January 2011 - Page 5 of 8 - Baseball by The Letters

Senator Del Unser Talks Triples

October 27, 2016January 13, 2011 by Tom Owens

He still has
the sweeping “D”

Del Unser is one forgiving guy.

I regretted a question as soon as it dropped in the mailbox. At the time, I wished I was Fred Flintstone, able to stuff Barney Rubble in the box to retrieve the questionable question. (Remember that episode?!?)

Back to baseball: I learned that Washington Senator Del Unser led the American League with eight triples in 1969. However, that was the lowest-ever league best. His high was a record low. I asked why he thought there weren’t more three-base hits that year.

I imagined a “What? Have you ever led the American League, or even your Little League, in triples?!?” Thankfully, Unser did reply, offering some thoughtful insights.

Regarding the dearth of three-baggers that season, Unser reminded:

“There was only one .300 hitter that year…the year of the pitcher.”

I asked about his dad, catcher Al Unser, who served with the Tigers and Reds in 1942-45.

“He never coached much — always on the road. He told me to always hustle if you put that uniform on.”

Tomorrow: Del Unser relives three consecutive pinch-hit home runs from 1979.

Jerry Moses Honors Tony Conigliaro

October 27, 2016January 12, 2011 by Tom Owens

How Does He Spell
His First Name?

Jerry Moses served nearly a decade in the majors. Time stands still for Boston fans, who’ll forever remember him as the baby-faced catcher made of steel.

“I only went to bat four times in 1965. The older guys were great to me. Some of those guys are still my friends.”

Moses saw limitless potential in one teammate: Tony Conigliaro.

“Tony was a great friend. He was a confident person and player. He would have been a Hall of Famer.”

I thought Moses would remember a highlight of his Fenway days as the homer from April 20, 1969 off Steve Hargan.

“Grand slams are unique. It was great.”

Did he watch it clear?

“Yes.”

I dared to ask: if that wasn’t your favorite homer ever, what was?

“I hit a home run as my first hit. I was 18 years old.”

That wasn’t the only surprise in the letter from Moses.

“I should have had a better career. I worked hard, played hard and did was I needed to do. I listened too much to some coaches who tried to change my way of hitting.

I never had a problem hitting and was a home run hitter. By using the coach, I became a line drive hitter.

I hope to write a small book called ‘How to Screw Up a Great Career.'”

Moses reveals much more in this fine Red Sox blog feature interview (at least the Boston parts), “At Home At Fenway”!

Moses allowed one mystery to remain. When I asked him to settle the baseball history debate of whether his first name should be GERRY or JERRY, he passed. I’m sure Topps is still puzzled. Initially, the company pulled his full name “Gerald” off his appearance contract, using it as a facsimile autograph. However, the catcher has always signed with a “J.”

Smile With Pitcher Al “Stretch” Grunwald

October 27, 2016January 11, 2011 by Tom Owens

Still Looking Up!

Al Grunwald led two baseball lives.

First, anyone spotting his nickname should be clued in that this was no ordinary pitcher. Grunwald was one of baseball’s good sports. Imagine being in an organization seven years, suddenly being told that you might be of more service at another position.

That’s how a first baseman gets relocated.

Upon reading that, I expected Marlon Brando’s “I Coulda Been a Contendah!” Nope. No moaning about finding work in Japan as a first baseman after the majors gave up on the converted hurler.

Instead, Al Grunwald’s still filled with wonder!

He debuted with the 1955 Pirates. Grunwald recalled one talented young teammate:

“What I recall about Roberto Clemente, he was the greatest ballplayer I ever saw! I never talked to Roberto, but watching him play was remarkable!!!”

A 1955 highlight had to be his 5.1 scoreless innings against St. Louis May 1. Grunwald shared:

“Tom, there is always tense moments in baseball. Pitching against Stan Musial was a great thrill! He hit a line drive single over my head.”

Grunwald’s only career save came as a Kansas City Athletic. He shut down the Boston Red Sox in Fenway Park on Sept. 11, 1959. How did that feel?

“Looking at the left field wall, it felt like you could reach out and touch it. Ha! Ha!”

Grunwald opened and closed his letter thanking me. He wished my family ‘Happy New Year’ and prefaced his autograph with “As Ever.”

I hope more former players like Al Grunwald remain “as ever.” That would make a new year happier for all fans and collectors.

Smile With Pitcher Al "Stretch" Grunwald