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Boston Red Sox

Red Sox Mgr. Eddie Kasko ‘Got’ Hurler Bill Lee

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“Bob Sheppard just
announced MY name!”

Boston Red Sox manager Eddie Kasko landed a spot in the team’s Hall of Fame in 2010. One of his achievements during his 1970-73 reign involved moving Bill “Spaceman” Lee from the bullpen to the starting rotation.

How did he cope with the pitcher’s offbeat personality? Kasko explained in a kind letter:

“We got along fine. I knew when he was “jerking” people around — especially press writers. Just ‘be ready to pitch.’

The book THE BALLPLAYERS described Kasko as “a laid-back practical joker.” Did he recall one of his finest funnies?

“Sending [word to] my ex-roommate in St. Louis that he was traded to my team in Cincy.”

He batted a sparkling .319 in the 1961 World Series for the Reds. Kasko didn’t quote a specific hit in his favorite memory of that event, writing:

“Being introduced in Yankee Stadium by their heralded P.A. announcer and getting in the Series.”

Bill Renna Savors Red Sox Pinch-hit Fun

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“Big Bill” Renna is still smiling. Just read between the lines of his letter.

His love of the game kept him going, even when pinch-hitting work was all he could find. In 1958, he converted 15 hits into 18 RBI for the Red Sox. Imagine Renna’s joy as he recounts one success off the bench:

“Against Washington In Washington, I was put in to pinch-hit. the count was 3-0 — and I looked down at the third base coach. He gave me the hit sign. Pinky Higgins was our manager and he let me hit. I hit a home run on the next pitch!!!”


Even though his last game for Boston happened more than 50 years ago, Renna still savors every inning.

“I was very fortunate to be able to play pro ball. I wanted to be a ball player from the first time I was a kid!!! I feel bless that I was able to play — and play in the period of time that I did.

I think it was wonderful.”

So are you, Bill.

Did the Tigers Ignore Milt & Frank Bolling?

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Milt Bolling exists! With a working address confirmed in a July 26 blog post featuring Baseball Address List compiler and hobby hero Harvey Meiselman, I received a fast, small reply from the former infielder this week.

Small in two ways. First, Bolling offered Dragnet-like Sgt. Joe Friday (“Just the facts, ma’am!”) replies to my questions. Secondly, I was struck by Bolling’s TINY handwriting. His autograph would double as an eye exam.

Bolling’s second baseball career came as a Boston Red Sox scout from 1965-94. Did he have even one or two discoveries that he remembers most, that he’s proudest of?

“All my signees made me proud!!!”

Most importantly, I wanted to know about his relationship with his younger  brother Frank, a major league mainstay from 1954-66. Had they dared imagine having joint careers in pro ball someday?

“We never dreamed of it as kids.”

The sad part of Milt Bolling’s reply revolved around 1958. With Milt at short and Frank at second, they gave the Detroit Tigers only the third brotherly double play combination in baseball history — the first-ever in the American League! What recognition did the team provide?

“No ceremony. Not a big deal in the paper.”

Since the 1980s, team media relations departments have churned out pre-game notes. Imagine getting more than 20 pages of statistics, anniversaries and anecdotes to use, any way you want. After the game, the same PR staff passes out a game wrapup packet. Often, you’ll get just as many pages. Reporters could sleep (or eat and drink) through the game, never paying attention. The team does almost everything, minus putting your byline atop your story.

Additionally, teams make every game a made-for-television event. Near-perfect game pitcher Armando Galarraga gets to present the lineup card to controversial umpire Jim Joyce the next day. Galarraga receives a new car for his sportsmanship. Every second seems like a photo opp.

Baseball didn’t always celebrate every moment. Reporters were all about scores and stats. History escaped their attention. The Bolling brothers gave Detroit a moment in the spotlight. There’s still time for the team to thank them.

Did the Tigers Ignore Milt & Frank Bolling?

by

Milt Bolling exists! With a working address confirmed in a July 26 blog post featuring Baseball Address List compiler and hobby hero Harvey Meiselman, I received a fast, small reply from the former infielder this week.

Small in two ways. First, Bolling offered Dragnet-like Sgt. Joe Friday (“Just the facts, ma’am!”) replies to my questions. Secondly, I was struck by Bolling’s TINY handwriting. His autograph would double as an eye exam.

Bolling’s second baseball career came as a Boston Red Sox scout from 1965-94. Did he have even one or two discoveries that he remembers most, that he’s proudest of?

“All my signees made me proud!!!”

Most importantly, I wanted to know about his relationship with his younger  brother Frank, a major league mainstay from 1954-66. Had they dared imagine having joint careers in pro ball someday?

“We never dreamed of it as kids.”

The sad part of Milt Bolling’s reply revolved around 1958. With Milt at short and Frank at second, they gave the Detroit Tigers only the third brotherly double play combination in baseball history — the first-ever in the American League! What recognition did the team provide?

“No ceremony. Not a big deal in the paper.”

Since the 1980s, team media relations departments have churned out pre-game notes. Imagine getting more than 20 pages of statistics, anniversaries and anecdotes to use, any way you want. After the game, the same PR staff passes out a game wrapup packet. Often, you’ll get just as many pages. Reporters could sleep (or eat and drink) through the game, never paying attention. The team does almost everything, minus putting your byline atop your story.

Additionally, teams make every game a made-for-television event. Near-perfect game pitcher Armando Galarraga gets to present the lineup card to controversial umpire Jim Joyce the next day. Galarraga receives a new car for his sportsmanship. Every second seems like a photo opp.

Baseball didn’t always celebrate every moment. Reporters were all about scores and stats. History escaped their attention. The Bolling brothers gave Detroit a moment in the spotlight. There’s still time for the team to thank them.