Toronto---A day after the final cuts of spring training were made, I remember interviewing Mike Witt, rookie starting pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays, shortly after the announcement that he would be the club's opening day starter.
"I'm shocked but excited. This has been a dream of mine ever since I could remember."
After a 8-19 start, coupled with a 5.29 ERA, you could almost say it's been a nightmare actually. But when I caught up with the 21 year old rookie after a 2 inning, 8 run shelling, Witt could do nothing but smile.
"Man I got rocked," he stated. He was calm, content, and despite the fact that he had just racked up his 19th loss, there was something about Mike Witt that made me want to smile.
He was loving the game, and loving being a pitcher in the major leagues. It's been a rough road for the rookie, but all signs point to a long and successful career for a pitcher with nothing but talent, and an obvious love for the game.
"I'll get em next time," was all he had to say as I closed out the interview.
We know you will, Mike, we know you will.
Monday 9/4/1981 TEXAS - Texas' players had every reason to congratulate Johnny Bench, who reached a milestone today, collecting his 2000th career hit! His hit in the 1st inning was a single off Darrell Jackson. His best year so far was 1978 where he hit .282 with 26 homeruns and 82 RBI. 'My friends always told me that I will do it one day. I never believed it. Good that I was wrong!'
Aging like a fine wine (while surrounded by sour grapes).
Tom Seaver broke into the majors in 1967 with an amazing Rookie ERA of 2.76 and winning 16 games. The very next year, he improved that by lowering his ERA to 2.21 while still winning 16 games. Neither year was he selected to represent the NL in the All-Star game. Since then he has
quietly amassed stats that should guarantee his place in history. Somehow this glowing career performance has gone overlooked until just recently. The last three years have seen Tom Seaver selected to the All-Star game, but never as the starter. In fact, although selected this year, he never even appeared at the mound for a single pitch.
This reporter believes that the reason for this may be due to his organization. The Mets routinely are in chase for the post season but never seem to make it over the hump. They tease the fans with hope, but never deliver. This season seems to be a repeat of this strategy. The Mets are just three games out of a wild card position and New York whispers are filled with “what ifs”. Somehow, this (almost, but not quite) strategy has seen the Mets Franchise grow
and marketing is at an all time high. If New York can appreciate the Cardiac Mets, then why cant the league give Seaver his credit where credit is deserved and documented in cold stats.
Only time can be certain, but it is my feeling that once Tom Seaver has retired and he isn’t thought of as the leader of the team that almost made it, he will be given his due. Game historians will someday look at his stats and think to themselves “I never realized he was so good!” Until that day, Tom Seaver quietly amasses a brilliant, yet un-heralded career.
Tom Seaver – Career Stats
Total ERA : 2.75
Total Wins : 221
Total Losses: 179
Total Saves : 1
Total SHO : 43
Total CG : 170
Total K's : 2832
Total BB's : 1127
Thursday 9/1/1981 :
American League-Pitcher of the Month :
Bill Singer (SEA) !!
He had a record of 4-1 in 6 games started, with an ERA of 0.82.
American League-Batter of the Month :
Jorge Orta (MIN) !!
He batted .340 in 106 AB, with 5 homers and 27 RBI.
National League-Pitcher of the Month :
Dave Boswell (NY) !!
He had a record of 4-0 in 6 games started, with an ERA of 0.89.
National League-Batter of the Month :
George Brett (SF) !!
He batted .383 in 115 AB, with 2 homers and 20 RBI.
With only six weeks to go Cincinatti holds
a slim 1/2 game lead in the National League
west. Jerry Reuss has been the top starter
with 16 wins. Craig Swan has only 9 wins but
has a 2.49 ERA. Mike Rowland MR has had an
excellent year with a 1.78 ERA over 76 innings.
Larry Anderson, closer, has had a rough season,
giving up too many walks. He has managed to get
8 wins and 19 saves though.
Richie Hebner 3rd has lead the offence batting
.319 and his slugging % is .498. In a suprise move
free agent Terry Crowley 1B was acquired during the
off season for his defensive play. He managed a
.381 obp and .420 slg playing only against RHP.
Doug Rader 1B saw little playing time in spite of
having one of the best batting averages on the team.
Carl Taylor 1B saw some playing time at 1B and some
in RF. All together 6 different RF's and7 different
LF's were used this year.
Saturday 8/5/1981 DETROIT - Detroit's right-hander Jack Morris experienced probably the worst case scenario for a pitcher, a season ending injury. After pitching in the 2nd inning of the game against Chicago (A), Morris complained about serious pain in his throwing arm. He had to leave the game. Morris was rushed to an hospital near the ballpark, where doctors took x-rays. Those revealed the serious injury, Torn Ligament Elbow. This season Morris compiled an ERA of 3.66, going 6-6 in 17 starts. He fanned 67 while giving up 101 hits in 123 innings.
Wednesday 8/2/1981 SEATTLE - Willie Wilson saw the ball really well, leading Seattle to a 9-6 win over Oakland. His five hits thrilled his teammates and coaches, and Willie seemed happy as well after the game. In the 1st inning he belted a double off Danny Darwin. A pitch from Danny Darwin in the 2nd inning left his bat for a RBI triple. A triple off Dan Mcginn in the 6th inning, accounted for his 4th hit. He had singles in the 3rd and in the 8th inning . Willie did drive in one while scoring 3 runs on his own. He now has a total of 119 hits this season, accounting for a .294 batting average.
Newest Oriole Ron Cey joins a surprising number of teamates from the real life 1981 Dodgers championship team. Davey Lopes, Steve Yeager, Joe Ferguson and Ted Power were part of the Fernandomania roster that won it all. It's a little ironic that Steve Rogers was the losing pitcher against the Dodgers in the NLCS that year...we won't be making a deal for Rick Monday anytime soon.