Lenny Randle The Most Interesting Man In Baseball
Baseball has produced many great players over the years, but few are as interesting and unique as Lenny Randle. He was a versatile player who could play multiple positions, but he was more than that. He was a showman, an entertainer, and a bit of a rebel. In this article, we will explore the life and career of Lenny Randle, the most interesting man in baseball.
Early Life and Career
Lenny Randle was born on February 12, 1949, in Long Beach, California. He grew up in a family of athletes, with his father playing professional football and his mother being a standout basketball player. Lenny played baseball, football, and basketball in high school and was recruited by several colleges for his athletic ability. He ultimately chose to attend Arizona State University, where he played baseball and football.
After college, Randle was drafted by the Washington Senators in the first round of the 1970 MLB draft. He made his debut with the team in 1971 and quickly established himself as a versatile player who could play multiple positions. He played primarily at third base and second base but also played in the outfield and even pitched in a few games.
The Showman
Randle was not just a talented athlete; he was also a showman. He loved to entertain the fans and was always looking for ways to bring some fun and excitement to the game. He was known for his dancing on the field, often doing a little jig after making a great play or stealing a base. He also had a unique batting stance, crouching low to the ground and wiggling his hips.
Randle's antics were not always appreciated by his coaches and teammates, who sometimes viewed him as a distraction. But the fans loved him, and he continued to be a fan favorite wherever he played.
The Rebel
Randle was not just a showman; he was also a bit of a rebel. He was not afraid to speak his mind, even if it meant going against the norms of the game. In 1977, while playing for the Texas Rangers, Randle got into a physical altercation with his manager, Frank Lucchesi. Lucchesi had called Randle a derogatory name, and Randle responded by punching him in the face. He was suspended for 30 days but eventually returned to the team and continued to play well.
In 1981, Randle was playing for the Seattle Mariners when he got into another altercation, this time with his teammate, Mario Mendoza. Mendoza had made an error that cost the team the game, and Randle was not happy about it. He confronted Mendoza in the locker room after the game and punched him in the face. He was suspended for seven games and fined $10,000.
The Later Years
Despite his reputation as a troublemaker, Randle continued to play well on the field. He played for several more teams in the 1980s, including the New York Mets, the New York Yankees, and the Seattle Mariners again. He retired from baseball in 1987 with a career batting average of .254.
After retiring from baseball, Randle tried his hand at several other careers. He became a professional boxer, an actor, and even a country singer. He also worked as a baseball coach and manager, leading teams in Mexico and the United States.
Conclusion
Lenny Randle may not have been the greatest baseball player of all time, but he was certainly one of the most interesting. He was a talented athlete, a showman, a rebel, and a bit of a troublemaker. He entertained fans with his dancing and his unique batting stance, and he stood up for himself when he felt he had been wronged. He was a true original, and baseball is a better sport for having had him in it.