BBTF's Newsblog Discussion :: Boswell: Earl Weaver, Words from a Baseball Master

Baseball Primer Newsblog
— The Best News Links from the Baseball Newsstand

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Boswell: Earl Weaver, Words from a Baseball Master

“●On managing in the lowest rung of the minor leagues: “You’ve got 100 more kids than spots on the team. Every one of them has had a goin’ away party. They have been given the shaving kit and the $50. ‘See you in the majors in two years.’ You write on the report, ‘4-4-4 and out.’ That’s the lowest rating in everything. You say, ‘It’s the consensus among us . . .’ Some of ’em cry. Some get mad. But none of ’em will leave until you answer ’em one question: ‘Skipper, what do you think?’ And you gotta look every one in the eye and kick their dreams in the [butt] and say, ‘Kid, there’s no way you can make my ballclub.’”

I know there was already a thread on Weaver, but this is worth a read. Follow the “Earl Weaver quotes to Boswell” link on the sidebar

BourbonSamurai, vassal of the Harpsburg Empire Posted: January 20, 2013 at 12:23 PM | 7 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
Tags: hall of fame, obituaries, orioles

Reader Comments and Retorts

Go to end of page

Statements posted here are those of our readers and do not represent the BaseballThinkFactory. Names are provided by the poster and are not verified. We ask that posters follow our submission policy. Please report any inappropriate comments.

1. Morty Causa Posted: January 20, 2013 at 05:35 PM (#4351066)

That's a fine tribute and astute analysis of Weaver's qualities. I would have always thought that Weaver would have been one of those men who died in the saddle. That he could give it all, not once but twice, without much second-guessing or wanting to take it back, says something about his qualities as a manager and a man. He made his mark to the max, and that was that.

As for women reporters, who was the one he said something like this to, "I like you. You're pretty good. You're not just another pecker checker."

2. Esoteric throws a 'hard slider' Posted: January 20, 2013 at 05:55 PM (#4351089)

Agree with BourbonSamurai and Morty Causa: RTFA and be sure to click on the sidebar link at the WaPo to read some of Earl's greatest hits to the young beat-writer version of Boz.

3. The Yankee Clapper Posted: January 20, 2013 at 09:15 PM (#4351419)

Boswell seemed to be "mailing it in" for quite awhile, but the Nationals emergence seems to have revitalized him in recent years. He's very good when he wants to be, as this column shows.

4. pthomas Posted: January 20, 2013 at 09:19 PM (#4351421)

Was Boswell talking about Jane Leavy?

5. Esoteric throws a 'hard slider' Posted: January 20, 2013 at 09:50 PM (#4351456)

Boswell seemed to be "mailing it in" for quite awhile, but the Nationals emergence seems to have revitalized him in recent years. He's very good when he wants to be, as this column shows.

Sharp observation (which, of course, is code for "thing I had also perceived myself"). The dual resurgence of the Nats and O's has made an old columnist young again, and I couldn't be happier.

6. Jolly Old St. Nick Done Jumped The Ship

Posted: January 21, 2013 at 01:07 AM (#4351631)

Boswell may have been the best game reporter I've ever seen during the years he was the Post's beat writer for the Orioles. As soon as he got off that and began his George Will phase he's steadily gone downhill, but when Mr. Earl is the subject it's like Boz is kind of reborn.

7. Matthew E Posted: January 21, 2013 at 06:29 PM (#4352062)

As for women reporters, who was the one he said something like this to, "I like you. You're pretty good. You're not just another pecker checker."

Alison Gordon of the Toronto Star.

You must be Registered and Logged In to post comments.

<< Back to main

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Boswell: Earl Weaver, Words from a Baseball Master

Reader Comments and Retorts

BBTF Sponsor

Support BBTF

Bookmarks

Hot Topics