Legendary Twin
Journeyman for later half
Hitless for Red Sox
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| 1988 Donruss #194 Gary Gaetti |
I don't like Gary Gaetti. It's probably unjustified, and after almost 20 years I'm sure I'm (to quote Roger Clemens) "misremembering" things. The last moments of Gaetti's career were spent as a member of the Red Sox. The Red Sox signed him April 2, just a few days before the season began. 5 games and 10 days later he was done. His April retirement left a bad taste in my mouth. Why sign in the first place? It just seemed like a jerk move to me, and I wish I knew who lost that last roster spot because of him. Again, I don't have any of the facts. He had his reasons, and it's not like the team was worse off because of it. I just never believed in quitting that soon without good reason.
Right? You figure he would have stayed until he at least got a hit. He must have had his reasons, like you said. Also, I didn't realize he had such a long, successful career. 20 seasons, 2,000+ hits, 300+ HR.
ReplyDeleteI don't think the lack of hits was the deciding factor. After 20 years, you would think he would know how to handle a slump. Something else was the final straw.
DeleteFWIW, I met Gary Gaetti on multiple occasions when he was managing in the independent leagues. One of the nicest guys you'd ever want to meet. I really wasn't that aware of his odd stint with the Red Sox; if I had been I might have asked him about it. My guess is that he decided he didn't have much left in the tank and didn't want to milk things.
ReplyDeleteThat's cool that you got to meet him a few times. As long of a career as he had, he was justified to go when he saw fit. The timing of it is what bothers me the most. So odd to do it that early in the season after working to make a new team.
DeleteFive games with the Sox?
ReplyDeleteHad no clue he played for them.
Five games explains why.
Nice haiku!
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