He was a cornerstone of the A’s dynasty, winning three consecutive World Series Championships in the 70’s with the A’s.
For Houstonian’s he’d serve as bullpen coach on the beloved 1986 squad that fell just short to the Mets in a 16-inning marathon.
Our 16th entry is a man who collected 6 rings throughout his playing and coaching careers. He’s Gene Tenace, and he’s featured exclusively at The Crawfish Boxes.
Q: Here in Houston, we’re trying to determine if the championship window has closed. How do you
know if a dynasty is over?
A: That’s a good question. When players start getting older and management starts getting rid of core pieces. Those are the first steps.
When I see them today, I really only see Altuve left from what was before. Guys became free agents or were traded or retired. The biggest problem they have right now is their pitching is diminished.
Q: Even with that, is the A.L. West a wide-open division?
A: Houston has to get their pitching straightened out. Brown needs to get back; that’s the key for them.
I agree and the division is not that strong. The Mariners might be the most complete team right now, but it also depends on what the A’s do at the trade deadline. If they add another arm to their rotation and also make a deal for an actual front line closer, they’re going to be tough because they have some kids who are getting better.
I’m not high on the Angels or Rangers.
Q: Can you believe it’s been 40 years since the magical season that the 1986 Astros put up?
A: If we had been able to give the ball to Mike Scott in Game 7 against the Mets, it was over.
New York had no chance of beating him, he was so in their stinking skulls so bad, it was comical really. Scott was on a holding pattern, rested and ready to go for a seventh game, we just couldn’t get there.
Q: Part of that coaching staff in 1986 was you and Yogi Berra. What was it like being around Yogi?
A: Every day was something new with Yogi (laughs). He was a gem. He had so many Yogi-isms.
I can remember when they asked him one day what Ty Cobb would hit if he were playing today, Yogi says, probably around .240. The writers are like “only .240?” Yogi says, “he’d be 70 years old if he played now and he’d hit .240.”
My favorite was when we’d go out for pepperoni pizza and he’d do this thing with the waitresses by having it sliced into four quarters because we can’t eat eight pieces, only four quarters.
