Thursday, October 16, 2014

#302 Randy Myers

About the Front: Randy Myers doesn't appear as stout as I remember him being. It's probably just a flattering photo.

About the Back: The Reds traded Myers to the Padres for Bip Roberts and a minor leaguer. Bipped!

Triple Play:

1. One-third of the Reds' "Nasty Boys" bullpen, Randy was named the 1990 NLCS MVP. He tossed 5.2 scoreless innings in four games, allowing two hits and three walks and striking out seven. He saved three games, including the Game Six clincher over the Pirates.

2. On September 28, 1995, Myers gave up a tiebreaking two-run homer to Houston's James Mouton while pitching for the Cubs at Wrigley Field. John Murray, a 27-year-old bond trader, charged onto the field and tried to attack the pitcher. Myers, having a background in martial arts, dropped the interloper with a forearm and pinned him to the ground. I cannot imagine why anyone would try to fight him, of all people. (See my reminiscence below.) Oh, and the Cubs came back to win in 11 innings anyway.

3. He led his league in saves three times: 1993 (53 saves for the Cubs), 1995 (38 saves for the Cubs), and 1997 (45 saves and a 1.51 ERA for the Orioles). Despite a career-ending rotator cuff tear at age 35, his total of 347 saves is still 11th-most in MLB history.

11-Year-Old Kevin Says: When Randy pitched for the O's, he kept knives and fake grenades in his locker. He seemed to walk a fine line between "character" and "psychopath".

Bill James Said: "Only 28 years old; it's hard to remember that he was once traded for John Franco, who is about 73." Myers was 31 when this was written, which is an odd mistake and sort of undercuts the Franco gag.

On This Date in 1993: October 16. An anti-Nazism riot breaks out in Welling in Kent, England. The fracas is touched off when police attempt to bar protestors who are approaching the headquarters of the far-right British National Party.

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