 |
| He still has the sweeping “D” |
Del Unser is one forgiving guy.
I regretted a question as soon as it dropped in the mailbox. At the time, I wished I was Fred Flintstone, able to stuff Barney Rubble in the box to retrieve the questionable question. (Remember that episode?!?)
Back to baseball: I learned that Washington Senator Del Unser led the American League with eight triples in 1969. However, that was the lowest-ever league best. His high was a record low. I asked why he thought there weren’t more three-base hits that year.
I imagined a “What? Have you ever led the American League, or even your Little League, in triples?!?” Thankfully, Unser did reply, offering some thoughtful insights.
Regarding the dearth of three-baggers that season, Unser reminded:
“There was only one .300 hitter that year…the year of the pitcher.”
I asked about his dad, catcher Al Unser, who served with the Tigers and Reds in 1942-45.
“He never coached much — always on the road. He told me to always hustle if you put that uniform on.”
Tomorrow: Del Unser relives three consecutive pinch-hit home runs from 1979.
I thought 1968 was the year of the pitcher, after which the mound was lowered to 10 feet. Is Del related to the racing Unsers?