The following is extracted from the “Letters” in the Milwaukee Sentinel sports section from June 25, 1982. Enjoy!
Caldwell, Simmons are Needed
To The Sentinel:
Replying to what’s-his-name from Sheboygan regarding Mike Caldwell‘s spurious remark about Buck Rodgers, allow me to point out that you are subject to the same sin when you say “get rid of him.”
It’s true that the “10 game” remark was not sporting — but then baseball pitchers like you and I often say things in a flash of temper that we really don’t mean. For every effect, there must be a cause and after 10 years of nagging and mishandling, any man of guts will strike out.
A lot of the same sentiment was in the minds of other Brewers, too, only it didn’t get printed. We need Caldwell. At his mediocre best, he’s better than most and when he’s hot, nobody is going to hit him (least of all, YOU).
While I’m at it, let’s consider the other man, that fellow behind the plate, Simmons. This is just conjecture, of course, but I venture to say that here is a case of professional jealousy. How could Buck Rodgers tell a man who is 20 times as good at catching than Buck ever was how to do his job. He couldn’t and he knew it, so he belittled Simmons — every chance he got.
Fill Buck’s glass with a bit more of his Chivas Regal (25 bucks a bottle). That’s what it’s all about for Buck anyway. All BUCKS.
Meanwhile, Harvey Kuenn will go on to be one of the best managers in baseball because of the men who surround him and because of the mutual respect they have for one another.
Thank you,
“CALDWELL AND SIMMONS FAN”
Milwaukee
He says end fan balloting
To The Sentinel:
I know it’s been said over and over, but it’s time to do away with the fan balloting for the All-Star game.
When Robin Yount is second to anybody, (especially Bucky Dent), and Cecil Cooper continues to be ignored as the American League’s best first baseman something must be done.
With Reggie Jackson and Dave Winfield running one and two in the outfield there’s little wonder the AL loses every year. They are just not fielding their best team.
In a recent trip to County Stadium, I felt obligated to stuff the ballot box by voting for every Brewer except Ted Simmons even though Toby Harrah and Willie Wilson deserved my vote.
This brings me to another point. Ted Simmons is presently second in the fan balloting. He isn’t even the second best catcher on the Brewers, let alone the American League. He must be getting a lot of votes from National League cities.
BRAD McNULTY
Peshtigo, Wis.
Brewers need pitching
To The Sentinel:
I’ve been a Brewer fan since the ballclub came from Seattle. I’ve taken their side on all arguments. But the way they are handling the Ted Simmons problem has finally gone too far.
It doesn’t take a genius to figure out the club needs pitching. The Brewers have two pitchers on their farm club that could help right now. It became apparent after the Baltimore game that Ted’s skills have taken a bad turn. There is no excuse for not knowing how many outs there were in a game. If they can’t trade him, at least send him to a farm club where he can play everyday. There he can get the help he needs. If Simmons was any kind of a team man, or just a man, he should ask for this move.
KEN LALK
Menomonee Falls
