My short,
through-the-mail interviews with baseball players*
*Includes 10
non-baseball players
All of the letters that I have received have the players’
signature on the bottom except for: Dom DiMaggio (left space blank), Doug
Drabek, Tito Francona (left space blank), Bob Friend, Dick Groat, Dave
Henderson, Al Kaline, Don Kessinger, Mike Schmidt (left space blank), Ken
Schrom, Scott Scudder, Roy Sievers (left space blank
in “Part 2”) Roy Smalley Sr., Lee Smith, Frank Tanana and Jason Varitek.
The
below information is strictly owned by me, Simon Thompson, and may not be
reproduced, excluding personal use, under any circumstances.
Carl Erskine questions and answers (CE= Carl Erskine SMT= Me)
SMT:
What was your most memorable moment of your career?
CE:
1953 World Series - 3rd game vs. Yankees - 3-2 Win - Strike out record of 14
SMT:
Did you like playing in
CE:
SMT:
Who was the batter you were most scared?
CE:
Stan Musial of the Cardinals was a tough out - however I did have a good
winning record against the Cardinals.
Interview #2 with Carl
SMT:
Were you friends with Jackie Robinson?
CE:
Yes- Close friends and remained so after our playing days.
SMT:
How did it feel to lose game two of the World Series, and then three days later
win game five (in 1952)?
CE:
In game two I had a freak accident in the clubhouse- I hit my knee on a glass
heater and passed out. This was 10 min. before I was to warm up. They revived
me and I pitched but was wild- Game 5 was a thriller- eleven innings.
SMT:
Did you sign the "Anti-Robinson" petition? Why or why not?
CE:
No- never saw it.
SMT:
Was Branch Rickey a nice guy?
CE:
Smart and clever.
SMT:
Was Pee Wee Reese a nice guy?
CE:
The captain was a real pro.
SMT:
Did you ever pitch against Bob Gibson?
CE:
No- he came later.
SMT:
Was your family athletic when you were a kid?
CE:
My dad was a good semi pro player and had a good arm.
Interview #3 with Carl
SMT:
Which athlete(s) did you most admire as a kid, and why?
CE:
Babe Ruth- he was sports biggest star
SMT:
What was the most memorable moment of your career?
CE:
1953 World Series- 3rd game- 3-2 win over Yankees + setting the
strike out record of 14
SMT:
Who is your favorite baseball player of all-time, and why?
CE:
Jackie Robinson- my teammate, close friend, and a piece of American history.
SMT:
About how many fan mail letters do you receive each week?
CE:
About 30
SMT:
What was the most recent baseball game that you went to?
CE:
Dodgers at Cincinnati 2003
SMT:
Word Connection*:
CE:
1955 World Champions
SMT:
CE:
A new beginning and baseball expansion
SMT:
Ebbett’s Field
CE:
That’s where I used to work
SMT:
Jackie Robinson
CE:
All-time greatest- baseball and American
SMT:
Duke Snider
CE:
Roommate and my brother without the blood
Doug Drabek questions and answers (DD= Doug Drabek)
SMT:
Did you ever dream of making it to the Bigs as a kid?
DD:
Yes because I enjoyed it.
SMT:
Who was the batter that you were most scared to face? (Doug crossed out "scared"
and wrote above it HARDEST".... I hope that that question didn't offend
him!!!)
DD:
Tony Gwynn, he could hit every pitch.
SMT:
Who was your favorite teammate ever, and why?
DD:
1976
SMT:
What was your most memorable moment in your baseball career, and why?
DD:
Making it to the playoffs.
Bob
Friend questions and answers (BF= Bob
Friend)
SMT:
What athlete did you most admire as a kid?
BF:
Joe DiMaggio
SMT:
As a kid, did you ever dream of making the Big Leagues?
BF:
Always!! Fantasized pitching against the great hitters.
SMT:
Which team did you like playing for the most?
BF:
SMT:
Who was your favorite teammate ever?
BF:
Ralph Kiner
SMT:
How did it feel to have a mere ERA of just 2.83, in 1955, but have the Pirates
be in last place with a 60-94 record?
BF:
Proud of the record and gained confidence. Also knew we were inspiring with
young players like Mazeroski & Clemente.
SMT:
Was your family athletic as a kid?
BF:
Yes, my older brother.
SMT:
Who was the batter you were most scared to face?
BF:
Ed Matthews, Stan Musial, Hank Aaron.
Interview #2 with Bob
SMT:
Who was your favorite athlete as a kid, and why?
BF:
Tom Harmen,
SMT:
What was the most memorable moment of your career?
BF:
Mazeroski’s homerun 1960 WS + 20th win
1958 Sept. 10th
SMT:
Who is your favorite all-time baseball player, and why?
BF:
Joe DiMaggio- classic swing, great hitter, great outfielder “The Yankee Clipper
#5”
SMT:
About how many fan mail letters do you receive each month?
BF:
50-75
SMT:
Who made the largest impact on your career, and how did they do that?
BF:
Brother Paul + Dad. By example + support!!
SMT:
What was the most recent sports game that you attended?
BF:
Pirates vs. Brewers, Opening Day,
SMT:
Word Connection*:
BF:
“City of
SMT:
Roberto Clemente
BF:
Rifle-arm
SMT:
Steroids
BF:
Bad!!
Dick Groat questions and answers (DG= Dick Groat)
SMT:
What athlete did you most admire as a kid?
DG:
Ralph
Kiner
(Surprisingly enough,
Ralph Kiner was Bob Friend's answer for who was your favorite teammate ever....
Kiner must be a great guy!!!)
SMT:
Who was the hardest pitcher to face?
DG:
Don Drysdale
SMT:
Who was your most favorite teammate ever?
DG:
Bill Visdon
Al
Kaline questions and answers (AK= Al
Kaline)
SMT:
Who was the pitcher that you were most scared to face?
AK:
Nolan Ryan
SMT:
What athlete did you most admire as a kid?
AK:
Ted Williams
SMT:
Who do you think was the best athlete ever?
AK:
Bo Jackson
SMT:
Approximately, how many fan letters do you get a day?
AK:
20 to 30
SMT:
Was your family athletic as a kid?
AK:
No
Scott
Scudder questions and answers (SS=
Scott Scudder)
SMT:
How did it feel to pitch 1.1 innings in game two of the 1990 World Series
against the A's?
SS:
Awesome!
SMT:
Who was your favorite role model as a kid?
SS:
Dad
SMT:
Who was the batter that you had the most trouble with, and you were most scared
to face?
SS:
Ryne Sandberg
SMT:
What athlete did you most admire as a kid?
SS:
Roger Staubach
SMT:
Who was your favorite teammate ever?
SS:
John Franco
SMT:
What was your most memorable moment of your career?
SS:
World Series '90
SMT:
What advice would you give to an 11-year-old pitcher who wants to make the
Majors?
SS:
Practice, Practice, & Pray!
Lee
Smith questions and answers (LS= Lee Smith)
SMT:
What athlete did you most admire as a kid?
LS:
Dr. J.
SMT:
Which of the eight teams you played for was your favorite?
LS:
SMT:
Which of the eight had the best ballpark?
LS:
SMT:
Who was your favorite teammate ever?
LS:
Leon Durham
Frank
Tanana questions and answers (FT= Frank
Tanana)
SMT:
Who was the batter that you were most scared to face, and why?
FT:
The one who was able to adjust to the way I liked to pitch! Paul Molitor and
Kirby Puckett were two guys that hit me well!
SMT:
Which of the six teams that you played for was your favorite, and why?
FT:
SMT:
You got into the MLB at age 21, how did it feel to be there so young?
FT:
It was a very heady experience!
SMT:
Who was your favorite teammate ever, and why?
FT:
Mickey Weston- We were teammates on the Mets! He and I are good friends and to
be on the same team was special!!
SMT:
What athlete did you most admire as a kid, and why?
FT:
Terry
Puhl questions and answers (TP= Terry Puhl)
SMT:
What athlete did you most admire as a kid, and why?
TP:
Bobby Orr
SMT:
Who on the 1977 Astros helped you out the most as a rookie?
TP: Cesar
Cedeno / Enos Cabell
SMT:
What pitcher were you most scared to face, and why?
TP: Steve
Carlton
SMT:
Was your family athletic as a kid?
TP:
Yes.
SMT:
What was your most memorable moment of your career?
TP:
1980 National League West Championship vs. Dodgers.
Ken
Schrom questions and answers (KS= Ken
Schrom)
SMT:
What athlete did you most admire as a kid, and why?
KS:
Bart Starr- He was the QB for the Packers when I was a little kid.
SMT:
Who was the hardest batter to face, and why?
KS:
Harold Baines. He was a great hitter.
SMT:
Who was your favorite teammate ever, and why?
KS: Kent
Hrbek- He was my roommate in
SMT:
Did you ever dream of making it to the Major Leagues as a kid?
KS: No- I
wanted to play in the NFL.
SMT:
What was your most memorable moment in your career, and why?
KS:
Being named to the All Star team.
SMT:
What advice would you give to an 11-year-old pitcher who wants to make it to
the Majors?
KS:
Work hard- listen to your coaches, make sure you get a good education, READ!
Dave
Henderson questions and answers (DH= Dave
Henderson)
SMT:
Who was the athlete that you most admired as a kid?
DH:
Willie Mays
SMT:
Who was your favorite teammate ever?
DH:
Dave Stewart
SMT:
What pitcher were you most scared to face?
DH:
Goose Gossage
SMT:
What advice would you give to an 11-year-old who wants to make the majors?
DH:
Play every sport you can to prevent burn out.
Mr.
Henderson also wrote a note that looked exactly like this:
Dear Friend,
In exchange for an
autograph, please make a charitable contribution of $3-$5 to the ANGELMAN
SYNDROME FOUNDATION. Angelman Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder which affects
my son. Your contribution is tax-deductible. Thank
you,
Dave
Henderson
SEND TO:
(then
in hand in blue ink pen) 6004 192nd CT SE
(then
in thick red sharpie off to the side) Thankyou. BOB.
Alan
Ashby questions and answers (AA= Alan Ashby)
SMT:
What athlete did you most admire as a kid, and why?
AA: Sandy
Koufax. Played on my favorite team-Dodgers.
SMT:
Who was your favorite role model as a kid?
AA:
Jesus Christ
SMT:
Which of the three teams you played for was your favorite and why?
AA:
Astros- Settled down to live in
SMT:
Who was the pitcher that you were most scared to face and why?
AA:
Any tough left hander-didn’t hit well right handed
SMT:
Who was your favorite teammate(s) ever?
AA:
Buddy
Ed Hearn
questions and answers
(EH= Ed Hearn)
SMT:
What athlete did you most admire as a kid, and why?
EH:
Johnny Bench- his baseball skills
SMT:
Who, on the 1986 New York Mets, helped you out the most as a rookie?
EH:
Gary Carter
SMT:
Who was your favorite teammate ever?
EH:
Gary Carter
SMT:
How made the largest impact on your playing career and how did they do that?
EH:
My father- by installing in me that value of working hard and persevering
SMT:
What was your most memorable moment of your career, and why?
EH:
-1st game
-World Series
SMT:
What advice would you give to an 11-year-old catcher?
EH:
Get good coaching- work hard at your skills and in school
Rex
Hudler questions and answers (RH= Rex
Hudler)
SMT:
What athlete did you most admire as a kid, and why?
RH:
Pete Rose: Hustle
SMT:
Did you ever dream of making it to the majors as a kid?
RH:
Wanted to play pro ball in any sport!
SMT:
Who on the 1984 NY Yankees helped you out the most as a rookie?
RH:
Dave Winfield
SMT:
Who was your favorite teammate ever, and why?
RH:
Mark Langston: Great friend
SMT:
Who made the largest impact on your playing career and how did they do that?
RH:
Dave Winfield: Don Baylor: Ron Guidry, good advice I used my whole career
SMT:
What was your most memorable moment of your career, and why?
RH:
Playing in Cal Ripken’s game when he broke Lou Gehrig’s streak record
SMT:
What advice would you give to an 11-year-old second baseman?
RH:
Do well in school; throw a tennis ball against a wall and catch it barehanded
Letter
from Bud Selig
Office of the
Commissioner
Major league baseball
___________________________________
___________________________________
(Major League Baseball logo)
ALLAN H. (BUD) SELIG
Commissioner
of Baseball
Mr. Simon Thompson
(address)
Dear Simon:
I have answered
your questions and am enclosing the cards you sent to me, along with an
autographed baseball.
Thank you for
taking your time to write to me. I appreciate your great interest in baseball.
Sincerely,
(Signature)
Allan H. Selig
Commissioner of Baseball
AHS:sar
Enc.
777
E. Wisconsin Avenue
Suite 3060
(414) 225-8900 / Fax (414) 225-8910
Questions
and answers from Bud Selig (BS= Bud Selig)
SMT:
What athlete did you most admire as a kid, and why?
BS:
Joe DiMaggio. Great player and fine gentleman
SMT:
What do you think was the best period of baseball: ’50-’60, ’60-’70, ’70-’80,
’80-’90, ’90-’00, ’00-’10?
BS:
’50-’60 and ’00-‘10
SMT:
What do you think was the most memorable moment of baseball in 2001?
BS:
SMT:
2002?
BS:
SMT:
2003?
BS:
Denny
Walling questions and answers (DW=
Denny Walling)
SMT:
Who was the athlete that you most admired as a kid?
DW:
Mickey Mantle
Tom Watson
Jimmy Connors
SMT:
Was your family athletic as a kid?
DW:
Yes
SMT:
Did you ever dream of making the Bigs as a kid?
DW:
Absolutely
SMT:
Who was the pitcher that you were most scared to face, and why?
DW:
Can’t think of any Floyd Yeoman was
tough to hit for me!
SMT:
Who was your favorite teammate ever?
DW:
Craig Reynolds Jeff
Leonard
Terry Puhl Joe Morgan
Joe Magrane Jose Cruz Many More!
SMT:
What was your most memorable moment of your career?
DW:
* 100th Pinch Hit
Game winning RBI Mike Scott’s DV. clinching no-hitter
Being part of Nolan Ryan’s 5th no-hitter
Tommy Greene questions and answers (TG= Tommy Greene)
SMT:
What athlete did you most admire as a kid, and why?
TG:
Nolan Ryan. Power longevity. Something I wish I had more of.
SMT:
Did you ever dram of making it to the majors as a kid?
TG:
Yes. But I didn’t think about it a lot. I just wanted to play the game.
SMT:
Who was your favorite role model as a kid?
TG:
My mom and dad because they always worked hard for what they had.
SMT:
Who on the 1989 Atlanta Braves helped you out the most as a rookie?
TG:
Zane Smith
SMT:
Who was the batter that you had the most trouble with, and why?
TG:
There are a bunch of those hitters.
SMT:
Who made the largest impact on your playing career, and why did they do that?
TG:
Leo Mazzone. Had him for five years when I was younger. I still go back in my
memory a draw from our time together when I’m helping kids.
SMT:
What was your most memorable moment of your career, and why?
TG:
Clinching the pennant against the Braves in ’93.
SMT:
Who was your favorite teammate ever, and why?
TG:
I had a bunch of great teammates.
SMT:
Which of the three teams that you played for was your favorite, and why?
TG:
Philly. It’s where I succeeded and had fun at.
SMT:
Which of the three had the best ballpark?
TG:
At the time in
SMT:
What advice would you give to an 11-year-old pitcher?
TG:
Throw your fastball. Learn how to throw it “in” and “out” when you want.
Learn to throw a change up first. Use your fastball, that’s how you build arm
strength. If you don’t use your fastball you’ll lose it. You can be taught to
throw a curveball. You can not teach someone how to throw hard.
Dom DiMaggio question and answer (see “return to senders”) (DD= Dom DiMaggio)
SMT:
What advice would you give to an 11-year-old (me) who wants to make the Majors?
DD:
Practice, Practice, and more practice.
Sorry
~ time does not permit me to do them and satisfy everyone~
Johnny Pesky question and answer (did not see other side) (JP= Johnny Pesky)
SMT:
What athlete did you most admire as a kid, and why?
JP:
Charlie Gehringer of the
Jerry Don Gleaton questions and answers (JG= Jerry Don
Gleaton)
SMT:
What athlete did you most admire as a kid?
JG:
Mickey Mantle
SMT:
Who was your favorite role model as a kid?
JG:
My dad!
SMT:
Did you ever dream of making it to the majors as a kid?
JG:
Yes
SMT:
Who on the 1979 Texas Rangers helped you out the most as a rookie?
JG:
Jim Sundberg and Gaylord Perry!
SMT:
Who made the largest impact on your career?
JG:
Frank Tanana and Billy Muffett – Pitching coach (Tigers)
SMT:
What was the best advice you ever got (on baseball)?
JG:
Work hard and don’t take shortcuts!
SMT:
Who was your favorite teammate ever, and why?
JG:
Frank Tanana, Wayne Tolleson and George Brett! We just seemed to get along real
well all the time!
SMT:
What batter were you most scared to face and had the most trouble with, and
why?
JG:
Don Mattingly & Wade Boggs! Tough to find a weak spot!
SMT:
What was your most memorable moment of your career?
JG:
Making it to the major leagues and being drafted in the 1st round!
SMT:
What advice would you give to an 11-year-old pitcher?
JG:
Throw strikes and practice, practice, practice…..!
SMT:
Which of the six teams that you played for was your favorite, and why?
JG:
SMT:
Which of the six had the best stadium?
JG:
Email from Jerry Grote upon me writing him an email asking
the questions that he answered
I really did not
have an athlete that I admired or looked up to.
I lived way out in the country with no close neighbors. I did a lot of farm work and had 125 acres
as a playground.
My favorite teammate is not limited to just
one. Among my roommates and good friends
to this day were Nolan Ryan, Jon Matlack, and Del Unser. Favorite teammates
also included Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman, and Gary Gentry. If I had to nail it
down to one, it would have to be Bud Harrelson.
We were real close then and still are now.
Thanks for writing.
Jerry Grote
Dave Hengel questions and answers (DH= Dave Hengel)
SMT:
What athlete did you most admire as a kid, and why?
DH:
none
SMT:
Who was your favorite role model as a kid?
DH:
My Mother.
SMT:
Did you ever dream of making it to the majors as a kid?
DH:
No. I just wanted to make the sports team I was trying out for, and be the best
player.
SMT:
Who, on the 1986 Seattle Mariners, helped you out the most as a rookie?
DH:
Alvin Davis
SMT:
Who made the largest impact on your career?
DH:
My summer league coach in high school. He taught me to work hard and become the
best player I could be.
SMT:
What was the best advice you ever got (on baseball)?
DH:
Baseball is the only sport that you succeed 3 out of 10 times (.300 batting
average) and are considered a great player. Do not get discouraged if you don’t
succeed every time, keep trying at all times!
SMT:
Who was your favorite teammate ever, and why?
DH:
Mickey Brantley. We lived near each other and would work out every day
together.
SMT:
What pitcher were you most scared to face, and why?
DH:
Ron Davis. He would throw 96-97 mph and had trouble throwing strikes. He would
pitch balls that would hit the backstop.
SMT:
What was your most memorable moment of your career?
DH:
First Major League game.
SMT:
Which team did you like the most: the Mariners, Brewers or Indians?
DH:
Mariners
Then
at the bottom he wrote:
Simon,
Good Luck to you.
Best Wishes, (then his autograph
here).
Jason Varitek questions and answers (JV= Jason Varitek)
SMT:
Who is your favorite current Red Sox teammate?
JV:
Trot
SMT:
Who was the athlete that you most admired as a kid, and why?
JV:
Bo Jackson (2 sport athlete)
SMT:
What was your favorite team as a kid?
JV:
SMT:
Did you like your teammate, Shea Hillenbrand, before he got traded (to the
Diamondbacks)?
JV:
Yes
SMT:
What has been your favorite, and most memorable, experience in your baseball
career so far?
JV:
This years division series win
SMT:
Do you like
JV:
Not for players.
Dwayne Henry questions and answers (DH= Dwayne Henry)
SMT:
What athlete did you most admire as a kid, and why?
DH:
Dr. Julius Erving
Nolan Ryan à because he threw so
hard
SMT:
Who, on the 1984 Texas Rangers, helped you out the most as a rookie?
DH:
Dave Stewart
SMT:
Who was the batter that you were most scared to face, and why?
DH:
Dave Winfield
Could never get him out. Always killed
me.
SMT:
Who was your favorite teammate ever, and why?
DH:
Like Willie Stargell + Family (1979)
SMT:
What was your most memorable moment of your career?
DH:
Just making it to the Major Leagues!
Danny Ozark questions and answers (DO= Danny Ozark)
SMT:
What athlete did you most admire as a kid, and why?
DO:
Babe Ruth- Because he always talked to children and treated very warm hearted
SMT:
Which of the three major league teams that you worked with was your favorite?
DO:
#1 Phillies- Dodgers- Giants in that order
SMT:
Who was your favorite player that you worked with?
DO:
Mike Schmidt
SMT:
What was your most memorable moment of your career?
DO:
As a player hitting four consecutive home runs in a 9 inning game, as a manager
winning the division title in 1976
Jim Lonborg questions and answers (JL= Jim Lonborg)
SMT:
What athlete did you most admire as a kid, and why?
JL: Sandy
Koufax, he brought the act of pitching to perfection.
SMT:
Who on the 1965 Boston Red Sox helped you out the most as a rookie?
JL:
Mace Brown, the pitching coach.
SMT:
What was your most memorable moment of your career, and why?
JL:
Winning the last game of the 1967 season- it meant we would go to the W.S.
SMT:
What was your favorite team that you played for, and why?
JL:
SMT:
What advice would you give to a 12-year-old pitcher?
JL:
Do a lot of running to make your legs stronger and do a lot of long toss in the
outfield to make your arm stronger.
Joe Morgan (manager) questions and answers (JM= Joe Morgan)
SMT:
What athlete did you most admire as a kid?
JM:
Jimmy Foxx
SMT:
Who on the 1959 Brewers helped you out the most as a rookie?
JM:
Red Schoendiest
SMT:
What pitcher were you most scared to face, and had the most trouble with?
JM:
Any sidearming lefty in the minor leagues wild that is
SMT:
What was your most memorable moment of your major league career?
JM:
Making the
Mike Schmidt questions and answers (MS= Mike Schmidt)
SMT:
What athlete did you most admire as a kid?
MS:
Frank Robinson
SMT:
Who was the pitcher that you were most scared to face, and had the most trouble
with?
MS: Nolan
Ryan
SMT:
Who was your favorite teammate(s) ever?
MS:
Pete Rose
SMT:
Who made the largest impact on your major league career, and how did they do
that?
MS:
Pete Rose- Taught me how to win
SMT:
What was your most memorable moment of your major league career?
MS:
500TH HR + World Series
SMT:
What advice would you give to an 11-year-old third baseman?
MS:
Work hard in school + listen to teachers + coaches
Bobby Doerr questions and answers (BD= Bobby Doerr)
SMT:
What athlete did you most admire as a kid?
BD:
Charlie Gerhinger 2B
SMT:
Who was your favorite role model as a kid?
BD:
My Dad.
SMT:
What sports team(s) did you root for as a kid?
BD:
Cubs
SMT:
Did you ever dream of making it to the MLB as a kid?
BD:
I hoped to
SMT:
Who on the 1937 Red Sox helped you out the most as a rookie?
BD:
Joe Cronin
SMT:
What was the most surprising thing about the MLB that you learned?
BD:
Players in each (unknown word he wrote, to messy writing) all good
SMT:
Who was your favorite teammate ever?
BD:
Ted Williams
SMT:
What pitcher was you most scared to face, and had the most trouble with?
BD:
Bob Feller
SMT:
Who made the largest impact on your major league career?
BD:
Joe Cronin
SMT:
What was your most memorable moment of your major league career?
BD: World
Series 1946
SMT:
What advice would you give to a 12-year-old second baseman?
BD: Think
positive and practice a lot
Questions, part 2 (note: I sent him two questionnaires, at
different times)
SMT:
What athlete(s) did you most admire as a kid, and why?