"Hitters always have the fear that one pitch might get away from him (Goose Gossage) and they'll wind up DOA with a tag on their toe. "
When asked how he’d like to be remembered, Gossage said, “I gave them their money’s worth.” Now, he is giving anybody will listen to him his two cents' worth. What has gotten away from Goose Gossage is reality.
Goose Gossage took exception to comments made by Washington Nationals' star outfielder, and 2015 National League MVP, Bryce Harper. Gossage want things the way they used to be. This would include the takeout slide on the basepaths, the collisions with the catcher at home plate, and the non fraternization with opposing players. “Hate is an ugly word, but I hate hitters,” said Gossage. He's not fond of bat-flips and brazenness, either.
The Hall of Fame reliever blasted Toronto Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista and the “nerds” working in high positions across Major League Baseball last week in an expletive-laden rant for the ages.
Gossage since has continued his assault on the state of MLB, even taking a shot at Carolina Panthers quarterback/reigning NFL MVP Cam Newton amid his most recent takedown. “It’s a shame, it breaks my heart to see the direction this game is going,” said Gossage . “What, do we want a bunch of Cam Newtons running around?" Gossage took issue with Newton's fashion choices, or maybe even questioned his effort on that Super Bowl fumble. "Newton celebrates too much!" has been tiresome for a while now.
Over a nine year stretch from 1977- 1985, Richard "Goose" Gossage was baseball's best relief pitcher. His era for this period was a paltry 2.01. He struck out 793 batters in 833 innings. The heavy workload took its toll on the righthander. His era ballooned to 4.45 in 1986 while pitching for the San Diego Padres.
The 1986 clubhouse beer ban, which is not in effect anywhere else in the National League, was met with resistance by the Padres. "I don't know what this will accomplish," said Terry Kennedy, Padre player representative. "The only thing not in the news around here is the baseball team. Everything else takes precedent. First, they talked about drug testing. Now, it's no beer.
Goose Gossage took issue with the clubhouse ban on beer. He belittled the owner of the San Diego Padres, Joan Kroc. "She's poisoning the world with her (McDonald's) hamburgers."
Joan had taken over control of the baseball team in 1984, following the death of her husband, Ray. He was the founder of McDonald's.
Goose Gossage apologized to General Manager Ballard Smith, Joan Kroc, McDonald's restaurants, the people of San Diego and anyone else who would listen. He had been suspended by the team for conduct unbecoming a major league ballplayer. Gossage, who stood to lose $140,000 because of the suspension (his 1986 base salary is $800,000 and his guaranteed deferred money was not affected by the suspension), will be reimbursed--except for $25,000 that he will donate to the San Diego Ronald McDonald House charity. But after taxes, he stands to lose just $11,000 total.
Lent is a solemn religious observance in the liturgical calendar of many Christian denominations that begins on Ash Wednesday and covers a period of approximately six weeks before Easter Sunday. Goose may want to stop in to see if any help is available for a 64 year old cranky old man.
"It worked once. It should work, again. "
Paul Murphy
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