Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Not So Wimpy


Paciorek now has my complete attention. He and I now have more in common than just our love of baseball. Paciorek and I are both officially out of work. Paciorek has been trying to land a gig since the Nationals decided not to renew his contract back in 2007. I, on the other hand was let go just before my lunch break today. Economy.....metrics...and some other BS that essentially means I, like the other 8% of Americans will be fighting to feed the kids.
When I talked to Tom on Saturday, he was more than adamant about his disdain for Jerry Reinsdorf and contempt for Harrelson. I don't blame him. People who toss others "under the bus" for the benefit of highlighting their resumes need to get a clue. From what 'Wimpy' told me, Ken Harrelson falls into this "clueless" category.
I asked Tom about the blue uniforms the White Sox wore back in 1982, and he mentioned that aside from the collar, they were quite comfortable. I talked to former Heisman winner Billy Cannon on Friday. I should have asked him about state issued prison uniforms. I digress.
'Wimpy' has the distinction of being the only player in MLB history to have 5 hits or more in a single game; having not started that game. Paciorek is one of three boys in his family to play professional ball. Jim played for the Brewers in 1987 and brother John played for the Colt .45's in 1963. Paciorek originally signed with the Dodgers in 1970. He found his way to the South Side of Chicago in 1982 and was part of 'Winning Ugly' in 1983. He batted over .300 his first two years at 35th and Shields and was traded to the Mets in 1985. Of course, the Mets won their second World Series in 1986, and by that time Paciorek was winding up his career in Texas.
Tom is one of the nice guys. He isn't pretentious. There is nothing fake or deceiving behind him. What you see is what you get. Nothing Wimpy.

1 comment:

  1. I was always torn about Tom P. I liked him, but Squires was my favorite and Wimpy took some of his playing time.
    Tom's brother John has the distinction of the highest # of hits without making an out. He went 3-3 with 3 RBI and 4 runs scored and 2 walks.

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