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Robin Ventura May manage again next season


Ducksnort

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I wish him well. a.) he was a superstar player. b.) he seems to be an outstanding person. c.) I'm sure he learned from his miserable tenure in Chicago. Surely a smart guy like Robin (I'm assuming he's smart) learned a lot about managing after making so many mistakes in Chicago. One thing teams should be concerned about, however, is how he prepares a team for the season at spring training. His teams made a ton of mistakes on the simplest things making him appear to be a buffoon. He needs a GOOD bench coach to help him prepare his team for the season. You must admit his spring trainings must have reeked to have us screw up so many fundamentals.

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QUOTE (greg775 @ Sep 30, 2017 -> 08:57 PM)
... he seems to be an outstanding person ...

For 8 years, every single season between 1990 to 1998 - my dad and I would go see every Sox game against the Angels.

 

hi8is Sr. was a really b****en father... it didn't matter if it was a 3 or 4 game set... every single game we would get there about 3 hours before the gates opened for batting practice and we would then stay after the game was over for about 2 additional hours.

 

Before and after games Ventura became someone we relied on being able to not just get a signature from - but also to have some of his time.

 

He'd spend at least a few minutes per year taking with my pops and it was obvious that Ventura came to recognize him after a couple years.

 

The Big Hurt was similar in that he was just a stand up guy in that setting. His method for signing was to have everyone line up... he'd stand and sign after games more often than not for over an hour until everyone had their memento.

 

If it was daylight out, he would always willingly pose for as many pictures as people requested during this process... always flashing his patent pending smile.

 

Those two players are the reason I latched onto the Sox and never let go.

 

Thomas more so than Ventura -- but the point is that yes, in my personal experience -- Ventura was one of the best on and off the field.

 

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QUOTE (hi8is @ Oct 1, 2017 -> 05:15 AM)
For 8 years, every single season between 1990 to 1998 - my dad and I would go see every Sox game against the Angels.

 

hi8is Sr. was a really b****en father... it didn't matter if it was a 3 or 4 game set... every single game we would get there about 3 hours before the gates opened for batting practice and we would then stay after the game was over for about 2 additional hours.

 

Before and after games Ventura became someone we relied on being able to not just get a signature from - but also to have some of his time.

 

He'd spend at least a few minutes per year taking with my pops and it was obvious that Ventura came to recognize him after a couple years.

 

The Big Hurt was similar in that he was just a stand up guy in that setting. His method for signing was to have everyone line up... he'd stand and sign after games more often than not for over an hour until everyone had their memento.

 

If it was daylight out, he would always willingly pose for as many pictures as people requested during this process... always flashing his patent pending smile.

 

Those two players are the reason I latched onto the Sox and never let go.

 

Thomas more so than Ventura -- but the point is that yes, in my personal experience -- Ventura was one of the best on and off the field.

This is really cool. Thanks for sharing. I didn't start following the Sox until 2004 (I was 10 years old) so I never got to experience Ventura as a player, or really even Big Frank for that matter. It's cool to see how both of these guys were toward fans.

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QUOTE (hi8is @ Oct 1, 2017 -> 05:15 AM)
For 8 years, every single season between 1990 to 1998 - my dad and I would go see every Sox game against the Angels.

 

hi8is Sr. was a really b****en father... it didn't matter if it was a 3 or 4 game set... every single game we would get there about 3 hours before the gates opened for batting practice and we would then stay after the game was over for about 2 additional hours.

 

Before and after games Ventura became someone we relied on being able to not just get a signature from - but also to have some of his time.

 

He'd spend at least a few minutes per year taking with my pops and it was obvious that Ventura came to recognize him after a couple years.

 

The Big Hurt was similar in that he was just a stand up guy in that setting. His method for signing was to have everyone line up... he'd stand and sign after games more often than not for over an hour until everyone had their memento.

 

If it was daylight out, he would always willingly pose for as many pictures as people requested during this process... always flashing his patent pending smile.

 

Those two players are the reason I latched onto the Sox and never let go.

 

Thomas more so than Ventura -- but the point is that yes, in my personal experience -- Ventura was one of the best on and off the field.

This is really cool. Thanks for sharing. I didn't start following the Sox until 2004 (I was 10 years old) so I never got to experience Ventura as a player, or really even Big Frank for that matter. It's cool to see how both of these guys were toward fans.

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QUOTE (hi8is @ Oct 1, 2017 -> 04:15 AM)
For 8 years, every single season between 1990 to 1998 - my dad and I would go see every Sox game against the Angels.

 

hi8is Sr. was a really b****en father... it didn't matter if it was a 3 or 4 game set... every single game we would get there about 3 hours before the gates opened for batting practice and we would then stay after the game was over for about 2 additional hours.

 

Before and after games Ventura became someone we relied on being able to not just get a signature from - but also to have some of his time.

 

He'd spend at least a few minutes per year taking with my pops and it was obvious that Ventura came to recognize him after a couple years.

 

The Big Hurt was similar in that he was just a stand up guy in that setting. His method for signing was to have everyone line up... he'd stand and sign after games more often than not for over an hour until everyone had their memento.

 

If it was daylight out, he would always willingly pose for as many pictures as people requested during this process... always flashing his patent pending smile.

 

Those two players are the reason I latched onto the Sox and never let go.

 

Thomas more so than Ventura -- but the point is that yes, in my personal experience -- Ventura was one of the best on and off the field.

Dude, that's awesome. And now you yourself are the b****en father! Seriously, how f***ing cool is that! Someday your boy will be on here talking about how the two of you saw young studs like Moncada, Jimenez, Giolito etc and the experiences that came with it. Stay cool hi8is. :notworthy

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I think any team that hired Ventura would be making a mistake. Just my opinion.

 

Under him the Sox could barely execute fundamentals, there were clubhouse issues and the handling of his bullpen's were often comical.

 

I'd hope he would have gotten better through his experience but like anything other professional, some people have a knack for it and take to it well.

 

Managing and Robin Ventura do not go together.

 

But we'll see.

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Ventura's first season was a bit of a curse. That team wasn't that good, but the fact it almost made the playoffs kept the franchise half-assing an attempt at competing for years after despite never having a team that had much of a chance to make the playoffs without a lot of luck. Give him better talent or lower expectations and he can be an adequate manager. Mets probably would like a calming influence.

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It seemed like he had a hard time handling the clubhouse. You had a spoiled petulant ace throwing temper tantrums, cussing out front office personnel and cutting uniforms, you had a struggling DH's kid being treated like he was actually on the team, and you had a right fielder creating cliques in the clubhouse.

 

That seems like a clubhouse out of control. The good thing is I don't see that happening in Rick Renteria's clubhouse. He doesn't seem like the type to take that kind of s***.

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QUOTE (Chet Kincaid @ Oct 1, 2017 -> 05:41 PM)
It seemed like he had a hard time handling the clubhouse. You had a spoiled petulant ace throwing temper tantrums, cussing out front office personnel and cutting uniforms, you had a struggling DH's kid being treated like he was actually on the team, and you had a right fielder creating cliques in the clubhouse.

Wow man - extremely well written - instantly makes me appreciate all the progress we made this year, in another light.

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QUOTE (Scoots @ Oct 1, 2017 -> 05:21 AM)
This is really cool. Thanks for sharing. I didn't start following the Sox until 2004 (I was 10 years old) so I never got to experience Ventura as a player, or really even Big Frank for that matter. It's cool to see how both of these guys were toward fans.

 

Thanks Scoots. While writing that out I actually had a thought wondering if anyone would relate to it as you did. Who are some of your all time favorite players from when you started being a fan in your younger years?

 

QUOTE (BlackSox13 @ Oct 1, 2017 -> 08:09 AM)
Dude, that's awesome. And now you yourself are the b****en father! Seriously, how f***ing cool is that! Someday your boy will be on here talking about how the two of you saw young studs like Moncada, Jimenez, Giolito etc and the experiences that came with it. Stay cool hi8is. :notworthy

 

Dude - every time I take my boy to a ball game I get choked up in a very loving sentimental way. Can only imagine what it will be like to start playing catch with him, coaching his little league teams, and taking him to games one day after Sr. has moved on to greener pastures.

 

??

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QUOTE (hi8is @ Oct 2, 2017 -> 08:11 AM)
Thanks Scoots. While writing that out I actually had a thought wondering if anyone would relate to it as you did. Who are some of your all time favorite players from when you started being a fan in your younger years?

 

 

 

Dude - every time I take my boy to a ball game I get choked up in a very loving sentimental way. Can only imagine what it will be like to start playing catch with him, coaching his little league teams, and taking him to games one day after Sr. has moved on to greener pastures.

 

??

 

It is pretty awesome. I would get as proud of him when he made a great defensive play as when he hit a home run. Really cool when he could point out the fundamental mental errors the big leaguers were making! Treasure every minute cause the old farts that say it passes quickly are correct. Think I met you in 05 playoffs. The little kid that was with me is all grown up.

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Thanks Scoots. While writing that out I actually had a thought wondering if anyone would relate to it as you did. Who are some of your all time favorite players from when you started being a fan in your younger years?

 

Well, this is gonna sound cliche but i grew up watching that 05 team. My favorite childhood player is Pauly Konerko. Not only did he play the game the right way and dominate the league, he was the leader. The captain. And he did so much for the community. If memory serves I think he won a Roberto Clemente award. He was awesome with the fans and the kids, and he kept the clubhouse in line. I'm so sick of all these players in professional sports nowadays being so pompous and self-glorified. My favorite players are the ones that dominate the league, show excitement in their game and have fun, while at the same time being humble and crediting their team rather than themselves. Pauly embodied that to a tee.

 

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QUOTE (Chet Kincaid @ Oct 1, 2017 -> 07:41 PM)
It seemed like he had a hard time handling the clubhouse. You had a spoiled petulant ace throwing temper tantrums, cussing out front office personnel and cutting uniforms, you had a struggling DH's kid being treated like he was actually on the team, and you had a right fielder creating cliques in the clubhouse.

 

That seems like a clubhouse out of control. The good thing is I don't see that happening in Rick Renteria's clubhouse. He doesn't seem like the type to take that kind of s***.

 

+ 1 million.

 

RV is a great guy and he was a helluva player for the Sox. That said, he's an awful leader of men. He's not much better tactically. He often seemed to managing on "hope", especially with the bullpen. And how many times was he outguessed late when trying to get a platoon advantage only to see the opposing manager insert a pinch hitter? It happened at least twice during his tenure and it just speaks to an unprepared mind. I don't really think he liked managing and almost did it as a favor to JR.

 

Ricky has some issues but there has, as you noted, been a big time improvement on the professionalism of the ballclub.

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QUOTE (Chet Kincaid @ Oct 1, 2017 -> 08:41 PM)
It seemed like he had a hard time handling the clubhouse. You had a spoiled petulant ace throwing temper tantrums, cussing out front office personnel and cutting uniforms, you had a struggling DH's kid being treated like he was actually on the team, and you had a right fielder creating cliques in the clubhouse.

 

That seems like a clubhouse out of control. The good thing is I don't see that happening in Rick Renteria's clubhouse. He doesn't seem like the type to take that kind of s***.

 

I think losing "control of the clubhouse' is a very subjective term. That was the primary reason given for Francona being let go in Boston. Since they are winning, he must have some control over the clubhouse in Cleveland. When teams are winning, control over the clubhouse becomes a moot point. Last year we saw and even heard about how disruptive Chris Sale was. Now living in New England, all I hear is what a great teammate he is. Winning cures a lot of evils.

 

I still go back to the point Robin had zero experience managing a team and it did show at times. But some managers crap in their first job and then seem to find their wayn their next job.

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QUOTE (Scoots @ Oct 2, 2017 -> 08:47 AM)
Well, this is gonna sound cliche but i grew up watching that 05 team. My favorite childhood player is Pauly Konerko. Not only did he play the game the right way and dominate the league, he was the leader. The captain. And he did so much for the community. If memory serves I think he won a Roberto Clemente award. He was awesome with the fans and the kids, and he kept the clubhouse in line. I'm so sick of all these players in professional sports nowadays being so pompous and self-glorified. My favorite players are the ones that dominate the league, show excitement in their game and have fun, while at the same time being humble and crediting their team rather than themselves. Pauly embodied that to a tee.

Nice! Konerko was indeed The Boss. That game that he got hit square in the face and stayed in the game... man, that was beastly. Mercy!!!

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QUOTE (hi8is @ Oct 2, 2017 -> 02:11 AM)
Thanks Scoots. While writing that out I actually had a thought wondering if anyone would relate to it as you did. Who are some of your all time favorite players from when you started being a fan in your younger years?

 

 

 

Dude - every time I take my boy to a ball game I get choked up in a very loving sentimental way. Can only imagine what it will be like to start playing catch with him, coaching his little league teams, and taking him to games one day after Sr. has moved on to greener pastures.

 

??

 

You're a great dad dude and don't ever change. I'm looking forward to hearing about your father/son baseball bonding in the future. Oh yeah, pics would be cool too. ;)

 

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