge immediately and cultures would build on the foundations Lidge’s call to Biggio may have to wait, as began pursuing his master’s degree while of what the ancient Romans have built and it Lidge has been toying with the idea of getting also taking on an opportunity to work for MLB would last for a long time, especially in Italy.” his Ph.D., which would take him four years to Network Radio. While the goal of his excavations is to find the complete. This would mean cutting ties with “At the time I was only doing [a show] one-to- foundation and better understand the site baseball, which Lidge said he’s not quite ready two times a week,” said Lidge. “So it allowed upon which he’s digging, Lidge admits that to do just yet. me to be able to do that radio show and go finding small treasures are always fun. He’s “I want to keep doing [archaeology], but I back to school and get a master’s degree.” found anything from coins to interesting don’t want to lose my ties to baseball,” Lidge pieces of pottery with designs and signatures Lidge earned his master’s degree in 2016 said. “I really enjoy doing the radio show and inscribed on them, which gives him a better from the University of Leicester in England I help out with the Phillies during the season understanding of who made the pottery. and began broadcasting on MLB Network as well, so I still love doing that. Obviously, Radio up to four days per week. However, his “The most fun things are occasionally you come I’m always going to be an expert in baseball degree provided more clarity on his passion across a small glass kind of jar or glass vase that beyond anything else.” for world history. Lidge discovered that somehow, the way the deposition of the dirt textbooks and memorization, a large part of and how it got buried, it got filled up and dirt studying world history, wasn’t meant for him. packed around it keeps it fully preserved,”

6 SPRING 2019

Please reference your Membership Catalog for discount codes and additional details. MEMBER BENEFITS All member benefit information is also available in the Clubhouse.

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For the love of the THE 2019 FORMER PLAYER TICKET POLICIES ARE game AVAILABLE When you make a donation to the MLBPAA of $50 or more in 2019, you’ll receive an MLBPAA license plate frame. These frames are not available for IN THE sale, so donate today to score an exclusive gift. CLUBHOUSE! You can make your donation online at www.baseball.mlbpaa.com/dev2019 or simply return your gift in the pre-paid envelope enclosed.

Want to make a lasting impression on your Alumni Association? Visit BaseballAlumni.com/Clubhouse Consider making a deductible contribution of appreciated stocks to support the MLBPAA, or name the MLBPAA as a beneficiary of your estate. learn about the ticket policies for Also, if you are over 70 ½, please consult with your tax advisor on your all 30 Major League clubs. options for making a qualified charitable donation directly from your IRA.

THE WORLD’S LARGEST COLLECTIBLES AUCTIONEER CAN HELP!

Heritage Auctions is available to former players for any appraisals and consignment services. All appraisals conducted by Heritage Auctions are Please contact Chris Torgusen at (727) 898-8900 confidential, free-of-charge and with no obligation to proceed with sale. or [email protected] for further information.

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

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. @MLBPAA

Former MLB players (from left to right) Dusty Allen, Josh Towers and Mike Burns enjoy a round of golf at the MLBPAA and Youth Futures International golf tournament in Las Vegas on April 1, 2019.

A PUBLICATION OF THE MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYERS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION