Red Sox Mgr. Eddie Kasko ‘Got’ Hurler Bill Lee

Tom Owens — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 05:12:00 +0000

“Bob Sheppard just
announced MY name!”

Boston Red Sox manager Eddie Kasko landed a spot in the team’s Hall of Fame in 2010. One of his achievements during his 1970-73 reign involved moving Bill “Spaceman” Lee from the bullpen to the starting rotation.

How did he cope with the pitcher’s offbeat personality? Kasko explained in a kind letter:

“We got along fine. I knew when he was “jerking” people around — especially press writers. Just ‘be ready to pitch.’

The book THE BALLPLAYERS described Kasko as “a laid-back practical joker.” Did he recall one of his finest funnies?

“Sending [word to] my ex-roommate in St. Louis that he was traded to my team in Cincy.”

He batted a sparkling .319 in the 1961 World Series for the Reds. Kasko didn’t quote a specific hit in his favorite memory of that event, writing:

“Being introduced in Yankee Stadium by their heralded P.A. announcer and getting in the Series.”

Eddie Kasko – Baseball by The Letters

Red Sox Mgr. Eddie Kasko ‘Got’ Hurler Bill Lee