“God gets you to the plate, but once you’re there you’re on your own.” ~ Ted Williams
You just never know where inspiration will jump out at you. Here I am sitting in my family room, watching Major League on our 75-inch tv, counting down the days to the start of spring training and wondering what I was going to write for my Monday post. Since my last post was about Bob Uecker (who is in both movies) I figured something would strike me. I have my legs up on the ottoman and a heating pad on my left glute and hip flexor (slight strain). Nothing springs to mind.
Occasionally I’m checking Twitter and I respond to a tweet. It was from Saged Up asking “Who is the greatest Boston Red Sox player of all time”. Well, of course I respond “Ted Williams”. I mean is there ANY doubt whatsoever? I put a little GIF with it and went on scrolling and watching the movie.
A while later I receive a response tweet from a follower, Patti who stated, “1 of my son’s college volleyball teammates had a grandpa who pitched for the Yankees (with Mantle and Berra). I asked what player he hated to see in the on-deck circle, and he said, “you mean besides Ted Williams?” Amazing to talk to someone who actually pitched to Ted Williams.”
Well, now a “thought cloud” appeared over my head. And I responded, “That is so excellent Patti!!! Would love to talk to the grandpa.”
I received, “Bob Wiesler (Grandpa Bob) was a wonderful, wonderful man. I am honored I got to know him.”
My responses as follows were, “A switch-hitting pitcher, I love it. Thanks !!!” (I did a quick internet search). Followed by, “You’ve given me inspiration for a blog post Patti! Would you like to be mentioned?” Then, “Anything else you can tell me about him Patti?”
Well, here’s what I’ve found on my own. Robert George Wiesler (August 13, 1930 – August 10, 2014) was a left-handed pitcher who was a switch-hitter. Bob was listed as being 6’3 and 188lbs. He made his MLB debut on August 3, 1951, for the New York Yankees and his final appearance was on May 10, 1958, for the Washington Senators.
(Bob Wiseler. Found on the internet. Assuming Public Domain.)
He was a good pitcher with a 7-19 win / loss record, a 3.93 ERA, had 113 career strikeouts over 241 1/3 innings. He played in the majors for the New York Yankees (1951, 1954-1955) and the Washington Senators (1956-1958). He played in the minors during 10 seasons (1949 through 1961, with his MLB seasons sandwiched in). His minor league numbers were solid. Bob had a 91-78 record, and a 3.70 ERA in 276 appearances. He also with the United States Army during the Korean War, missing the 1952 season.
As a hitter his career numbers were what you would expect, in his six MLB seasons he batted in 71 games, with 75 plate appearances, 69 at-bats, he had 9 hits, 3 doubles, had 1 RBI, scored 3 runs, and 21 strikeouts for a career batting average of .130.
Wiesler worked for the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in Saint Louis after his playing career ended. He lived in Florissant, MO after his retirement from A-B. I did not find too much personal information, but since he attended his grandson’s college volleyball games, he definitely had family. From Patti’s description, he took interest in his family and their interests. I gather that he was a typical grandfather, making the rounds of sporting events and I’m sure school functions. He lived to be 83.
Patti’s last response was, “I think he was in the majors for 5 or 6 seasons. And he was just a delightful man! After volleyball games he would pass out Caramel Nips to anyone on attendance. I can’t see them without thinking of him. I saw a few pics of him out and about with Mantle and Yogi!” And she was okay with me using her name and Twitter.
So why am I writing about a man who played in the majors before I was born, who died in 2014 and I never saw play or met? Because the Bob Wieslers are most of the history of baseball. They become the “Grandpa Bobs” and tell their part of the history of the game. In so many cases, they teach the game to the next generation. They lead ordinary lives afterwards, care about and do family activities just like you and me. And in this case, passed out candy, supported his grandson’s college volleyball team and left a lasting impression on at least one of the moms from the team. The stars have the records, spread joy and lasting memories; but the everyday players do as well, unfortunately their names get lost. Please try to remember Bob Wiesler. Plus, Grandpa Bob acknowledged what my uncle, grandfather, my dad and father-in-law always said, Ted Williams was the best hitter, period.
An aside, Patti’s son played volleyball in college. He then played professionally in Germany and Finland. Perhaps I can interview them both for a future blog. Stay tuned.
SPOILER ALERT: Jake Taylor still beats out the bunt and Willie Mays Hayes still scores the winning run from second in the movie Major League. And of course, Jake gets the girl.
~ Coach Mike
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Such a sweet story🤗 You have such a talent for writing and keeping your readers wanting more‼️ A 75 in tv WOW🤩
Mike, another great article! You should write for the Chicago Sun Times.