Hernandez’s Ploy Is Not a Foul First

Mickey Mantle had to laugh when the National League decreed that New York Met first baseman Keith Hernandez would face ejection if he continued to hold runners on base with one foot in foul territory.

Mantle recalled a game against the Chicago White Sox when he singled up the middle with a wicked shot that went between the legs of pitcher Early Wynn.

“When I got to first,” Mantle said, “Wynn ordered his first baseman to stand in foul territory behind me. Then, throwing all out, he tried to hit me with pick-off throws.”

Said New York Met broadcaster and former catcher Tim McCarver when asked the best catcher he ever saw: “Jerry Grote was the best defensively. I didn’t care for him personally, so you know I’m objective.

“He had a great throw to second. He stayed down on that first step out, giving him an edge. He edges Johnny Bench slightly from a defensive standpoint, though all-around, of course, no one comes close to Bench.

“The toughest at blocking the plate? John Roseboro. Nasty.”

Trivia Time: When Larry Csonka, Jim Kiick and Paul Warfield deserted the Miami Dolphins to play in the World Football League, what team did they sign with? (Answer below.)

Said Lou Piniella when asked if he was apprehensive taking over the New York Yankees when Billy Martin was hospitalized: “Not unless the visiting doctor decides to give me a shot.”

Why did New Jersey General owner Donald Trump choose Jack Pardee over Walt Michaels as coach following the merger with the Houston Gamblers?

Wrote George Usher of Newsday: “A source said that Trump and Michaels have not seen eye to eye since Michaels told the owner that signing quarterback Doug Flutie would be a mistake and that the Heisman Trophy winner from Boston College was not big-league caliber.

“He invested heavily in Flutie against Walt’s advice, and after four games it was obvious Flutie couldn’t play quarterback in the major leagues.”

The last time Nolan Ryan started for the struggling Houston Astros, General Manager Al Rosen told him before the game: “Go out and throw a no-hit, no-run game. That way, you know you’ve got at least a tie.”

Said former Pittsburgh slugger Willie Stargell, reflecting on the 1981 strike: “The people I felt sorry for were the ushers, the concessions people, all those people who rely on baseball. I had a hard time looking them in the eye after the strike.

“Most of the players could afford to strike. But those people at the ballpark, baseball is their way of life. I felt very bad being around them. I didn’t like being away from the job.”

Trivia Answer: Toronto Northmen. Later, owner John Bassett moved the franchise to Memphis and the club became the Memphis Southmen.

Quotebook

Sprinter Mel Lattany, asked the toughest adjustment as he tries to win a job with the Dallas Cowboys: “Running with a helmet on. That thing is heavy.”