| Who hit more triples in one season than any other switch-hitter?
Hint: #1 He once had more RBI in a season than the number of games he played.
Hint: #2 His robust moustache helped offset his youthful appearance.
TRI-FRI question answered:
Q. Which Maryland native influenced the pitching fortunes of, among others…
Mike Boddicker,
Bert Blyleven,
Norm Charlton,
Doug Drabek,
Scott Erickson,
Mike Flanagan,
Steve Howe,
Jimmy Key,
Scott McGregor,
Mike Mussina,
Denny Neagle,
Jesse Orosco,
Jim Palmer,
Dan Plesac,
Rick Reuschel,
Arthur Rhodes,
John Smiley,
Zane Smith,
Steve Stone,
Frank Viola,
Tim Wakefield,
et al.
Hint: #1 He ended Cal Ripken’s consecutive-games-played streak.
Hint: #2 His team’s general manager told The Los Angeles Times, “If you want to be the best, and we do, you’ve got to get the best people, and [he] is the best pitching coach in baseball.”
Hint: #3 He developed a mantra that became a motto.
A. RAY MILLER [B-R Bio]
– Ans. Born on April 30, 1945, in Takoma Park, Maryland. He was the pitching coach and/or manager of BAL, MIN & PIT.
– #1 On 20-Sep-1998, Ripken approached Miller in his office to announce that he was voluntarily ending his record streak at 2,632. Miller then tabbed rookie Ryan Minor to replace Ripken at third base that evening.
– #2 Quote is from Syd Thrift, PIT GM, upon signing Miller.
– #3 Quoth Miller, “Work fast. Change speeds. Throw strikes.” Those six words were even printed on T-shirts and are still quoted (or paraphrased) by pitching coaches.
FCR – Terry Gans, San Carlos, California |
