August 09, 2007
Ankiel's New Career
Rick Ankiel made his debut as a major league outfielder tonight, and delivered a home run in his first game. With St. Louis leading 2-0 in the seventh, Rick came up with two on and sent a ball into the rightfield stands for a 5-0 Cardinals lead. La Russa jumped for joy, and the announcers commented they've never seen Tony so happy. Ankiel just turned 28, so he won't be setting any career home run records. But it's nice to see someone put in so much hard work to re-invent himself as a ballplayer.
Posted by David Pinto at
10:10 PM
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I have a feeling Ankiel will be remembered a long time, if he even has a small amount of success as a fielder. It seems like for the past 7 or 8 years, people haven't forgotten him yet and keep rooting for him to get back to the majors. I don't think there's been anyone else to do this before him, so I'm thinking people will remember him....even if it's only in the same breath as a one armed hitter or midget batter.
"I don't think there's been anyone else to do this before him" Well, how about Babe Ruth?
However, it does seem like the conversion from position player to pitcher is more frequent than pitcher to position player.
Ruth was only the most famous of pitchers who converted back in the day. Iirc in Ritter's "Glory of Their Times" -- a great book about baseball in the early decades of the 20th century -- there were more than a few great hitters who'd been pitchers. Most had blown their arms out I think.
Very happy for Rick Ankiel. I had him in my fantasy league his rookie year and he carried me through. It's nice to see him work his way back as a hitter.
What Ankiel is being remembered for is not just the mere fact of converting from pitcher to outfielder, but the sudden and bizarre loss of his ability to pitch at the end of what had been a fantastic rookie season. If he's back for good now, that'll have meant that the guy spent six and a half years working his way back after crashing, which I think is something quite inspirational.
I wonder how he'd feel about coming in as an emergency pitcher in a blowout game with a depleted bullpen. My guess is that he wouldn't do it.
La Russa normally looks like he's undergoing a permanent root canal, so his reaction was noteworthy. Hrabosky did a good job of lowering expectations when he said that Ankiel is not a finished major league hitter and would have to rely on raw power until he learns more.
Somehow St. Louis is hanging in the race despite being outscored by nearly a run a game. The benefits of parity.
My favorite conversion was John Montgomery Ward, who was an outstanding pitcher who blew his arm out and became an outstanding shortstop. Also had a bit of success as a lawyer and labor leader. Became an all-around Hall of Famer.
Good to see him back. Cards org needs a clean sweep. LaRussa DWI, dead pitcher, now Spezio? Pathetic.
