The Tampa Bay Devil Rays, then and now.

[Tobywan]

Greg Riddoch #7-Third Base Coach



Gregory Lee Riddoch was born on July 17, 1945 in Greeley, Colorado. He never knew his real father and wasn't really close to his stepfather but used his last name of Bezlij until he was in his 20's. He grew up in California graduating from Garden Grove High School. He then attended the University of Northern Colorado (named Colorado State College at the time) on a baseball and basketball scholarship. A three year starter for the Bears he earned All-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference honors three times, was a two time All-Region selection and gained Division 1 All-American status in 1967. A .330 hitter he led the Bears to three straight RMAC titles and two berths in the NCAA Division 1 playoffs. He led all NCAA Division 1 players in home runs in 1967 with 17 in 26 games and was the nation's leader in slugging percentage at .861. He also earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration went on to receive his Master's in 1982.



He was the No. 1 draft pick and signed with the Cincinnati Reds in 1967 remaining in their minor league system until 1971, 2 years too long according to him. He became a teacher of psychology and social studies at Greeley High (the town he was born) where he helped run everything from the band and school plays to baseball and Special Olympics basketball. He juggled teaching and managing in the minor leagues in the Reds organization for many years with the Eugene Emeralds leading them to three division titles and two Northwest League Championships. Between 1981-86 he was involved in scouting and player development for the Reds.



He was hired as a bench coach for the San Diego Padres in 1987 becoming manager when Jack McKeon resigned in July 1990 (though Jack stayed on as GM until he was fired after the season). Riddoch remained manager until he was fired on September 23, 1992.



In 1995 he started the Greg Riddoch Sports Academy and he is still owner and President of the company. He was hired by the Devil Rays as third base coach holding the position for just two seasons. In an ironic twist at the very beginning of the Rays first spring Riddoch gave a lecture to the players on the importance of stretching then moved on to illustrate the techniques of sliding and while showing the youngsters, he pulled his hamstring. Then during a game in early September he ruptured his Achilles tendon and required 6 months of rehab, Orlando Gomez took over his duties during that time.





He was inducted into the Eugene Emeralds Hall of Fame in 1999. Then after his time with the Rays the Milwaukee Brewers made him director of Player Development from 1999-2003. He became the Defensive Coordinator/Staff Development/Sports Psychologist/Outfield Coordinator/Base running Coordinator for the Texas Rangers for the 2003 and 2004 seasons. He was inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame in 2005. Greg spent 2005 and 2006 managing back in the NWL with
the Spokane Indians (affiliate of the Rangers), they won the championship in 2005. From 2007-10 he was a Mental Skills Coach/ Manager with the Eugene Emeralds now an affiliate of the San Diego Padres. Then in December 2011 he was rehired by the Rays as a Mental Skills Coach and still holds the position.

Over the years Riddoch has been active in teaching and training for youth baseball and softball. He has spoken at many camps and clinics, been an active supporter of youth sports as well as being involved in many charities.

He makes his off season home in Longmont, Colorado with his wife Linda, they have 2 grown sons Rory and Raleigh.

[Tobywan]

Rick Williams #38- Pitching Coach

Richard Anthony Williams was born on November 21, 1956 in Fort Worth, Texas. He is the son of Richard Hirschfield "Dick" Williams (May 7, 1979- July 7, 2011) who was a left fielder, third baseman, Hall of Fame manager, coach and front office consultant in Major League Baseball.

Rick attended the University of South Alabama and was signed by the Montreal Expos out of college in 1977. He spent four seasons as a pitcher in the Expos minor league system, suffered a severe arm injury that he never completely recovered from that ultimately ended his brief career in 1980 never reaching his dream of playing in the major leagues. He would continue to work in the Expos organization another 12 seasons as a minor league pitching coach, coordinator and special assignment scout.



He was hired in 1993 as a roving pitching instructor for the new expansion team of the Florida Marlins, they promoted him to bullpen coach in the major league club for the 1995 season and assistant pitching coach for 1996. He was sent to their Triple-A affiliate the Charlotte Knights as a pitching coach in 1997.


Rick with his Dad.


In November of '97 he was hired to be the pitching coach for Devil Rays. He was fired in April of 2000 just 8 games into the season. There was no specific reason given publicly just the vague "a change was needed" statement, he was likely just another casualty of the poor on field performance of the fledgling Devil Rays club.

He returned to the Marlins and Expos in player development and scouting roles before being rehired by the Rays in December 2004. He was made an assistant to the GM, then in 2006 he became a special assistant of baseball operations. Williams also managed, coached and played in all four major winter leagues and was part of two Caribbean Championship clubs. He joined the New York Yankees as a scout in 2008 and became one of their most traveled , even sending him to Japan to look at Yu Darvish a few seasons ago. In December 2013 he was hired by the Atlanta Braves as a special assistant to the GM for pitching development.

Rick and his wife Suzanne have 2 children, Marissa and Ricky.

[Tobywan]

When the Inaugural season of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays begins there are seven minor league affiliates associated with the major club.

Hudson Valley Renegades-NYPL-A-
GCL Devil Rays-GULF-RK
Princeton Devil Rays-APPY-RK
Durham Bulls-IL-AAA
Charleston River Dogs-SALL-A
St. Petersburg Devil Rays-FLOR-A+
DSL Devil Rays-DOSL-FRK

When the team opened their first day of spring training camp on February 15th there were 51 players in attendance, 41 of them pitchers. Catcher Cesar Devarez suffered the first injury, a dislocated left knee cap. (I was there, it was literally minutes into the first workout, a bad omen from the start.) He was a non-roster invitee, but had started in the Baltimore Orioles minor league system in 1989, then played sparingly in two seasons with the big club. He never played in the majors for the Rays, went back briefly to the Orioles playing for their minor league affiliate Bowie Bay Sox in 1999 and then retired. He is now a rehab coordinator for Baltimore.



By the time the full squad reported on the 20th, the number in camp had ballooned to 72, workouts were split into morning and afternoon sessions. There were many heavy hearts there that day though as Hall of Fame announcer Harry Carey had passed away the day before.


Al Lang

In their first game on February 26th they took on Florida State University at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg. 30 players were used in their win over FSU. Right-hander Matt White was the Rays starter (The one and ONLY time I ever saw him pitch). Matt White was first drafted by the San Francisco Giants in 1996 but his agent Scott Boras found a loophole that allowed White to become a free agent when the Giants failed to offer him a suitable contract in the required 10 day time period. The Rays signed him and foolishly gave him a $10.2 million signing bonus. He was selected to be part of the US team heading to the 2000 Sydney Olympics but suffered an injury on the plane ride and was
forced to return without participating. After shoulder and back injuries limited him to just 122 minor league games he retired in 2006. He went back to college and began working on a degree in forest services in Georgia while serving as a volunteer assistant at Georgia Tech. He also worked with area high school pitchers and for USA Baseball's U-16 and U-18 teams. He spent one season as University of Michigan's pitching coach in 2011 before joining the Boras Corporation.


Matt White

Al Lang Stadium was officially renamed "Florida Power Park, at Al Lang Field" by the next day (27th) when the Rays and Florida Power finalized their sponsorship deal just in time for their first "Major League" spring game against the Florida Marlins, losing 2-1.

They won their first "Major League" spring game on March 2nd with a 6-2 victory over the visiting Kansas City Royals. LHP Ryan Karp was the winner, the Rays took the lead with a four run rally in the 7th. Karp was the 54th overall pick in the expansion draft. He made one appearance for the Philadelphia Phillies in 1995, spent all of '96 in the minors and was in 15 games in 1997. He never pitched for the Devil Rays at the big league level. He spent 1998 and part of '99 with the Durham Bulls before being sent to the Texas Rangers organization splitting time between several minor league affiliates. That was the extent of his baseball career, he now works as a Director of Tax Technology for Covdien, a provider of healthcare products in Mansfield, Massachusetts.



On March 26th the Devil Rays announced their 1998 Opening Day roster:

Pitchers (11)- Wilson Alvarez, Rolando Arrojo, Dan Carlson, Rick Gorecki, Roberto Hernandez, Albie Lopez, Jim Mecir, Tony Saunders, Dennis Springer, Ramon Tatis,
Estaban Yan
Catchers (2)- John Flaherty, Mike DiFelice
Infielders (7)- Wade Boggs, Miguel Cairo, Aaron Ledesma, Fred McGriff, Bobby Smith, Paul Sorrento, Kevin Stocker.
Outfielders (5)- Rich Butler, Mike Kelly, Dave Martinez, Quinton McCracken, Bubba Trammell

On March 27th in the first exhibition game at Tropicana Field, they took on and defeated the Atlanta Braves 5-0 in front of a crowd of 26, 519 fans. Rolando Arrojo would get the win, Tom Glavine the loss. Russ Mormon hits the first home run at the Trop, a 380-foot shot to left center. Morman was a non-roster invitee, signed a minor league contract and played 1998 with the Durham Bulls. He had played in the majors for the White Sox, Royals and Marlins from 1986-1997. He spent 1999 with the Calgary Cannons, an affiliate of the Marlins before retiring. He went on to manage in the minor leagues for the Marlins and Red Sox organizations. In 2005, Russ was inducted into the Kansas City Sports Commission Hall of Fame. He was a hitting coach for the Richmond Flying Squirrels of the Eastern League (Class AA affiliate of the SF Giants) in 2010, he became the hitting coach for the Giants' Class AAA Fresno Grizzlies of the Pacific League and was named manager of Richmond for 2014.

[Tobywan]

The Devil Rays Inaugural season officially began on March 31, 1998.



The Rays official logo



1998 Uniforms


Tropicana Field



The ballpark began construction in 1986 in the hope of luring a Major League Baseball team. Construction was completed in 1989 at a price tag of $130 million. In 1990 was given the name of Florida Sun Coast Dome. It was home to
the Tampa Bay Storm (AFL) from 1991-1996. It was renamed the Thunderdome when the Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL) played there (1993-1996).
St Petersburg was awarded it's long awaited MLB team in 1995, the Storm and the Lightning moved into their new home, the Ice Palace (now the St Pete Times Forum) in downtown Tampa after the 1996 season.
$70 million in upgrades and renovations were begun including the rotunda modeled after the one that was in Ebbetts Field. Tropicana Products became a huge sponsor buying the naming rights and the dome became Tropican Field. Tropicana
was purchased by PepsiCo in 1998, but did not make any changes to the naming rights agreement.
It has also served as the host stadium for the Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl, an NCAA-sanctioned college football bowl game, since December 2008. It was also a part time home to the Florida Tuskers (UFL) during their 2009
season. It is currently the only domed stadium in Major League Baseball that is not retractable.


A sell out crowd of 45,369 gathered at Tropicana Field for a match against the Detroit Tigers.





Hall-of-Famers Ted Williams, Stan Musial, Al Lopez and Monte Irvin throw out ceremonial first pitches. Tampa Gospel singer Belinda Womack sings the National Anthem.



Wade Boggs and Ted Williams chat before the game.



The Tampa Bay Devil Rays take the field.

[Tobywan]

Now to the players on the field we will start with the Opening Day roster ...starting pitcher.



Wilson Alvarez #40- LHP


Wilson Eduardo Álvarez Fuenmayor was born on March 24, 1970 in Maracaibo, Venezuela where he attended high school. He was signed as an amateur free agent by the Texas Rangers on September 23, 1986, he was just 16 years old.



He made his professional debut for them on July 24, 1989 against the Toronto Blue Jays, many in the baseball world thought this move was premature. He faced five batters and gave up 2 walks, a single and two home runs and was removed without retiring a batter. Five days later he was traded along with Scott Fletcher and Sammy Sosa to the Chicago White Sox for Harold Baines and Fred Manrique.





On August 11, 1991 making his first start for the White Sox and the second of his career he pitched a no-hitter against the Baltimore Orioles in Memorial Stadium. He walked five batters and struck out seven. He became the first rookie to pinch a no-no since the Oakland A's Mike Warren in 1983 and the second youngest since Oakland's Vida Blue (86 days younger than Alvarez), on Sept. 21, 1970. Wilson threw 12 no-hitters in Venezuela during five seasons of youth league games. Between the minors, majors and winter league he racked up over 300 innings that season. He was closely watched in 1992 and worked his way into the starting rotation in 1993. That year he won 15 games, finishing second in ERA, but also led the league with 122 walks. The Chisox made it to the post season and Alvarez won game 3 against the Blue Jays in the ALCS. Despite wildness and inconsistency he had a few somewhat productive years with Chicago. In 1994, he went 12-8 and pitched a scoreless inning in the All-Star game. He pitched a mediocre 8-11 in 1995 then finished with 15 wins and 181 strike outs in 1996, despite allowing 13 runners to reach base per 9 innings, getting a lot of support from the hitters scoring 6 or more runs per start. The White Sox became frustrated with his inconsistency and poor conditioning sending him to the SF Giants on July 31, 1997 in what was named the "White Flag" deal. He was sent along with Danny Darwin and Roberto Hernandez to San Francisco for six players. Jerry Reinsdorf was heavily criticized for what appeared to be the surrendering of a play-off berth so early in the season. Even though the Giants did win NL West, Wilson wasn't much help complaining of shoulder stiffness and inflating his ERA. SF was swept 3-0 by the Marlins in the NLDS, Alvarez losing game three. He was granted free agency on November 1st.



On December 3rd he was signed to a five-year, $35 million contract by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.




First pitch for Devil Rays.


He was the starting pitcher when the team took the field on Opening Day against the Detroit Tigers on March 31, 1998. His first pitch was a ball to Brian Hunter. His TB debut was a disaster, giving up 6 earned runs on 9 hits in just 2.1 innings. He got his first win on April 5th against his former White Sox. At the end of May he would go on the DL, missing 6 weeks with tendinitis in his rotator cuff. He finished the inaugural season with a career high 14 losses and just 6 wins. 1999 wasn't much better for Alvarezbut just 2 weeks into the season he went to the DL with inflammation in the AC joint. In mid June he had a meltdown resulting in a violent tirade in the dugout, then a second DL stint near the end of July with inflammation of his tricep and came back to the team on August 9th. On September 20th the Rays were in Anaheim, Alvarez was being blown out 7-1 in the third. After giving up a home run to he Angels' Garrett Anderson he then faced Matt Walbeck, he threw a rising fast ball hitting Umpire John Shurlock square in the mask. Shurlock felt it was deliberate and proceeded toward the mound with Larry Rothschild sprinting quickly out to pull Wilson. Comments after the game reflected that Shurlock was sure it was intentional but Alvarez swore he just got his signals crossed, MLB gave Shurlock a 3 game suspension for improper contact with C Mike DeFelice.

During spring training of 2000 he was shut down due to soreness in his shoulder, had surgery to repair a partially torn rotator cuff and would miss the rest of the season. He expressed to the local media that his injury woes on top of feelings that his family had come to only care about his money was making him depressed. Unfortunately, due to set backs in his rehab he also missed all of the 2001 season. Things were looking better in the spring of 2002, he started the season looking strong but in mid April he was once again on the DL with a strained rib cage then suffered elbow tendinitis in July. When he was activated on August 5th he was placed in the bullpen. On September 30th at the end of his 5-year deal with just 17 wins for the Devil Rays he was released. The team tried to collect on an insurance policy they had with Hartford to re-coop some of the money on Alvarez' contract. The insurer claimed that even though Wilson was a left-handed pitcher his left arm was not covered under the policy. The Rays did file a lawsuit against the company in January of 2003, the results of which as far as I know has never been reported publicly, I have never seen a word of whether it was dropped, thrown out or settled.


On January 31, 2003 Wilson signed as a free agent with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He began the season as a starter for their Triple-A affiliate the Las Vegas 51's. He was brought up mid season to help in relief, they let him start and he went 5-0 in 9 games. He was granted free agency on Oct. 30th the signed with them again on Dec. 18th. In 2004 he went 7-6 in 40 games, 15 of those s a starter. He was granted free agency on Nov.3rd, signing again on Dec. 21st.

Just before the start of spring training in 2005, the book "Juiced" by Jose Canseco was released. In it he names Alvarez among many others as a player he personally injected while they were both Devil Rays. Canseco claims Alvarez wanted to lose weight so he recommended HGH and a "lean cycle of steroids". When the team arrived at Holman Stadium (Dodgertown) in Vero Beach, Florida, Alvarez issued a denial (as many players did), many vehement comments were reported in a Feb. 19th article in the LA Times.


Alvarez and Canseco as teammates.

In August 2005 he announced he would retire after the season, made his last ML appearance on September 28th officially retiring on Oct. 19th.

In 13 ML seasons he posted a 102-92 record, a 3.96 ERA and 1,330 strikeouts in 1742.2 innings.

During spring training of 2006 he was hired by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an instructor, then in 2007 promoted to pitching coach to their newly acquired Class-A short season affiliate the State College Spikes of the New York Penn League. On April 8, 2008 he was replaced by Brian Tracey (son of Jim Tracey) when he unexpectedly resigned for undisclosed reasons.



Alvarez was inducted into the Caribbean baseball Hall of Fame in 2010 and the Venezuelan Baseball Hall of Fame in 2011, He served as a pitching coach for the Venezuelan team in the 2013 Baseball World classic, they were knocked out in the first round. He was hired on January 25, 2013 as a pitching coach for the Orioles Gulf Coast League and will start the 2014 season at the same position.

Wilson and his wife Vannessa live in Florida, they have three daughters, Viviana, Vannessa and Valentina.

[Tobywan]

Now batting lead off....

Quinton McCracken #3-CF




Quinton Antoine McCracken was born on August 16, 1970 in Wilmington, North Carolina. He attended South Brunswick High School in Southport where he participated in 4 sports, football, basketball, baseball and track. In his senior year he led the baseball team to a 29-0 record and a state championship. He also attended Duke University graduating with a BA in political science and history. He was then selected in the 25th round by the expansion Colorado Rockies during the June 1, 1992 amateur draft and signed just 3 days later. He played in several of their minor league affiliates before making his debut during call ups on September 17, 1995. He played in just 3 games and struck out in his only at bat. In 1996 playing mostly center field he batted .290 in 283 at bats, in '97 he stole a career high 28 bases.



The expansion Tampa Bay Devil Rays selected Quinton as their 4th pick during the November 18, 1997 expansion draft. He played centerfield and batted lead off on Opening Day, he would go on to have his best season, playing a career high 155 games, he hit 7 homers drove in 59 runs with a .292 BA. In 1999 he was limited to just 40 games when he suffered a torn ACL then spent most of 2000 with Triple-A Durham and he was released on November 27th.



He signed with the St. Louis Cardinals on December 22nd but released at the end of spring on March 28, 2001. Just a couple weeks later on April 13th he signed with the Minnesota Twins, spending most of the year in Triple-A where he batted .338 for Edmonton. He was granted free agency on October 8th. He signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks on January 9, 2002. He hit .309 for the season helping the Backs win the NL West. McCracken performed well batting .364 in 11 at bats in the NLDS, but the team was swept by the Cardinals. In 2003 his numbers dropped off and on December 15th he was traded to the Seattle Mariners for Greg Colbrunn and cash. Quinton didn't get much playing time and was released on June 9, 2004. Two days later he re-signed with Arizona and batted .288 in 55 games. He became a free agent on October 29th but by December 7th he was a D-Back again. He struggled in 2005, his numbers slumped and on October 13th he was a free agent once more. He signed with the Cincinnati Reds on February 14, 2006, but was released on July 6th, signed a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins on July 21st, playing for their Triple-club the Rochester Red Wings. He was made a free agent on October 15th. He was not picked up by a MLB team, so he signed with the independent Bridgeport Bluefish of the Atlantic League. After just one season Quinton played for the Dominican Winter Baseball League in late 2007, shortly after he retired.






His last Major League appearance was on July 5, 2006. He finished his 12 years batting .274 with 21 home runs and 244 RBIs in 999 games.

McCracken was hired by Arizona to be an Assistant Director of Player Development in October of 2010 working under Rico Brogna. In October 2012 he was asked to be Director of Player Development by the Houston Astros, he currently holds that position.


He is also the owner of Upper Deck Sports Grill and Classic Car Spa in Scottsdale, AZ.

Quinton was introduced to his wife Maggie Moskal through mutual friends and were married on January 29, 2005. They welcome their son Isaiah Cicero on July 7, 2009, he was very premature and Maggie has gotten involved in the March of Dimes charity. She also was a cast member of "Baseball Wives" in 2011. The family resides in Scottsdale.

[Tobywan]

....batting second....

Miguel Cairo #20 (changed to #3 soon after the season started)-2B


Dodgers Minor League card set

Miguel Jesús Cairo was born on May 4, 1974 in Anaco, Venezuela where he attended high school. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Los Angeles Dodgers on September 20, 1990 at just 16 years of age. He spent time in LA's Dominican Summer League as well as several minor league affiliates until November 29, 1995 when he was sent along with Willis Otañez to the Seattle Mariners for Mike Blowers. Then on December 18th, the M's sent Miggy with Bill Risley to the Toronto Blue Jays for Edwin Hurtado and Paul Menhart. He made his ML debut with the Jays as their starting second baseman on April 17, 1996. In his first at bat he hit a double off Chuck Finley of the California Angels. He played in just 9 games before being sent to the Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs where he finished the season.



On November 20th he was traded to the Chicago Cubs for a minor leaguer, but spent most of the 1997 season with AAA Iowa Cubs and was selected to the American Association All-Star team. He appeared in 16 games for the big club. The Tampa Bay Devil Rays selected him with their eight pick in the 1997 MLB expansion draft. He was made the starting 2B, batting second in the opener. He hit his first home run on April 28th off Mike Oquist of the Oakland Athletics. He played in 150 games that season batting .268 with 5 home runs and 46 RBIs. He had a much better season as a fielder and finished third in the AL for turning double plays and 4th in 1999. His playing time was shortened a bit in 1999 and 2000 with brief stints in the minors. Even though his fielding numbers were pretty consistent he became a running joke among the media and fans with the question, "What is the seven word phrase most spoken by Rays announcers?" answer ....Just out of the reach of Cairo. He was released by the Devil Rays on November 27, 2000.



He was signed as a free agent by the Oakland Athletics on January 7, 2001 but was traded at the end of spring training to the Cubs for Eric Hinske. He played in 66 games hitting .285 when he was placed on waivers in August and was picked up by the St. Louis Cardinals on the 10th. He finished out the season with the Cards and made his first post season appearance. He would share playing time in 2002 and was included on the post season roster, he had 5 hits including a homer in 13 at bats during the NLCS against the Giants. He played in just 93 games during 2003 and was granted free agency on October 26th.



By December 19th he became a New York Yankee signing as a free agent. He started the 2004 season sharing second base but won the start job from Enrique Wilson, he had a fairly productive year but the Yanks declined to offer him a contract and he was given free agency on October 28th. He signed on January 7, 2005 with the New York Mets, played 100 games and was granted free agency in October. Then he returned to the Yankees, signed, released, re-signed and released again. He played only half the games in 2006 and on August 7, 2007 he was DFA'd to make room for Jason Giambi then released on the 15th. Four days later he returned to the Cardinals signing a minor league contract and was sent to their Triple-A Memphis affiliate, he got a call up on September 1st and was made a free agent on October 29th.


Miggy with Derek Jeter

On January 8, 2008 he signed a one-year deal with the Seattle Mariners. He didn't get much playing time with in the middle infield or outfield due to a an overstock and basically became the back up first baseman for Richie Sexson until the M's released Sexson in early July. Miggy then platooned at first and would get spot starts when starters were given days off. He was once again released on October 30th.

The Philadelphia Phillies signed him as a free agent to a minor league contract with a spring invite on February 15, 2009. He made the 25 man roster, but was out-righted to the Triple-A Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs on May 19th. He would return to the Phils as a utility infielder when Greg Dobbs went to the DL and stayed with the club for rest of the season getting a spot on the postseason roster after they won the division, and became a free agent on November 6th.



On January 27, 2010 he signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds and made the Opening Day roster. He was granted free agency on November 1st, then on December 8th he re-signed a 2-year deal, the first and only multi-year deal of his career. In 2011 he won the MLBPAA Reds Heart and Hustle Award. He was once again a free agent on October 29, 2012.





Working out in the Venezuelan League Winter of 2012.

Miguel continued to work out with hopes of playing the next season, but no big league offers came his way. On February 14, 2013 his playing career officially ended when he accepted a position with the Reds as a special assistant to GM Walt Jocketty. According to former teammate (and close friend) Dave Martinez, Cairo asked Walt directly for a job in the organization. This move made October 3, 2012 his last major league appearance. It also made him the last of the original 1998 Devil Rays to retire from MLB. When third base coach Mark Berry was diagnosed with throat cancer at the end of spring Miguel filled in as bench coach while Chris Spier took over duties for Berry until his return.

With a less than average bat and somewhat mediocre fielding Cairo managed to eek out a 17 year career with nine different teams probably due to that heart and hustle that was finally recognized and his willingness to do anything asked of him just be in the game at any level. His small salary (in baseball terms) probably helped as well, he never topped out at more than $1 million a season playing for league minimum or slightly above for the majority of his tenure in the bigs. He made an appearance at every position except pitcher and catcher, but mostly frequently at 2B. He finished his career with a .264 BA, 41 home runs and 394 RBIs in 1,490 games.



Cairo continues with a role in player development for the Reds.

Miguel and his wife Nicole have a son Christian and a daughter Lauren, the family resides in Safety Harbor, Florida.

[Tobywan]

...in the three hole...

Wade Boggs #12-3B





Wade Anthony Boggs was born on June 15, 1958 in Omaha, Nebraska but his family moved to Tampa, Florida when he was just a boy. He played in the Bayshore Little League and attended Henry B. Plant High School. In 1976 he graduated, was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the 7th round of the amateur draft, signing a contract on June 10th and in December married his high school sweetheart Debbie Bertucelli.



He made his ML debut with the Red Sox on April 10, 1982 to start his historical career. He was very successful and popular in Boston, representing the team for 8 straight seasons (1985-1992) in the All-Star game, earning 6 Silver Slugger awards in 1983, 1986-89 and 1991 and 5 AL batting titles in 1983 and 1985-88. So feared as a hitter by opposing teams he was 2nd in IBB
in the 1986 season and 1st from 1987-1992. He credited his success in a small part to his loyal observance of his personal superstitions, mostly his eating of chicken before EVERY game, this became such a huge part of his persona that he released a cook book (with his wife) in 1984 of his favorite chicken dishes, this also earned him the nickname chickenman. Amidst all of the successful years he would suffer the loss of his mother killed in car accident June 1986 in Tampa, shortly after he along with his father
bought a fishing camp in Hawthorne, FL, they renamed it Finway with his Dad running it to keep him busy. He and Debbie also welcomed a second child. Later, it would be revealed there were other things going on in his personal life.



For the first time since his rookie year Boggs had a slow start to the season in 1988 perhaps there was something on his mind, by summer he would be embroiled in a full blown scandal that would test his reputation, marriage, popularity with Red Sox Nation, his camaraderie with fellow teammates and the patience of the organization. Enter... Margo Adams a mortgage broker from California in which Boggs had a four year extra-marital affair. Boggs himself admitted he became panicked in April that his relationship with Margo was going to become public.

She said, she was in love with Wade throughout the four years of joining him on road trips, winter trips and spring training, a stipend of $2,000 a month as compensation for not being able to fully earn a living due to the frequency of travel with Boggs, his "Delta Force" mission of photographing married team mates in compromising situations with other women (she claimed to possess the photos and negatives) to keep them quiet and his outrage over team mates that engaged in interracial relationships on the road including his own disgust when team mate Jim Rice would be "affectionate" with her.



He said, things were great the first 2 years but for the last two years he tried to end things even consulting his agent, team mates and the FBI in how to break it off, he did ask her to give up her job and get one that would grant her more flexibility to join him anywhere at anytime, but that he only compensated her for plane fares and incidentals during their trips together, no monthly payment, denied the intimidation of team mates in exchange for silence and allegations of racism ( though this wouldn't be the last time he would be accused).



Her side, she had become aware that Wade's demeanor had changed a bit due to the years of fame and his growing salary, he had become a bit arrogant and full of himself then after a road trip to Milwaukee in late April of '88 she returned home getting wind of rumors he had another "road wife" and she ended it asking him only to give her the money she lost in salary and commissions for the last year she had taken off to be with him and only after the FBI showed up at her door did she call an attorney. His side, went from him not even knowing her to her being a groupie to stalker, to ex-mistress to ex-girlfriend, that he was the last car on a long train of ballplayers and she was trying to extort money all along. The amount she asked for in private ballooned to $6 million then escalated to $12 million by the time it went to court. There were headlines from coast to coast, reporters constantly in Boggs' face, boos from opposing fans including a large contingent of Royals fans wearing Margo masks during a road trip to Kansas City, confrontations in the dugout as names of teammates privy to the affair were publicly named for almost a year leading up to the finale. Adams told her side from coast to coast on talk shows, in newspapers and magazines and a tell all book, Boggs tried to comment as little as possible though provided details in his depositions and in an exclusive interview with Barbara Walters.





His wife Debbie stood by her man ( even though in court papers he admitted to other very brief indiscretions including one with a Ohio women that resulted in a pregnancy) through it all even joining him on TV with Barbara. Wade shows barely a sign of strife on the field after his slow April, his numbers held during the entire ordeal and into 1989. After the initial lawsuit damages were dismissed the sides settled for an undisclosed amount. There has never been a successful "palimony" suit payout by a court, Boggs' attorney argued this couldn't be a true palimony issue as he and Adams never actually co-habited.

With the scandal behind him he would continue his on field success with the Red Sox until 1992 when his batting average slumped to .259, he had usually reached .300 or above the majority of his career. On October 26th he was granted free agency. There are differing accounts opinions as to exactly why his relationship with the Red Sox was severed. Boggs side is that he wanted to stay a Red Sox, had a conversation with Jean Yawkey in the parking lot after the final game in 1991 about a deal to make him a life time player, seven years at $35 million but she died when she slipped in her tub. When his current contract was up at the end of 1992 , new ownership refused to even hear anywhere near that figure and turned down their 2 year $9.2 million offer. Red Sox side is that discussion with Mrs. Yawkey was a figment of Boggs' imagination, that their offer was fair and Wade took what he felt was a better deal.



Reportedly two teams vied heavily for Boggs, the LA Dodgers and the NY Yankees, Boggs' claims his decision to with the Yanks was based on their added offer of a third year, but rumors swirled that he didn't want to go to LA fearing there would be speculation that it was to pick back up where he left off with Adams. However, this decision has possibly been viewed by the Red Sox and their rabid fans as a much bigger affront than what they endured during the "Margo Madness". This was not a guy that spent a mediocre season or two with a team before heading off to a rival. Amid the accusations of selling out and betrayal he signed with the Yankees on December 15, 1992.

Boggs continued racking up hits and accolades on the field with the Yanks, he was on the All-Star team from 1993-95, 3 more Silver Sluggers in 1991, 1993 and '94 as well as 2 Gold Glove Awards in 1994 and '95. With his contract up he was granted free agency on November 11, 1995, but he was re-signed by NY on December 5th. He went to the All-Star game in 1996 giving him 12 straight, third behind Brooks Robinson and George Brett in consecutive appearances. To add salt to the wounds of the long suffering Red Sox fans he helped New York win the 1996 World Series after an 18 -year title drought. Reminiscent of a certain player from yesteryear who left Boston for NY, winning titles and placing a "curse" on the team. Adding insult to injury, full on rage ensued from Red Sox fans over the infamous scene of Boggs hopping on a NY City police horse during the on field celebration. He played in just 104 games in 1997 adding 103 hits to the tally, scoring 55 runs. He became a free agent on November 1st.





...to be continued...

[Tobywan]

....



Boggs signed with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays as a free agent on December 9th. There were mixed feelings among the fans and media about signing him at 39 years of age. His age obviously a big factor, the pros were a big factor as well, coming off a recent WS win, his long career, being a viable veteran in good shape and a local resident, not to mention the very attainable 3,000 hit mark was looming all appealed to the Rays. He batted 3rd in the opening game of the inaugural season, with a reputation of having limited power he hit the first Devil Rays homer in the 6th inning. He finished the season with a durable 123 games and respectable .280 BA and 122 hits, bringing his total to 2,922 . An option year for 2000 was added to his contract in the hopes of ensuring that if for any reason the mark wasn't reached the following season it would be reached as a Ray.


Going into the 1999 season after a bittersweet inaugural season ( we were happy we had a team but the harsh reality was they were pretty awful on the field) there was one bright spot to look forward to and as the season progressed and Wade's hit count continued to climb. Barring an injury it became clear Boggs would reach 3,000 sometime between the end of July or beginning of August. August came, the Rays were on a west coast road trip when the number closed to just a handful, on the last night of a series in Seattle Boggs was lifted after 3 at bats, he would need just 3 more hits and the Rays wanted to give every opportunity for it to happen in front of the home crowd.

The Rays traveled home for a 4 games series against the Cleveland Indians for Aug. 6-9, crowds filled the Trop (including me), the first game of the series Wade went hitless, so still sitting on 2,997 we would do it all again the next night. Tony Gwynn got his 3,000 that night to beat Boggs to the feat. So, on the 7th with Charles Nagy pitching, Wade's first at bat was a groundout. By the 3rd inning the Rays were down 6-0 when Boggs came up for his 2nd at bat, hit # 2,998 was a single to right that scored Dave Martinez, to put the Rays on the board. In the top of the 4th the Tribe put up 4 more runs, so when he come up again in the 4th, the Rays were behind 4-10, he hit another single to right bringing in Aaron Ledesma.

The crowd began to buzz, still excited even with a deficit in the score. The Indians replaced Nagy with Chris Haney to start the 6th inning, Rays behind 7-11, Ledesma leading off the inning grounds out. Terrell Lowrey would then single, as Boggs strolls to the plate the crowd is already starting to come to their feet. Working to a 2-2 count he would lift a high fly deep to RF. It was a thrilling moment to witness regardless, he pointed to the sky as a gesture to his mother, he kissed home plate (a fan who ran n the field was tackled by security not too far from him ) with teammates and his son Brett (who was often bat boy during games) mobbed and hugged him. His father Win and wife Debbie also waiting, crowd cheering, a curtain call as they show the replay on the jumbo-tron, for me the most touching was the split screen of the HR and the expression of pride and joy on Dad's face. The 2 run homer brought the game a little closer 9-11, but no one really cared the score. It would have been more poetic if the DRays had actually won that game, the Indians would go one to win 15-10, it was a slugfest and the night belonged to one man and Wade walked in his final at bat of the game.





Boggs would later say what went through his mind when he struck the ball was "Oh, God, that's a home run and I'll never get it that ball back. He has the uniform, the bat, the champagne bottle he drank, home plate and the ball. The man that caught it was generous enough to seek out a Trop attendant to make sure Boggs received it. There are 2 yellow seats in RF in a sea of blue at the Trop, one marks the first homer by a Ray and the second the 3,000, also a home run, both with Boggs' name. It would be the first time a player would reach 3,000 by virtue of a home run, strange considering Bogg's was never considered a power hitter, it would remain the only one until Derek Jeter reached the milestone with a homer (ironically against the Rays). I also attended a game the following mid-week with a drastically smaller crowd, the Rays were getting blown out by the Orioles with the score at 16 to one in the 8th inning, as a gesture (and likely some comic relief) the Rays would send Boggs out to pitch he managed to get the last out of the 8th. This was not the first time he had pitched in a game, the Yankees allowed it in a game in Anaheim on August 19, 1997 when they were down 12-4 to the Angels. Wade pitched a shut out 8th with 16 knuckleballs. The Rays sent him back out to start the 9th, he gave up one run (O's won 17-1) but managed to get a called strike three on Delino DeShields, the most amusing part was watching Jeff Conine become unglued in the dugout and almost get himself ejected. The last time I saw Boggs play was when he DH'd on August 22nd when the Rays paid tribute to him for the milestone, knowing his love of fishing they presented him with a very nice boat. At the end of August he would have season ending knee surgery to repair a torn ACL. When time came in October for the Rays to decide whether to pick up the 2000 option they chose instead to buy him out for $250,000. At first Boggs was a bit miffed feeling he had recovered well from the surgery, felt good, in shape and had some more play in him, The Rays tried to persuade him to accept a job in the front office, be an instructor, stay with the organization. In hindsight Boggs would later state that perhaps they were right, go out on high, don't linger and just fade away. He joined the Rays in spring as a hitting instructor and spent 2000 in that job, they Rays retired his jersey in a ceremony later that year. He was made hitting coach for the 2001 season. He still holds one Rays team record from his 1999 season with At Bats per Strikeout: 12.7.



His last ML appearance was August 27, 1999, in 18 seasons he left with career stats of a .328 batting average, 3,010 hits, 118 home runs, 1,014 RBI's, 1,513 runs scored and 1,412 walks.

At the end of the 2001 season Wade decided he wanted to devote himself to family, most especially his son's high school baseball as well as enjoying his many hobbies like fishing, hunting and golf. He became an unpaid coach at Wharton High School overseeing his son Brett's instruction until his graduation in 2005. Brett's full name is George Brett Boggs he is named after his god-father the Royals Hall of Famer George Brett. Brett Boggs played one season for the USF Bulls but it is unclear as to why his baseball career ended abruptly, I have never found any reports of whether it was due to injury or some undisclosed reason.


Brett Boggs USF



Boggs split time between his quiet life and appearances at banquets, sports tournaments, youth sporting events, wrestling (a huge fan) events, TV spots and TV appearances and he reached the ultimate goal of his baseball career when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame n 2005. There had been a bit of controversy just before his retirement when it was rumored that Wade had been offered a huge bonus by Vince Naimoli if/when he was inducted he would chose to represent the Devil Rays (the same rumor surfaced with Jose Canseco) both sides adamantly deny there was ever such an arrangement. Regardless whether there was validity or not the Hall which had relaxed the rules in allowing players with service to multiple teams to chose the cap decided to enforce the original rule. Wade Boggs is wearing a Boston Red Sox cap on his plaque.



Perhaps it was an act brought on by a mid-life crisis but in 2007 Boggs went through hair restoration, drastically changing his looks, even doing commercials for the company to show off. Not to be out done Debbie went through a transformation herself losing a considerable amount of weight and becoming a blond. His beloved father Win had still been operating their fish camp until he passed in 2009.



He'd been depicted on the Simpsons, did a spot on Seinfield, Cheers and Psych and also had a part in a movie on the Syfy channel "Swamp Shark" playing a dimwitted lawman.



Headlines and controversy would continue to follow Boggs, he was once again accused of racism by former Boston pitcher Oil Can Boyd during a book tour promoting his memoirs that included admissions of drug use, claiming that Boggs (as well as many players and front office personnel) was a bigot and was subject to verbal slurs on a daily basis. Boggs refuted saying this was just a drug addict wanting to sell books to support his habit. He would come under fire again by Red Sox fans and the Boston media when he publicly proclaimed he was a little bitter for a time (but no longer) and shocked that the Red Sox hadn't retired his jersey.
He made a good point when he referred to what the organization claims are the criteria of at least 10 years of service with the club and induction in the Hall. "You have to retire as a Red Sox" was what the team told Boggs, which was at one time one of their stipulations but was lifted for Carlton Fisk, he used the example of Fisk and Johnny Pesky who didn't meet either of the two main criteria. The Sox say both have served in roles and PR ambassadors on behalf of the club for many years. Boggs claims that he and his agent have approached the team about a PR role and has never heard back. The issue probably goes way beyond the requirement of certain criteria but rather whether intentional or not the mortal sin of going directly to an arch rival, proclaiming
you were glad you didn't stay and then helping them win a WS and parading around the field on a NYPD horse. Perhaps now with 2 recent WS under Boston's belt and the forgiveness of Buckner, the team and fans hearts and minds will soften on the idea sometime in the future. They did honor him with induction to the team Hall Of Fame n 2004.

In December 2012 Boggs as part of an investment group Go The Distance Baseball which also includes actor Matthew Perry purchased the "Field of Dreams" Iowa farmland for $3.4 million. The group wants to continue the preservation of the site as well as building a huge youth sports complex to hold tournaments the town of Dyersville (where the movie was filmed) and surrounding communities are split on the idea, some fear a flood of traffic to their rural community and some see a boon in revenue for the area from visitors. 2013 marked the 25th anniversary of the movie and a big celebration was held, to date plans are going ahead for tournaments for 2014 and 2015.

Wade continues to coach at Wharton High free of charge going on 12 years now even making the kids do certain drills and routines at specific times like he did as a big leaguer according to his superstitions, probably while touting about the magic of chicken. He has made conflicting statements about his desire or lack there of to possibly get back into coaching or even managing at the big league level. While with the Devil Rays he seemed warm to the idea of a post playing career even managing one day but in later years he has said he never seriously considered it, has no desire for it and thinks managing is a thankless job.



Wade and Debbie still make their home in the Tampa Palms area, along with son Brett they have an older daughter Meagann.

[Tobywan]

....batting clean-up.....

Fred McGriff #29 -1B



Frederick Stanley McGriff was born on October 31, 1963 in Tampa, Florida where he attended Thomas Jefferson High School and was an All-Western Conference selection. He was taken in the 9th round in the June 8, 1981 draft by the New York Yankees and signed 3 days later. He spent time with the Yankees Gulf Coast League affiliate for rest of '81 and all of 1982.



He was traded along with Dave Collins, Mike Morgan and cash to the Toronto Blue Jays for Tom Dodd and Dale Murray on December 9, 1982. He spent a little over 3 seasons in the Jays minor league system before making his ML debut on May 17, 1986. His first full ML season was 1987, he hit 20 home runs, he would hit 34 the following season with 100 runs scored. In 1989 he was the AL home run leader (36), including the first HR at Toronto's Skydome, the AL OPS leader and won a Silver Slugger Award as he helped lead the Blue Jays to the AL East division title. The Jays would lose the ALCS against the Oakland Athletics. His numbers remained consistent in 1990 but on December 5th McGriff was traded with Tony Fernandez to the San Diego Padres for Roberto Alomar and Joe Carter.


The McGriff's bought a temporary home in San Diego.




Making the transition to the NL he thrived hitting .278/.396/.474 for San Diego in 1991. He would make his first of many appearances in the All-Star game, win another Silver Slugger and was the NL home run leader (35) in 1992. The Padres finished 3rd in their division and as they sunk to third again mid-season of 1993, they traded Fred on July 18th to the Atlanta Braves for Donnie Elliot, Melvin Nieves and a minor league player during a salary dump. Between the two clubs he hit a career high 37 homers placing 4th in the NL MVP voting.



Fred joined the Braves just after they started their successful run of division wins but couldn't quite get to the World Series in his first season with them when after winning the National League Western Division they lost to the Phillies 4-2 in the NLCS. McGriff was just as productive in 1994, he would once again go the All-Star game, got the MVP and was runner up to Ken Griffey Jr. in the Home Run Derby. By August he had a .318 BA with 34 homers, when a strike ended the season dashing all post season hopes. The following season he would continue his usual play though the homers edged off a bit. He still contributed to the Braves NL title, and would hit 2 home runs in the World Series helping the Braves win 4-2 over the Indians. He was granted free agency on November 6, 1995 but re-signed with the Braves on December 2nd. McGriff would finish 1996 with 107 RBI's, 28 homers and a .295 BA on his way to another post season and World Series, but the Braves would fall to the Yankees 4-2. His numbers fell off a little in 1997, just a .277 BA, 97 RBIs and 22 homers but the Braves made it to another post season after taking the National League Eastern Division making his last appearance as a Brave in the NLCS when they lost to the Florida Marlins 4-2.



The Devil Rays purchased his contract on November 18, 1997.




He was in the Devil Rays line up for Opening Day 1998 batting 4th and playing 1B, his first game as a Ray was somewhat uneventful, 2 groundouts, a single and HBP in his last at bat. He would finish his first season as a Ray with a .278 BA and 19 homers. He would come back strong in 1999 with a .310 average, 32 homers and 104 RBIs. 2000 would be a productive year as well, a .277 BA and 106 RBIs with 27 home runs. In 2001 he got off to a hot start and by the trade deadline he would be traded to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for Manny Aybar and a PTBNL on July 27th after he waived his no-trade clause.





He hit .282 with 12 homers in 49 games with the Cubs, but the team did not reach the postseason. He would hit 30 home runs with a .273 BA and 103 RBIs in 2002. He was made a free agent on November 1st. On December 31st he signed a one-year contract with the LA Dodgers. He would only hit 13 home runs in 2003 and spent most of the season on the DL. He was granted free agency on October 29th.






.....................

[Tobywan]

At the end of spring training he would re-sign with the Rays on March 23, 2004 with the hopes of reaching the 500 homer club with only 9 to go. He only played in 27 games and managed just 2 home runs batting .181 before being released on July 28th. He announced his retirement during spring training of 2005 when no offers came his way. His final ML appearance was July 15, 2004.



Fred had 2 cousins that played in the majors during his tenure, Charles Johnson played 12 seasons as a catcher mostly for the Marlins and Terry McGriff spent 6 seasons in the league mostly with the Reds.


Just a few of Fred's accomplishments:

⦁ 5-time All-Star (1992, 1994-1996 & 2000)
⦁ 3-time ⦁ Silver Slugger Award Winner (1989/AL, 1992/NL & 1993/NL)
⦁ 2-time League Home Runs Leader (1989/AL & 1992/NL)
⦁ 20-Home Run Seasons: 15 (1987-1997 & 1999-2002)
⦁ 30-Home Run Seasons: 10 (1988-1994, 1999, 2001 & 2002)
⦁ 100 RBI Seasons: 8 (1991-1993, 1996 & 1999-2002)
⦁ 100 Runs Scored Seasons: 2 (1988 & 1993)

Fred had been labeled "Crime Dog" by ESPN analyst Chris Berman in the 1990's as a spin off of McGruff, a cartoon dog created to raise children's awareness on crime prevention in PSAs and the nickname stuck, not thrilled about it in the beginning he has learned to like and accept the moniker. McGriff appeared in commercials for Tom Emanski's Baseball Fundamentals training videos in 1991. In the ad, McGriff deadpans the merits of the videos while wearing a "Baseball World" mesh cap perched high atop his head. The commercials ran for over a decade on ESPN, making them some of the longest running commercials on television.



In 19 seasons he finished with a .284 BA, 2,490 hits, 1, 305 walks, 1,349 runs scored, 493 home runs and 1,550 RBIs in 8,757 at-bats and 2,460 games.

With 493 career home runs he is tied on the list with Hall of Fame member and Yankee legend Lou Gehrig. He and Gary Sheffield are the only players ever to hit at least 30 home runs in one season for 5 different teams. McGriff is the only current retired recipient of the Wampum Willy Award. McGriff held a majority of Devil Rays offensive records and still holds the Rays all-time walks record with 305 as well as the strike out record with 433. He holds the team single season record of 91 walks and on base percentage of .405 in 1999.

McGriff spent time as a special instructor for the Rays in 2005 that allowed him to not have to travel so he could be home to follow his children's sports activities. He has always been involved in charity work, even hosting his own golf tournament in his exclusive community of Avilla. He also became involved in the front office of the Rays as a special advisor, a PR rep, helping in suite sales and an assistant to Matt Silverman. He has also been an analyst and co-host on a local television network for "The Baysball Show" as well as a local radio show.



Fred with Ozzie Guillen and Harold Reynolds





He left the Rays at the end of 2010 probably to become a full time assistant coach of the Varsity baseball team at Jesuit High School, where his son had been a wide receiver before heading off to the University of Kansas in 2009 to play football for the Jayhawks. Though some of the media have speculated it also might have been to work on some problems at home. In all his playing years Fred had never been the subject of any scandal or controversy on or off the field not even amidst the steroid accusations that swirled around many players in his generation. It was a surprise when he made headlines in the Tampa area in early 2011 over a domestic dispute. His wife of over 2 decades filed an injunction against him when he closed banks accounts closing her off from finances and accusing him of forging her signature on a million dollar transfer from a trust fund. She claimed when the transfer was rescinded he became furious and she was afraid of him. It has never been made public what his side of the story was, but the couple did go to counseling, reconciled and appear to still be together. Fred and Veronica (Watts) married on October 29, 1988, have 2 children a son Erick and a daughter Ericka. They still reside in the Avilla community in Tampa, Florida.

In March of 2013 his son Erick got into a scrape with the law when he was 22, being arrested on a charge of animal cruelty for leaving a puppy in his car while he attended a movie in Clearwater. He was released on bail paid a fine and lost custody of the puppy.



Fred with Terry Pendleton

Despite these couple of hiccups in his personal life McGriff has continued to give his time and support to helping local charities and keeping a hand in the game of baseball. He joined the Atlanta Braves during spring training in February 2013 as a guest instructor. Just a couple months later he participated in the Pepsi Max Field of dreams game held in Rochester, NY in May, he also joined Toronto as a special assistant to president Paul Beeston and represented the Blue Jays in the June draft. Then in August was a mentor briefly for the Jays Class A affiliate Lansing Lugnuts.



Pepsi Max Field of Dreams Game

FR : Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, Johnny Bench, Reggie Jackson, Mike Schmidt.
BR: Pedro Martinez, Fred McGriff, Rickey Henderson ,Trevor Hoffman, Frank Thomas




Fred and Tim Raines

McGriff became eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2010. He received 21.5% of the vote in his first year of eligibility, falling short of the 75% requirement for induction. Over the next four elections, McGriff's vote percentage ranged from a high of 23.9% (137 votes) in 2012 to a low of 11.7% (67 votes) in 2014, however as a player who received more than 5.0% of votes cast, McGriff remains eligible for induction by the Baseball Writer's Association of America and will appear on the 2015 ballot.

This year he was back to his TV and radio show, speaking just before Opening Day about the Rays 2014 season, the Hall of Fame, expanded instant replay and all things baseball.

[Tobywan]

...batting 5th....

Mike Kelly # 24 -LF




Michael Raymond Kelly was born on June 2, 1970 in Los Angeles, California, he attended Los Alamitos High School and became a standout hitting .467 his senior year, graduating in 1988. The New York Mets drafted Mike out of high school in the 24th round on June 1, 1988, but he didn't sign. He was awarded a scholarship to go to Arizona State University in Tempe and established himself as one of the hottest prospects in baseball. In his three-year college career, Kelly batted .351, hit 46 home runs, had 194 runs batted in and stole 59 bases in 68 attempts.





3x All American

3x All Pac

Freshman of the Year by Collegiate Baseball (1989)
Sporting News and Baseball America Player of the Year Award (1990)
NCAA Golden Spikes Award (1991)



Were just some of the awards and accolades he racked up while playing for the Sun Devils.





On June 3, 1991 he was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the 1st round (2nd pick) of the amateur draft and signed on July 22nd. He would spend the rest of the season with the Class A+ Durham Bulls then in the Carolina League, then he was promoted to Double A Greenville Braves for the 1992 season. He was up to the Triple A level by 1993 with the Richmond Braves and even though he hadn't put up huge numbers he was called up the following season in the first week of play, he would make his debut on April 5, 1994. He only played in 30 games for the Braves posting a .273 BA, .806 OPS but a .300 OBP, he spent most of the season at Richmond and due to the strike shortened season never got a call back up. 1995 was not kind, batting just .190 and a .572 OPS he appeared in just 97 games starting only 26 and spent the rest of the time back in Richmond.



He was traded on January 6 , 1996 to the Cincinnati Reds for Chad Fox and a PTBNL, on June 11th Ray King was sent to the Braves. He played in only 19 games for the Reds in 1996 spending most of the season for Triple A Indianapolis. Somehow the Reds decided to give him a chance to prove himself doubling his playing time in 1997, he put up very good numbers the rest of year.




He was traded to the Devil Rays on November 11th and the Rays would send Dimitri Young ( a move that later would be viewed as one the biggest blunders in the early stages of Devil Raydom) to the Reds on the 18th, Young had been picked 16th in round one of the expansion draft. Chuck LaMar had high hopes for him when he selected him as draft pick as an assistant for the GM of the Braves, now the Rays GM, he thought they could help Kelly achieve the promise he showed as a collegiate superstar. Kelly was named the Rays new starting left fielder, he was penciled in the 5th spot in the line up of the opener, he would only reach base once on an error in the ninth. His starting role quickly turned into a platoon situation, but Mike still had more playing than he ever had in his short career. Finishing the season .240/.295/.401 with 303 plate appearances with 67 hits, 39 runs scored, 10 home runs,33 RBIs, 13 stolen bases and 22 walks in 106 games .

Kelly was released just after spring training on March 31, 1999. He signed as a free agent with the Colorado Rockies on April 2nd but only had 2 at bats, spending the bulk of the season with Colorado Springs. He was granted free agency on October 4th. He signed with the NY Mets on December 3rd but was released on March 30, 2000.

He did not play in the league during the 2000-2002 seasons.

In 2002 Arizona State University honored him by naming him to their Hall of Fame.

In a last attempt to make a career in baseball he signed a minor league deal with the Kansas City Royals on January 19, 2003. He would have his best ever season numbers wise, but it would be with Triple A Omaha then he was granted free agency on October 15th. He signed on February 3, 2004 with the New York Yankees starting the season with their Triple A club Columbus, after 84 games he decided to hang it up for good, making April 12, 1999 his last ML appearance.

In 6 seasons he finished with a .241 BA, 165 hits, 111 runs sored, 22 home runs, 86 RBIs, 54 walks and 30 SB in 327 games.




There is not much news about Mike once he left the game, but he did play in the annual ASU alumni game in 2011 marking 20 years since he left the school. It seems he has returned every year since and then March 8, 2014 they put his No. 24 jersey on the Wall of Fame at Packard Stadium. During a video interview Mike is clinging tightly to a young child, not sure if it could be his son. Have found no references to his personal life.

[Tobywan]

.....batting 6th.....

Paul Sorrento #44 -DH




Paul Anthony Sorrento was born November 17, 1965 in Somerville, Massachusetts. He attended Saint John's Prep High School in Danvers, MA, playing baseball for their Eagles before heading to Florida State University in Tallahassee to become the Seminoles starting right fielder from 1984-1986. He was selected 1st Team freshman All-American by Baseball America when he hit 17 homers and 68 RBIs, he also made 2nd Team All-American in 1986 with 22 home runs and 86 RBIs. He set a school record reaching base 13 consecutive times in the Metro Conference Tournament in 1985. He also earned All-Metro and All-Metro Tournament team honors in all 3 seasons as a Seminole. As a junior he led FSU to the 1986 College World Series but they lost to the Arizona Wildcats, one of his more notable teammates that season was Robin Ventura who was a freshman. He finished his collegiate career with a .352 batting average, 48 home runs and 222 RBIs.



On June 2, 1986 Paul was selected by the California Angels in the 4th round of the amateur draft and signed on June 25th. He spent 3 seasons in the Angels minor league system with Quadcities and Palm Springs. In 1988 he racked up 99 RBIs and 14 home runs. He was traded to the Minnesota Twins on November 3rd with Rob Wassenaar (minors) and Mike Cook to the Minnesota Twins for Kevin Trudeau (minors) and Bert Blyleven. In 1989 for Double A Orlando Sun Rays he made the AA Southern League's All-Star team when he led the league with 35 doubles and 112 RBIs. By the end of the season he posted a .255 BA with 27 homers and 112 RBI's and was brought up to the big club during call-ups and would make his debut on September 8th taking a walk on his first at bat, then played in 14 more games. In 1990-91 he would split time between Triple A Portland Beavers and the big club, joining the Twins during their 1991 postseason and World Series Championship when the Twins defeated the Braves 4-3, but only saw brief action going 0-3 as a pinch hitter.




At the end of spring training on March 28, 1992 Sorrento was traded by the Minnesota Twins to the Cleveland Indians for Curt Leskanic and Oscar Munoz. He would be the starting first baseman for the Tribe and on Opening Day (April 6th) he got the first hit ever at new Oriole Park at Camden Yards, a single off Rick Sutcliffe, he would also get the first homer in the second game of the series off Bob Milacki. He ended the season with a .269 average and 18 home runs and 60 RBIs. He spent 4 seasons with Cleveland, on May 9, 1994 Sorrento hit the first grand slam at Jacobs Field in Cleveland.



He would also be indirectly involved in a huge scandal that season that would involve the Indians prized slugger Albert Belle. During the first inning of the July 15th game against the Chicago White Sox, Sox manager Gene Lamont accused Belle of using a corked bat, umpires confiscated the bat and it was removed and locked away in the umpires' dressing room to be inspected. A player was recruited to attempt to free the bat using a crawl space to the dressing room, swapping out the bat for one of Sorrento's. During the 6th inning a custodian saw signs of a break in, local police were called, even the FBI. MLB prompted the Indians to give up the bat or face a full FBI investigation. An inspection did reveal the bat was corked leading to seven game suspension for Belle. In 1999 during an interview it was revealed that Jason Grimsley was the designated swapper and that he couldn't replace the bat with another one of Belle's as all of Albert's bats were corked.


Paul with Jim Thome

In 1995 he hit 25 home runs with 79 RBIs with just a .235 BA. The Indians would win the division, making the post season, where Paul batted .300 with an RBI in the Game #3 series clincher in the ALDS against the Boston Red Sox, then in the ALCS against the Seattle Mariners he hit just .154 with two hits in 13 at bats though the team went on to win the AL Championship. In the World Series against the Atlanta Braves he struggled again batting just .182 with two hits in eleven at bats. The Indians lost the WS to the Atlanta Braves 4-2.



He was granted free agency on December 21, 1995 and signed on January 3, 1996 with the Seattle Mariners. Paul would have his best seasons as an M, he and his wife would also fall in love with the area and settle there. In 1996 he had career highs in hits (136) RBIs (93) doubles (32) & batting average (.289). In 1997 Paul would hit a career high 31 home runs which would have made more of an impression on Mariners fans if it hadn't been for Jay Buhner's 40 and Ken Griffey Jr's walloping 56 that same season he also posted the leagues second best fielding percentage at first base (.996). The M's would take the division and played in the postseason but were eliminated in the ALCS 3-1 by the Baltimore Orioles. Sorrento batted .300 with a HR in Game #3 of the NLDS against the O's.

He was honored by his Alma mater Florida State University when they inducted him into their Hall of Fame in 1997.



He would once again be a free agent on October 27th. He would sign with the Devil Rays on December 8th. He became the Rays primary DH, no way he would be the main first basemen when the Rays got Fred McGriff two weeks after Paulie. He would get some starts at first and in both outfield corners (where he never seemed comfortable). On Opening Day he would be the DH and bat 6th in the line up going 1 for 5 with a double and a strike out. Unfortunately, the same things plagued his time with the Rays as in most of his career, he wasn't an outstanding defensemen, he had a hard time running to first base, he struck out too often and didn't walk enough, but when he made solid contact it went far. He gave everything he had every game, it just was never enough to make an impact except for the occasional long ball excitement like hitting the first Grand Slam in Rays history and he's not remembered very fondly by the TB fandom and media. Paul ended his two seasons with the Rays with 28 home runs and 99 RBIs. After the Rays acquired what they thought would be a murderer's row for 2000, they opted not to renew his contract and bought him out for $250,000 making him a free agent on November 1, 1999.



He tried to get on with the Kansas City Royals signing a minor league contract on January 26, 2000 with an invite to spring training, but with Mike Sweeney being converted to first from the catcher's position Paul didn't get much of a look and was released. He signed a minor league contract with the Oakland Athletics and played for their Triple A affiliate Sacramento River Cats in 2000 playing in just 40 games before hanging up the cleats. That made his last ML appearance October 2, 1999.




Sorrento had been away from the game for 12 years when on January 13, 2012 he was named the hitting coach for the Inland Empire 66ers, they are the Class A Advanced affiliate for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the California League. He was then made the minor league hitting coordinator for the club in November for the 2013 season and slated to fill the same role for 2014. When the Angels hitting coach Don Baylor broke his femur bone on Opening Day, March 31, 2014 he was brought up to assist the coaching staff.

Paul and his wife Melissa still reside in the Seattle area , they have a son Ashton, they also have a second child that was born during his time as a Ray but couldn't find any more information about it or if they had any other children.

[Tobywan]

.....batting 7th.....

John Flaherty #23 -C (later #6)

John Timothy Flaherty was born October 21, 1967 in Fordham Road area of the Bronx in New York , New York. He was just a few months old when his family moved to West Nyack in Rockland County. He attended St. Anthony Grammar School in Nanuet and got his first taste of baseball playing in the West Nyack Little league mainly as a pitcher, at 12-years-old John pitched eight no-hitters and averaged 17 strikeouts per game. He attended Saint Joseph Regional High School in Montvale, New Jersey where as a senior played well enough to be selected by the Bergen County Coaches Association to the All Bergen County Baseball team in 1985. He also earned a scholarship to attend George Washington University. Playing for the Colonials he lettered in 3 seasons ('86-'88) as an outstanding defensive catcher. Though he was born and raised in NY he never really had a favorite team growing up he was more into playing the game than being a fan.




John's life would change forever in 1988, tragically he would experience one of the lowest points in his life when his mother passed away in the spring of 1988 during his junior year at GW. Then just a few months later he would get the opportunity of his life when the Boston Red Sox selected him in the 25th round of the June 1, 1988 draft. However, John was conflicted between leaving GW or starting his dream of a baseball career, after consulting his father he decided to not only live his dream but also promised his Dad to fulfill his deceased mother's wish that he would get a college degree. On June 9th he signed with the Red Sox, he was assigned to the the A- Elmira Pioneers of the New York-Pennsylvania League. According to Flaherty on his very first day in Elmira he met a pitcher from Boston College named John Dolan who had a friend from school named Timmy Flaherty and asked John if he might be related. Dolan went on to say that he was nicknamed "Flash" Flaherty because he would get drunk often and moon people. Flaherty thought it was a funny story, but when he showed up the next day Dolan called him Flash and it stuck. Not for anything John did on the field but simply because Dolan knew a guy from Boston with the same last name. That drunken flasher from Boston is now a District Attorney.



The following season he moved up (or down) to the Single A Winter Haven Red Sox of the Florida State League while keeping his promise of getting a degree with a major in speech communication and a minor in psychology during those first two off seasons. He also worked as an assistant in the University's Sports Information office. John became only the third student in GW history to play in the major leagues along with Orioles manager Sam Perlozzo and Washington Senators catcher Steve Korcheck.

In 1990 he played just one game for the A+ Lynchburg Red Sox in the Carolina League before making the jump to the AAA Pawtucket Red Sox of the International League. He would split time between the AA New Britain Red Sox of the Eastern League and the Paw Sox in '91. He was assigned to Pawtucket at the end of spring training in 1992 and the night before the Red Sox were to open the season in New York, Flaherty and some friends were celebrating as he would have to leave his West Nyack home and drive to Pawtucket in the morning. He got a bit hammered and woke the morning of April 9th late and with a hangover. That morning the Red Sox had to place back-up catcher John Manzano on the DL and then quickly find a replacement. Flaherty was just about to head out on the road when he got the call to get to Yankee Stadium as soon as possible less then 2 hours before game time. He arrived in time to suit up and be announced in front a sold out crowd of rival fans and though he didn't get to play he recalls the experience as one of the highlights of his career. After the opening series with the Yankees the team headed off for the first road trip to Cleveland, the first game of the series was a 19 inning marathon, On the next day (April 12th) he made his debut getting the start and hitting a double off Charles Nagy in his first at bat. He would end up splitting time between Pawtucket and Boston the rest of 1992. Flaherty enjoyed his time in the Boston area feeling welcomed by virtue of his Irish heritage, his grandfather emigrated to the Bronx from Kerry County, Ireland. He played the majority of the 1993 season at Triple A only playing in 13 games for Boston. Near the end of spring training in 1994 he had hopes of a bigger roll with the team, but was shocked when he was traded on April 1st to the Detroit Tigers for Rich Rowland. He would later recall that he was devastated to leave Boston, he loved the team, the fans and the area and it was a wake up call to the business side of the game.

In 1994 he split time between the Tigers and their Triple A affiliate the Toledo Mudhens. Flaherty credits Hall of Fame manager Sparky Anderson for helping him fit in with his new team, encouraging him, that he soon have the opportunity to play regularly. He started 1995 with the Mudhens but was called up at the end of April and stayed, playing in 112 games he finished the season with a .243 BA, 86 hits, 11 home runs, 39 runs, 18 walks, 40 RBIs and 47 strike outs. On June 18, 1996 the Tigers were in last place so as part of a 5 player deal he was traded along with Chris Gomez to the San Diego Padres for Russ Spear (minors), Brad Ausmus and Andujar Cedeno. He remembers his time with the Tigers fondly and feels those two-and-a-half years made him feel like a big leaguer, especially when he got the full time catching job and team mate Kirk Gibson told him he would never go back to the minors. Gibby was right.



It was exciting heading to San Diego who were in second place, contending for the NL West. He would be the Padres starting catcher but got off to a slow start with his new club so hitting coach Merv Rettmund decided to work with John on his swing, he proceeded to go on a streak of hitting safely in 27 straight games between June 21 and July 27. It ranks as the third-longest of all time by a catcher, behind only Sandy Alomar, Jr.'s 30-games and Benito Santiago's 34-game streak. When he got to 25 games he remembers Tony Gwynn turned to him and said, well, you just blew me out of the water.” That kind of brought John back to reality and 2 games later the steak ended. Through that season he hit a career high .303 as the Padres took the National League West Division. However, they were quickly eliminated from the post season when they were swept by the St Louis Cardinals 3-0. John played in 2 games but went hit-less.


1997 would be a very eventful and life changing year for John. He was Inducted into the George Washington University Athletic Hall of Fame, at the time of hs induction Flaherty's name was listed in the Top 10 in four offensive categories at GW: hits (144), RBIs(87), home runs (19) and total bases (243). He had another productive season with San Diego though the team would finish out of play-off contention. He and his wife Allyn (nee Yorizzo) found out they were expecting their first child and decided they wanted to build a home for their growing family in a new place, just before the end of the baseball season they picked the Tampa area. They bought a property in an upscale golf course community named Duval in Lutz. In a stroke of luck Padres GM Kevin Towers was able to pull of a trade on November 18th to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for Brian Boehringer and Andy Sheets. Just five days later their daughter Kristen arrived. He was slated to be the everyday catcher and in the opening game in 1998 he batted 7th in the line up catching the first pitch in Tampa Bay history from Wilson Alvarez. In his first at bat as a Ray he grounded out, but he would hit a double, a single and score a run.



He struggled though during most of the year and ended up playing in 91 games, his BA plummeting to .207 and even had a brief stint in Durham rehabbing from an injury. In June he spent 3 weeks on the DL with a dislocated thumb, when he returned he was healthy and sporting a new uniform number. All through little league, high school and college he had worn #6. He had asked for it in Boston but it belonged to Johnny Pesky who was still using it as a roving instructor for the club. When he went to Detroit the number was retired for Al Kaline. In San Diego it was retired for Steve Garvey. It would be available in Tampa Bay but he decided since he had a 27 game streak with the # 23 as a Padre he might hold on to it. When he returned he decided to switch to his old favorite and would wear #6 for the rest of his time with the Rays.






1999 he would have his best season posting a .278 BA, with 124 hits, 53 runs, 14 homers, 71 RBIs, 19 walks and 64 strike outs in 117 games. When the Devil Rays appeared to be willing to put extra money into the team by bulking up the roster with some heavy hitters and young pitching for the 2000 campaign it intrigued Flaherty enough to forgo free agency and re-sign a 3- year $9M contract admitting that he was excited at the prospect of helping the Rays towards success. He would have a decent season for himself in 2000 amidst an all around disastrous one for the team. Things just seemed to spiral downhill from there.



John and Steve Henderson



John with Brook Fordyce (BAL)


Being practically run over by Frank Thomas of the White Sox



A familiar scene with Wilson Alvarez

He got off to such a bad start in 2001 that in May he lost his starting role to Mike DeFelice then missed the entire last month due to a herniated disc in his neck. Even though DeFelice was traded in the off season John was informed that he would be paid $3M in 2002 to groom and be a back-up to young Toby Hall. While not thrilled, Flaherty accepted the role and never took his disappointment or frustration out on Hall. John and the Rays both had hopes though that if a deal were to present itself it would be ideal for both parties, but with the numbers decline of the previous season, the injury and his $3M price tag, the odds weren't good. He was granted free agency on October 28th, making John Flaherty the last member of the Inaugural roster to leave the team. Though his time with the Rays didn't turn out to be the opportunity anyone had hoped, he is remembered for his effort to stick with the foundling expansion club through thin and thinner. He was a fan favorite for his gentle approach with struggling pitchers and for his defense and most especially for breaking up a no-hitter of Pedro Martinez in the 9th inning with a single to right on August 29, 2000. The media liked him for his candor and honesty about those disappointing seasons while never bashing anyone in the organization. He has been touted as being a great team mate, something he says is the thing that has given him the most pride out of his career. Despite all the losing he is grateful that for those 5 years he was able to have his family close.

During the off season he was made an offer by the New York Yankees but initially declined when the Texas Rangers asked him to be their everyday catcher but the deal fell through, so he called Yankees’ General Manager Brian Cashman back and asked for the spot. He would head to spring training in 2003 as a non-roster invitee and make the team beating out Chris Widger to become the back up for Jorge Posada.




...............................

[Tobywan]

.................



After playing for the Devil Rays for 5 years it was a huge change for Flaherty, especially going from a losing atmosphere and the sparse crowds of Tropicana Field to the most historic team in baseball. In all his years he had never thought much about the growing trend of players choosing their own walk-up music for home games, he didn't think it was very important. While a Ray it was picked for him, as a play on his nickname he and the very few Tampa Bay faithful had to suffer through a snippet of the theme song from Flash Gordon by Queen as he walked to the plate. Sometimes they would switch it up with Johnny B Goode by Chuck Berry which was also his music in Detroit. Now he was thinking about it and wanted something to reflect his Irish heritage, the Yanks bull pen catcher played him "Rockin' the Bronx" by a celtic rock band named Black 47. He loved it. He would be granted free agency on October 26th but re-signed with the Yanks on December 15th. Even though Flaherty was now playing just a game a week and on occasions two, Joe Torre made him feel that his role was important and in that first season with the Yanks he was able to ride along with them as they won the division and made it through to win the AL Pennant heading to the World Series. Flaherty even got into one game, but they would fall to the Marlins 4-2.



In 2004 he would have a highlight moment with the Yankees in a game against his former team the Red Sox on July 1st , the crowd had already been awed when Derek Jeter flew into the stands to catch a pop up. The game went long and in the 13th inning Flaherty came in to pinch hit and would send a walk off single into the gap. He would once again become a free agent on October 28th but sign once more with New York on December 6th.



In 2005, he was approached by then bench coach Joe Girardi and asked if he could yell and scream at new Yankee Randy Johnson for nine innings to which he replied, no problem. John admitted though that he worried being the Unit's personal catcher might strain his relationship with Posada but it never did. He and Johnson formed a good relationship. They once again made it to the post season, he and his tandem mate Johnson started game 3 of the ALDS against the Angels, but Randy only went 3.2 innings, John could only manage a walk, the team was eliminated in the series 3-2. On October 27th he was a free agent again and his playing days with the Yankees was done.



Flaherty tries to make peace as umpire Fieldin Culbreth tosses the Big Unit

Feeling like he had a little more ball in him he signed on with the Red Sox on January 3, 2006. Catcher Jason Varitek was going to be playing in the World Baseball Classic so there would be plenty of starts during the spring to go around for those competing to replace Doug Mirabelli ( who had been traded in the off season) as Tek's back up. Joining Flaherty in that battle would be Ken Huckaby and Josh Bard.



Backup catcher candidates (from left) John Flaherty, Ken Huckaby, and Josh Bard



By the second day in the Red Sox spring training camp, John was already having a bad feeling after a horrendous batting practice with David Ortiz and Trot Nixon, he called his wife telling her he wasn't sure if he could keep going. Then after a troubling session trying to catch Tim Wakefield's knuckler during a Sunday afternoon spring game he made his decision, the next day ( March 7, 2006) he officially announced his retirement.

Making his last MLB appearance October 1, 2005 as a New York Yankee.

He finished a 14 year career with 849 hits, 319 runs, 80 home runs, 395 RBIs, 175 walks, 514 strike outs and a .252 BA in 1, 047 games.

When he got back home to New York the day after retiring there were already messages about broadcasting jobs. He sent an audition tape to SNY the broadcasting station for the New York Mets and George Steinbrenner saw him on one of the Mets spring training broadcasts. The Boss told the head of the Yankees Entertainment and Sports Network that an ex-Yankee shouldn't be broadcasting for the Mets so John was made an offer and John agreed. He joined the YES Network team as a color analyst, he has also served on the pre-game show, Yankees Batting Practice Today, the Post Game Show and Yankees On Deck.






Jack Curry, Ken Singleton and John



He credits former broadcaster and major league pitcher, Jim Kaat, with helping him settle into the role of broadcasting when John worked the first time with Jim. He showed up with his folder full of notes and research fully prepared just as any catcher should be. Kaat looked at his folder and said "what’s that?” John told him, I did my homework, Jim told him to "shove it." He explained to John "you and I are at a bar, having a beer, watching a game and we’re going to talk. That’s it.”He also works often beside Al Leiter, the pitcher who ended his hitting streak in 1996.



The YES Network Yankees broadcast team of Al Leiter, Ken Singleton, John Flaherty and Michael Kay


On August 26, 2008, John Flaherty was among the "Starting Nine" inducted into the Irish American Baseball Hall of Fame. Though not nearly as prestigious as the HOF located in Cooperstown, this one located in Foley's Bar in midtown Manhattan it was still a nice gesture to the Irish American.

On May 15, 2009 John was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from St Thomas Aquinas College n Sparkill, NY.

In 2011, Flaherty founded the Rockland Boulders, a member of the Canadian American Association of Professional Baseball. They play their home games at the 4,350-seat/16 suite Provident Bank Park in Rockland County, New York. He is still a limited partner of the club.

When not working Yankees games John also keeps a hand in promoting both his former schools, attending Alumni events at Saint Joseph Regional High School as well as GW. He has supported both with financial contributions as well as speaking engagements. He has also given catching clinics to the Hudson Valley Hurricanes. He tells the students to enjoy themselves and the importance of being a good team mate.



Saint Joseph Regional High School alumni dinner welcoming new students


He participated in the 67th annual Yankees Old Timers' Day on June 22, 2013 for the first time.

John is also an active part of the Major League Baseball Mentoring program that counsels future professional baseball players in such areas as drug awareness and financial planning. He and the crew earned New York Emmy Award nominations in 2010, 2011 and 2013. In 2014 he begins his 9th season at YES.



John and Allyn at the Joe Torre Safe At Home Foundation's 11th Anniversary gala November 14, 2013



John currently lives in Pearl River, NY in Rockland County with his wife, Allyn and their teenagers Kristen, Brian, and Logan. John is an active part of the Pearl River community, participating as a featured speaker in fund-raising events for the Pearl River Little League and local law enforcement groups. John also finds time to help coach his son’s ball teams and daughter Kristen recently won a cheer-leading championship with the Pearl River High School.