CSNbbs

I believe he struggled big time at the plate last season. Enjoyed his career with the Cards.

(03-06-2014 10:37 AM)TiggerFan Wrote: [ -> ]Enjoyed his career with the Cards.

When he played AAA here in Memphis as a pitcher at old Tim McCarver Stadium, some of his pitches popped the catchers mitt as loud as I've heard. When he had to reinvent his game as an outfielder a few years later and again was here in AAA at AutoZone Park (07), I saw him cut down many runners from right field on incredible throws. I know he struggled with some 'between the ears' demons throughout his career, but his arm was awesome.

His curve was sick. Unreal how he unraveled as a pitcher.

Sports is ultimately about wins/losses but it's fun to watch guys develop and the unique stories that they produce. I remember him homering his first game back with the birds as a position guy. Really cool moment.

I guess all the people who sit in the first few rows can rest easy now that they wont have to worry about him uncorking one into the stands

Wish he could have got it all worked out. At times, he was an incredible pitcher---and hitter!

(03-07-2014 06:19 AM)BuffaloTN Wrote: [ -> ]His curve was sick. Unreal how he unraveled as a pitcher.

Well, if someone is going to completely and irrevocably unravel, that would be the position at which it would happen. The most talent and strongest arm in the world can't overcome a broken mind.

Rick was not alone.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yips

(03-07-2014 08:15 AM)MemphisTiger15 Wrote: [ -> ]I guess all the people who sit in the first few rows can rest easy now that they wont have to worry about him uncorking one into the stands

Good joke...14 years ago.

The guy was an great, great talent.

(03-07-2014 09:46 AM)dan o Wrote: [ -> ]Rick was not alone.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yips

I knew there was a reason I sucked at basketball, baseball, football, golf, ping pong, pool, frisbee golf, marbles, tennis, bowling, soccer, racquetball, volleyball, gymnastics, hockey, swimming, softball, arm wrestling, and tidly winks.

The guy had Sandy Koufax type stuff. He had a hall of fame arm in the making. One of the best pitching prospects to have come along in a long time and then "IT" happened. THen it was over.

(03-07-2014 11:30 AM)halo27legend Wrote: [ -> ]The guy had Sandy Koufax type stuff. He had a hall of fame arm in the making. One of the best pitching prospects to have come along in a long time and then "IT" happened. THen it was over.

True.

But the story wasn't over. He made himself into a good outfielder and hitter

Was there for his debut at Busch II. What an amazing beginning which turned south in the 2000 playoff vs. ATL. But to come back as an OF and hitter? Pretty amazing history.