In his book Temporary Insanity, which, as you know, I’m kind of obsessed with, Jay Johnstone says that Doug Rader (nicknames: “Rooster” and “Rojo”) used to hide in the ceiling pipes in the clubhouse and spit tobacco juice on people. Sure, a pretty gross and childish prank, but you’d have to put a bit of effort in to get it done, which I respect the shit out of.
Now, I’ve never spoken to Rader about this, and likely never will, but I’d sure as heck like to. See, Doug Rader, from several accounts, was a lot of fun.
In addition to his spitting antics, Rader also apparently told kids that they should eat their baseball cards so that they could retain the information on them. If anyone reads this who at one point ate baseball cards because Doug Rader told them to, please contact me so that I can tell you you’re an idiot.
Despite his five straight Gold Glove awards in the early 1970’s, Rader was far from a Hall of Fame player. He was however, a top-notch Hall of Fame interviewee. Two quick highlights for you:
“Hell, if experience was that important, we’d have never had anybody walking on the moon. You’re either able to do something, or you’re not.”
“Mickey Rivers could lift weights all day every day, and his throws still wouldn’t bruise a baby’s lips.”
That’s good stuff, Rooster. Goooooood stuff.
Uh-Oh, Rexy 