Robbie Wine #119

This week, a 2nd generation big leaguer who was a top prospect and a long time college coach...it's Robbie Wine! Robbie's dad Bobby was a Gold Glove shortstop for the Phillies and later a coach. Robbie went to Oklahoma State where he was Sporting News Player of the Year and a 1st round draft pick. His bat never caught up to big league pitching and he spent most of his 8 seasons in baseball in the minors. He then coached for OK State and was Penn State's head coach before opening his own academy in Amarillo. 

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Joaquín Andújar #47

 

This week, a 4 time All Star who was a 1982 World Series hero for the Cardinals...Joaquin Andujar! Joaquin was signed at 16 by the Reds but after 6 up and down seasons in the minors he was traded to the Astros. He had two all star appearances for Houston, but didn't put together a full great season there. The Cardinals, with manager Whitey Herzog and coach Hub Kittle thought they could fix him...and they did! he put together two 20 win seasons and a fantastic 1982 World Series. He showed guts coming back after a bone bruise knocked him out of Game 3, coming back to win Game 7 and the title. He later was implicated in the Pittsburgh Drug Trials and was thrown out of 1985 World Series Game 7. He was a colorful character, called a "hot dog" by Jim Gantner and Tom Seaver and every other announcer. But he had some great seasons and memorable moments. 

Sadly, Joaquin passed away on September 8, 2015, at his home in San Pedro de Macorís, from complications of diabetes at the age of 62. 

Topics: Suds Series, Cocaine, interesting hitting strategies

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Scott Fletcher #345

This week, a guy who inspired a presidential dog name and had a sneaky good career...it's Scott Fletcher! Fletcher was a key part of the 1983 Winning Ugly White Sox before getting traded to the Rangers. While in Texas, George W. Bush bought the team and named a puppy "Spot Fetcher" after the team's shortstop. Scott was quietly one of the best shortstops in baseball during his career, with a solid bat, good eye, and great glove. He had a 15 year MLB career and was also part of the trade that sent Sammy Sosa out of Texas. 

Topics: Kittle nuptials, W's worst decisions, Scott the dad

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Vicente Palacios #322

 

This week, a guy who taught himself a new pitch, became a top prospect, and then played forever...it's Vicente Palacios! Palacios was a White Sox minor leaguer bouncing between the US and his native Mexico, then he taught himself a "knorkle ball" and became a part of the Pirates team that won 3 straight NL East titles. He pitched extensively in the Mexican winter league, and after an injury returned to the Mexican League to work back to MLB. He came back for the Cardinals in the mid 90s and pitched until the 2000s in Mexico despite 4 shoulder surgeries. 

Topics: Mexican stats from Adam, weird shadows and a painted cap

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