Frank Lucchesi answered my letter. Sort of?
Imagine giving a press conference. Questions? The trick is, no answers will match anything asked.
I read my share of DC Comics. This is straight Bizarro Superman stuff.
Lucchesi used the special piece of paper I enclosed for his reply.
Here is what I asked:
1. You started as a playing manager in 1951. Under what conditions might a player-manager get a chance in the majors today?
2. In your years in the Phillies farm system, who are some of your prize pupils, and how did you help them on the field?
3. From the 1970 Phillies helm to leadership of the 1987 Cubs: how did the pressures or demands of big league managing change in those years?
His answers?
1. My best hitter was Rich Allen.
2. My best two pitchers, Fergie Jenkins and Steve Carlton
3. Best city I like was Philadelphia.
4. My best infielder was Larry Bowa.
Those were nice. Totally baffling, but nice. If you write to Lucchesi, expect an answer. What kind of an answer? That’s the question!