Random Interview:Willie Randolph

When I was growing up, Willie Randolph of the New York Yankees was the picture of quiet consistency. Randolph played 13 seasons for the Yankees after being acquired in a trade from Pittsburgh. Randolph would be the only player in that trade to play more than 2 seasons with the new club.
After the 1988 season, Randolph signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He played there for about a year and a half, before moving on to Oakland to finish the season. He finished his career with one season with the Oakland A's and one with the New York Mets. He later managed the Mets for 3+ pretty successful seasons. Randolph became a coach for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2009.

As with most of my interviews, I did not plan on getting Randolph. However, when a former player of his stature is available, I cannot pass the opportunity. I think Randolph's answer (to our question of favorite city) speaks of his views on many areas. I thought it was an interesting response from an insightful man who has probably played through some poor situations. Randolph is a class act and should get another managerial position.

The Mike Cameron Lesson:Part 2

Several weeks ago, I wrote about an interview I had with Mike Cameron of the Milwaukee Brewers. It started off a little shaky, but ended up being a lot of fun and a great experience.
A couple weeks later, we were in Houston for the series between the Houston Astros and the Milwaukee Brewers. We had gotten a few interviews already and were ready to call it a day when we saw our new friend Cameron. We had to go up to him again.
He remembered us immediately. He got a good laugh out of it and some of the other writers looked at us incredulously. I love the big smile and little giggle he gave at the beginning.

Stormin' Gorman Thomas

Stormin' Gorman Thomas. That name invokes memories of a feared slugger!
For about a 6 season run, Thomas was one of the most dangerous sluggers in baseball, leading the Brewers to the 1982 World Series. For some World Series starved Chicago fans, we lived vicariously through the Brewers!
When I was at Miller Park, I wasn't looking for Thomas. I had no idea he was even there that night. I just happened to look over and I saw and recognized him immediately.
He was engaged in several conversations (one of which I documented here with one of my favorite pictures). Time was running out, as I learned he had to go to his autograph station, but I would not be denied.
I waited and waited and jumped in as Thomas started to head to his area. This was a thrill for me. Thomas was probably one of my first mancrushes (boy crush?).

Ryan Braun Approached Johngy

In 2007, Ryan Braun burst onto the baseball scene with an outstanding rookie season for the Milwaukee Brewers. He followed his Rookie of the Year season with 2 more great seasons.
Braun's nickname is 'Hebrew Hammer', although Braun admits he really was raised with no faith. He is fine with the nickname and the connections and fans of all denominations are totally behind Braun.
Just a few days prior to the 2009 MLB All-Star game, I had the chance to ask Braun about being on the team and the home run derby. The quick inerview is below.
The funny part of this interview was that Braun basically came to us. We had just made our way to the batting cages and were checking out prospective targets. Braun walked up and pretty much offered himself to us. Pretty cool.

#17 Jim Gantner

About a week ago, I posted a photo of Gorman Thomas, Larry Bowa and Jimmy Gantner. All three of these players were among my favorites in my youth. I have had the pleasure of interviewing all three as well. Below is a quick couple of questions with Gantner.
I asked Gantner about his favorite city to visit. I followed that by asking him about possibly having his number retired by the Brewers.
Gantner had an interesting career. He played parts of 17 seasons, all with the Brewers. As I noted last time, Gantner, Molitor and Yount hold the record for most games played together by 3 teammates. He ranks in the top 5 of most offensive career statistics for the Brewers.
Despite all of this, Gantner will never have his number retired. He had a very nice career and I would happily take him on either Chicago team any time, but he sort of remains an anomaly.
There aren't many players in the modern era who have played as long with only one team, who aren't in the Hall of Fame (or reasonably close).
Frank White was a similar, although slightly better player in the 70's and 80's. I cannot think of a current player who is similar. It is an unusual but impressive, accomplishment.

Catching Up with Jerry Augustine

Jerry Augustine was born in Kewaunee (WI) and attended the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. He was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in 1974 and enjoyed a 10 year career with the Brewers, from 1975 through '84.
Augustine was named to the Topps All-Rookie team in 1976. He finished his career with a record of 55-59 with 11 saves and a 4.23 ERA. After his playing career ended, Augustine coached for several seasons at UW-Milwaukee.
I ran into Augustine in Miller Park a few weeks ago. He was one of a few former Brewers brought in to sign autographs before the game.
I like guys like Augustine. The guy played 10 seasons in the majors. He's a baseball guy. He will never have his number honored like former teammates Hank Aaron, Robin Yount, Rollie Fingers and Paul Molitor, but he has a place in baseball history. I liked following his career and it was fun to talk to him for a bit.

Future Old Times at Miller Park

This is one of those pictures I might use in 20 years under a post called "Old Times at Miller Park". This picture is pure baseball to me. Taken before a game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park, the photo features 3 of my favorite players from the 70's and 80's.
At left is Stormin' Gorman Thomas, a feared slugger who played most of his career with the Brewers. Thomas hit 268 HR's over 13 seasons.
In the middle is Larry Bowa, an All-Star shortstop who played mainly for the Philadelphia Phillies. Bowa was gritty and fiery, a real throwback.
On the right is Jimmy Gantner, who played 17 seasons with the Brewers, mostly at 2nd base. Gantner, Paul Molitor and Robin Yount hold the record for most games played as teammates.
Just seeing these 3 together was pretty cool. Even better, I got to talk to Thomas and Gantner shortly after this picture (stay tuned for future interview postings). I had previously interviewed Bowa, along with Mike Easler, a couple years back.
One more thing, as an added bonus, the player to Bowa's right in the background is Brad Ausmus. Ausmus would fit right in with the previously mentioned trio.

Gorman Thomas, Larry Bowa and Jimmy Gantner in Miller Park in Milwaukee-WI-July 2009.

Mike Cameron Gives Johngy a Lesson

Mike Cameron played 4 seasons with the Chicago White Sox in the mid-90's. He was traded to the Cincinnati Reds for Paul Konerko. Cameron is currently playing for the Milwaukee Brewers.
A few weeks ago, I was on the field at Miller Park and I approached Cameron for a quick interview. My first 2 questions were about his favorite city to visit as a player and about his time in Chicago. Cameron questioned my questions. He invited me into the dugout for me to explain what my point was. I explained I wrote for Global Traveler magazine and thus asked questions about visiting other cities. Now that I had clarified my intent, Cameron opened up and gave me some very good answers, along with a quick lesson in how to approach ballplayers in the future.
I have to admit, I was a bit scared when Cameron summoned me to the dugout. Maybe he thought I was trying to set him up somehow. To his credit, he quickly smiled and accepted the whole situation. This really turned out to be one of the best experiences I have had with a player on the field.
The interview can be seen here, along with the rest of my interviews on YouTube.

Mike Cameron and me at Miller Park in Milwaukee, WI-July 2009.

Bob Uecker Comments on Fran Gallagher

A couple weeks ago, I was at Miller Park to see a game and do some interviews. When I saw the legendary Bob Uecker, I had to get him.
You might recall from a 'Friendly Encounters' a while back that Fran Gallagher (Publisher of Global Traveler magazine) golfed with Uecker a few months ago. I had to take this opportunity to discuss Gallagher with Uecker.
Uecker's answer was a classic. Uecker is one funny guy. Then again, so is Gallagher. I can't imagine being in a golfing foursome with the two of them.
My chat with Mr. Baseball about Mr. Travel can be found here. Be sure to check out all of my 'fascinating' interviews on my YouTube channel.

Bob Uecker and me in Miller Park in Milwaukee, WI-July 2009.