Yes, the former Mariners manager who strangely and abruptly took his walking papers in the middle of an up-and-down year is back. And it's with the most oddly named semi-pro team in the history of oddly named semi-pro teams: the Liberal BeeJays. Seriously, that's what they're called:"When I resigned from the team, I said I hadn't lost my passion for the game but maybe lost my passion for the job a little bit," Hargrove told The Associated Press in a telephone interview Friday. "Working with the BeeJays sounds interesting and exciting and fun. ... And if I can help them then it's the best of both worlds."
"My take is, he is retired, he can do whatever the heck he wants to do," Mariners outfielder Raul Ibanez said. "Some people jump on a sailboat. Maybe that's his way of having a good time and enjoying the game and being able to give back and maybe he'll make an impact or just have fun."
"He told me he wants to help the people who helped him get his start," said Bob Carlile, the BeeJays' general manager.
Funny team names -- and that is the single funniest team name I have ever heard -- aside, I sort of admire Hargrove's decision. Whatever you can do to get your passion, man, do it. Most of us never have the chance.
But seriously: the Liberal BeeJays! And this is in Kansas, one of the more socially conservative states in our fine union. Normally that thing only happens in bathroom stalls in Idaho.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-15-2007 @ 4:18PM
James A. Glasscock said...
I am glad he is back near his hometown of Perryton, TX. The reason he is working with the Liberal ball club is it is: a baseball club and he has roots near there. Another example will further explain his return
I watched Mike Hargrove play for Texas many years ago, and enjoyed his play greatly. He was such a local baseball hero in Perryton that the local radio station, KEYE, carried Ranger games for a few seasons.
Thanks for the tip. I may go to Liberal for a game in 2008, as it it near the Texas Panhandle towns where I grew up, Shamrock and Wellington, TX.
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10-02-2007 @ 2:17AM
Sweva said...
This guy is a complete coward. He was the first manager since 1900 to abandon a ballclub midseason whilst in the middle of a winning streak.
I don't care what anyone says, he should have finished out the year. To not do so is beyond unconscionable.
If you want to know what I really think, go to my site at listed.
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