He has an all-time great baseball name that carries an almost fictional quality. Couldn’t you imagine Ray Kinsella picking up Boots Day instead of Moonlight Graham along that road to Iowa?
Graham, of course, was no “Field of Dreams” creation, which I discovered as an avid 13-year-old fan in possession of a handy Baseball Encyclopedia.
Day, too, is the real thing.
What do we know about him? Not much, really. He played six seasons in the big leagues. He was the first batter in the history of the Vet (and also played in the last game at Shibe Park). And he has crafted a lengthy career in the dugout and near the batting cage. Day is, as Rick Wise is fond of saying, a lifer.
Day’s career is somewhat unusual. He had to be considered a longshot to reach the majors. He stood at 5-9, 160 pounds and came from Ilion, N.Y., which is near Utica in the central part of the state. There’s not a lot of big-league talent roaming those fields. He was described as a speedy, sure-handed outfielder. Essentially a platoon player, he batted .256 and belted eight homers in 1,151 at-bats – mostly with the Expos – before becoming a footnote in history.
Day was out of the big leagues in 1974, at age 27. According to BaseballLibrary.com, he attempted a comeback as a pitcher, but it didn’t materialize. Once his playing career was over, Day turned to another avenue. He managed, scouted and coached in the minors with the Tigers, Cardinals and Royals (among other teams) before latching on in Triple-A with the Nationals in 2007.
Day’s arrival in Lancaster gives the Barnstormers the most experienced hitting coach they’ve had in their brief history. Bert Pena, remember him?, filled that role for part of 2005. Then it was Frank Klebe. Then Glenn Murray. None of those guys has as much big league time and none can match Day’s resume.
The new coach described his approach in this interview …
“You work with (hitters) in the batting cage and mention certain things that might help. They don’t necessarily have to follow my instructions because they will bring up stuff themselves that they want to work with and once that happens, you go to their weaknesses. Every day we are in the batting cage and out on the field and we will continue to work on it until we get it right.”
Sounds like an emphasis on diligence and preparation. Who can argue with that?
When the Barnstormers take the field in five weeks, with largely the same collection of position players, they’ll have Day trying to get the most out of their hitters. Considering his long standing in the game, that should be a plus for this team.
Great stuff Jason!!
Cool deal. Hope he has a sense of humor.
Has Matt Watson been cut by the Blue Jays yet? If he doesn’t go to Japan, I’d hope the Barnstormers would find a place for his left-handed stick.
Baseball America released the early cuts from the minor league camps. Watson wasn’t on there. In fact, there weren’t many recognizable names at all. The Barnstormers would LOVE to sign Watson for a variety of reasons: he’s good, he hits left-handed and he’s local. But I’m not sure why he’d come here. He can make more money elsewhere, if the Blue Jays don’t keep him.
ADD: Watson has 17 at-bats in big-league camp. The Blue Jays obviously have some interest in him. If not the big leagues, then Triple-A.
I bet Boots is nasty when it comes to grilling. I’m sure a Boot Burger is off the hook.
mmmmmm buuuurgers
Why not hire Dan Mc Ginn,the man to hit the first Home Run in Expos history. AND,he was a pitcher.