He’s at Home on the Road

Even though he’s home in Oak Park, Bill Springman’s first instinct is to not unpack.

After spending the past season coaching with the Minnesota Twins’ triple-A team and in the Florida Instructional League, the former Pepperdine assistant and Oak Park High coach is used to using travel-sized toiletries.

“It’s not the most stable lifestyle but there’s lots of excitement,” said Springman, who arrived home this week. “You never really unpack your suitcase.”

Springman, who helped Pepperdine win the 1992 College World Series and guided Oak Park to consecutive Tri-Valley League titles, is substitute teaching until spring training.

As the hitting and infield coach, Springman helped the Salt Lake City Buzz to a 72-71 record this summer. He also encountered unexpected pressure while serving as the third-base coach.

“We averaged over 10,000 fans a game and if you hold runners up at third they’re all over you,” he said. “So I sent three guys home for inside-the-park home runs.”

Springman has been asked to coach at Salt Lake City again next season and expects to be a manager in the Twins’ system by 1999.

“What’s great about triple-A is that one day you’re working with a guy in the batting cage and the next day you’re watching him on TV in the big leagues,” Springman said.