Anyone know the rest of the story...

[4Q_iu]

With the news of Eric Wedge's release / firing by the Cleveland Indians, I re-read his background/bio.

How did a kid born/raised in FtWayne end up at Wichita State vice Indiana State to play baseball?

 

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Wedge is a friend of my Uncle - I will have to give him a ring tonight and ask him that very question... He thought he would get the "boot" last year after the season but they gave him another year. He attended Ft. Wayne Northrop with my Uncle I do believe.

 

[rgd]

Yes, he did indeed attend Ft. Wayne Northrup. And, I believe at the time, ISU was going thru a run of very good catchers.

 

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Just talked to my uncle he said that ISU didn't offer him a scholie and he wanted to go play for Gene Stephnson who had established a heck of a program in his first 10 years at WSU. Built the program from scratch and they had a new stadium. He wanted to play for a national title and he was able to do that at WSU. My uncle said that roster was loaded with pro players and prospects...

 

[rgd]

Much like the University of Michigan baseball teams of the early to mid '80s. Barry Larkin, Jim Abbott, Ignesiak, Sabo, etc..... I think Michigan got caught cheating with that group thoough.

 

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Much like the University of Michigan baseball teams of the early to mid '80s. Barry Larkin, Jim Abbott, Ignesiak, Sabo, etc..... I think Michigan got caught cheating with that group thoough.

Yeah I think Chris Webber was going to play baseball with those guys - then he decided that he would rather play hoops... Good decision don't you think?

 

[rgd]

Ha! Ha! I think Chris Webber was considerably younger than those guys, but could you imagine a line-up with those guys in it?

 

[TJames]

yeah.....wedge always held a grudge against bob warn....

for not recruiting him hard enough....but isu was loaded at catcher already....dorsett and eberle....both played pro ball....and both made the majors.....

i still remember when chad mcdonald went in hard at home plate during the mvc tournament in wichita....took wedge out....he dropped the ball...mcdonald scored....and a near brawl ensued....isu won the game...and the tournament that year.....

mean gene stephenson knew the umpire made the right call, but he sent his pitching coach out to argue for like 10 minutes...lol...it was great.....two teams and programs that just absolutely hated each other....they'd fight at the drop of a hat....lol.....i can still recall guys like mcdonald, the frye brothers...they were bruisers....and pretty ball players too.....

 

[BankShot]

McDonald was a tough cookie...could've easily fit into a "Gashouse Gang" profile. Every team needs one of those, and 3B is a good guard house!