Just to clarify: this is the phone that got the calls to tell Dennis Eckersley to get prepared to do the Phone-Enduced Dramatics (PEDs) that eventually got Dennis Eckersley a certain phone call that Eckersley’s twice-teammate Mark McGwire is not going to get today.
Personally, I do not believe McGwire’s dramatics were phone-enduced, but what do I know? I never really thought that McGwire was phone-call worthy while he played in Oakland, partly because he could never stay healthy or slump-free long enough to put together any long stretch of dominant play, and partly because I don’t think he was all that great a relief pitcher.
Whether or not McGwire gets the phone call today, I don’t feel required to have an emotional reaction. We’ll leave that job to the Cardinals fans.
Goose Gossage, on the other hand, was a great relief pitcher, did get calls on that phone, and although those particular calls didn’t produce the most dramatic moments of Gossage’s career, I’d really like to see him get one more phone-enduced dramatic moment. Although Yankee fans would deserve the emotions far more than I, I plan to steal a little bit of the joy or disappointment for myself and my fellow A’s fans. Call me selfish.
1. Sad about what happened to Sparky when Goose came over. Kinda remember that Goose had some tough outings at the beginning of 78 and that the fans got on him pretty hard. He did come alive and then he left.
As for the picture, cannot imagine how it must feel when the phone rings. There ya be, just sitting there waiting. Then ya got to get up, figger out what be happeing in the game, warm up, walk that walk all alone. Then ya face some crisis, maybe if only for a batter or two. If the game ain't on the line, you be a mopper upper, one step ahead of a position player who comes in when the game is out of reach. Always pressure.
2. 1 You know, I think that used to be the way it was for relievers, but nowadays, they talk about having your "bullpen in order" or having bullpen "roles" figured out.
Sure, lots of relievers don't watch the game, but do you think there's any mystery at all as to when Trevor Hoffman is likely to come into a game? How about the LOOGY? These days, relievers seem to know their assignment. It ain't the Jim Bouton years of not wearing your cup and hoping you don't get called in...