Welcome to the Complete Game podcast where we're all about baseball with Ethan Dungan, owner of Glovehound Baseball glove repair shop.

Rick Finley, founder of MDNI Baseball Academy and the creator of George Foster Baseball, the MVP himself, Reds hall of Famer George Foster.

I'm your host, Greg Dungan.

Now let's talk baseball.

Well, welcome back.

Episode 16.

We're glad to have you with us.

We've.

We've had a couple of heavy episodes recently, so today we're just gonna have some fun.

We're gonna talk about the minor leagues.

A little bit light.

Things that we like about the minor leagues, things that we wish were different about the minor leagues.

We're gonna trace George's history and his experience with the minor leagues.

So if you ever wondered what George's experience was in the minor leagues, today, you get to find out.

Wonder who.

And then at the end, we're gonna play mascot or make believe and we're going to read off some.

Some team names that are real and team names that are not because there are some wild team names out there in the minor leagues.

And we're going to see if these guys can tell me whether they're real or I made them up.

So we're going to get started with talking about George's journey through the minor leagues.

Now, if I get this, Tell me if I can tell.

If I get this straight.

George.

So young George Foster, he's born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

I was born by river.

Moves to Fresno, California as a boy.

No, sorry, sorry, sorry to correct you right away.

No, go ahead.

No, from Alabama.

I call it Tuscaloos, Alabama, because it's on the map, but it's really called Ralph Alabama.

Okay.

So.

So I moved to la.

It's Hawthorne area, guys, like, close to El Segundo with George Brett, the Brett brothers.

So people would relate to that.

So I moved there at the age of eight and.

Or I love the weather because the weather is great all the time.

But in Alabama, that's why they only play football.

Really.

It was too cold there, but it was a great move for me going, Going to California.

Cool.

And then.

So how did you.

When did you end up in Fresno then?

Well, Fresno was my second year as far as playing pro ball.

Oh, okay.

My first year was Medford, Oregon.

Okay.

And that was great weather, too.

And then Fresno was the best.

Not only the weather, but the road trips.

The longest road trip we had were three days because we could commute to Visalia with the Mets at the time.

Okay.

But other Other leagues you had to at least six or seven days on the road, but.

And then the other part is it was close to L. A.

My mom would come up and get some home cooking.

There you go.

All right, well then let's go back to L. A.

So George is growing up in la.

You're playing high school ball and then where, where was the first inkling that you could play more than high school ball?

Did you, were you scouted in high school or did you go on and play in college and were scouted or how did that go?

Well, it started in high school, then I hurt my knee playing basketball.

I hurt my knee on going for a rebound, hit my knee on the rim.

So, so I had to, I had to, had to stay out a year to, to get it healed.

So then my scout advised me to go at least a year to junior college.

So I went to college called El Camino JC I played there for a year and then I signed with the Giants.

Then I went, we went to.

It was, I forget about it.

I think it was Salt Lake City that we had gone to do tryouts.

So guys who had to decide on who's going to go to Salt Lake City, which is like low single A or who's going to go to Medford.

And so at the time, you know, I was like Rick Finley, I wasn't being honest.

So they asked me, asked me my age and I put my age back a year.

Oh, Rick.

So, but then later on when I was getting Social Security, I had to put, make it correct.

So, but so there was a guy that was competing with.

I mean we're the same age, but on paper I was one year older.

So I said I was 19, I think he was 20.

They said that 20 year old should be more developed than that 19 year old.

So that was an advantage there, you know, it's, I corrected later on.

So then did you play in Salt Lake City first then?

No.

Well, then they made the cut.

So the other guys went to Salt Lake City and I stayed in Medford.

Okay, so that was.

There were three single A.

You had the Fresno, Medford and Salt Lake City.

Okay, so then how long did you play in Medford?

I didn't stay long, you know.

No, only stay a year in each, each, each league.

So Medford.

But the thing about Medford, when I went there, you think, I'm thinking that you're, you're signed, you're going to give an opportunity maybe two or three years to, to I guess get better.

And then after the season was over.

The manager said, you know, some of you guys won't be here next year.

Like, what, what do you mean by that?

And so I didn't, I didn't understand they going to cut guys because they didn't have a good year.

So I, I, I end up being the most improved player on the team.

But it's like if I didn't produce, then I would have been out of the game, but I was able to produce.

And then realizing that, you know, you can, you can be useful but not necessary.

And, but some of these guys, they, they signed, all they thought about is partying.

Yeah.

And so their party days were over after they got cut.

So then in Medford, so you're in single A.

Did you, did you play in single A with anybody else who made it all the way to the majors?

There was one guy or two guys not in Medford, but in Fresno later on I was Steve Stone.

A guy named Steve Stone.

He ended up being Cy Young winner with Baltimore Orioles.

So.

And then a guy named Jim Willoughby, he, he was with the Boston Red Sox and we played against him in 75.

He's in the 75 World Series.

So those two guys.

But the other guy, he didn't make it to the major league as a player, but as a pitching coach.

Leo Mazzone.

Okay.

With the Atlanta Braves.

So those three guys that, that's, they made.

It looks like Gary Lavelle was also.

That's right.

Gary Lavelle paid for the, for the Giants at lefty.

Yeah.

Thank you, Eden.

That was.

Yeah.

So.

Because, yeah, because when we go back to our, our stats episode, we figured out that about 30% of the guys playing in the, in the minors will often go on to the majors.

So, so you got to figure, you know, for those of us who don't know much about the minors, we might think, oh, well, it's, you know, it's relatively small amount of guys.

So George is in there with a bunch of other people who, who made it to the show.

And that isn't necessarily always the case.

It's still a very small percentage of people who actually keep moving up.

So, so we move, we Medford.

And then you played a year in Medford and then where'd you go after that?

So I played a year in Medford, had a, had a good year.

And then, I mean, it's like being the saying of being prepared for the opportunity.

So now I go to play fall ball in Arizona and the, the manager who was manager of the fall ball team was really the man and also the manager of the AAA team.

So now my scout, you know, is.

He was bragging on me.

He said, this kid's a good player.

And so now the first week they had the, the batting averages and, and I stood back and the manager said, I thought this kid's gonna be a pretty good player.

And I'm trying to watch and see where he was pointing.

And I got up there with George Foster batting.087.

I said, this is not bingo here.

So but I went.

But that gave me an incentive going from that average to.313 the end of that into that season.

So.

But now he's really watching me.

So when I went to Fresno, getting ready to go to Fresno, he, he said to me, if you have a good year in Fresno, so Fresno High single A, he said, I'll give you a chance to play on my Triple A team.

So that means I'm going to jump double A to go to aaa.

I mean, that was a great opportunity.

But like I say, he, he knew a little bit about my history and how I played in fall ball.

So being prepared for that opportunity, then people are watching you give you that encouragement because you never know who's out there watching you.

Because I'm thinking, I'm going to go step by step going Medford or there was.

Oh, sorry, there was.

Decatur was another one.

I didn't want to play at Decatur because they had all kinds of bad storms there.

So then Fresno is the highest level.

But another thing that happened in spring training, so the, the manager's office is.

The walls are so thin, you can't really hear what.

I mean.

You can hear what they're saying.

So you had the Decatur manager and the Fresno manager talking.

And before then, I'm out there shagging, you know, during batting practice.

And the Fresno manager kept hitting me fly balls.

And I'm saying to myself, why is he hitting it to me?

There's other guys out here.

But I didn't know he was trying me out to be his center fielder.

So something told me to, you know, just let one drop, you know, let him know that you getting tired of, you know, getting fly balls.

The other boy said, don't keep, keep catching it.

And so he's telling the Decatur manager, well, that George Foster, that Foster kid, he's pretty good.

I may take him to Fresno.

So.

Wow, I'm glad I hustled out there.

So.

So then you play in, in Medford.

How long does that season run is that finish up in?

What?

Yeah, it started, it was A late start.

It started like a short season.

Oh yeah.

Short, short season.

Okay.

And then when does the, when does the fall league pick up?

It picked up in September.

Is that run by an independent situation.

Or run by the Giants?

It's run by the.

What the Giants see is.

So the city of Medford had to, they had working agreement to have a team there.

So the Giants, they had their players and everything.

Some, some teams though or cities have different players from players from different teams, but these players are all from the Giant organization that are there.

And how many games do you play in a minor league season?

Do you play?

You know, 160 some games like you do in the bigs or how many do you play?

That's, that's a good question.

I have that.

You played 130, isn't it?

Once I have that you played 772 in Medford.

Okay.

But then played 121 in Fresno.

Okay.

Yeah, I would have been really off from the Medford one.

Yeah.

And then.

But Fresno, I didn't play the whole season because I was brought up to the big league.

Yeah.

So you made your debut there, played nine games and then also played.

Also went to the fall league then after, after your stint in the bigs.

Yeah, I wanted to get seasoning, get more work in.

So then how long does the fall league run?

Just about two months.

But the good part about it, you playing against guys who are top prospects of other team.

And that's when I got a chance to meet.

Oh, Dusty Baker was there, Ralph Garr.

So the Braves had a team there, the Cubs had a team there.

They had about five or six different teams that were there.

And so it was good playing against those guys because you get a chance to play with them against him later on in your career.

Okay, so then, so we, so we played in Medford.

We went and played in Fresno.

Right.

Okay.

And then what was the next step?

So you got called up out of Fresno.

Fresno, end of the season.

So I had a good season in Fresno and I'm getting ready to go home and you know, hang out with the guys and brag about what I've done.

And then they called me up.

I gotta go to the big leagues now.

So I go to San Francisco, which is probably the coldest city besides Chicago early in the season.

But San Francisco is cold all during the year.

I think that it was just that one day.

The weather is great.

Whoever put the stadium there felt it was going to be great here.

So I was called up the end of the season.

And got a chance to meet Willie Mays, Bobby Bonds, Willie McCovey, Jim Ray Hart, all those, all those guys.

So I was, yeah, I was a little intimidated.

I was gonna say, what was that like?

You walk into the, you walk into the Giants locker room for the first time.

Well, the thing, the key, I try to get there first so they wouldn't notice me.

So.

But later on I realized that, see, when Bobby Bonds came up, Willie Mays was there to put him on the arms and show him around.

And so now Bobby Bonds delegated to put.

To take care of me.

So in spring, when we move from Casa Grande to Phoenix, I'm in the same room as Bobby Bonds.

I said, is this a mistake?

Does he know I'm there?

So it's like I'm.

Once again, I was intimidated.

I'm room with Bobby Bonds, but I didn't know that, okay, he's going to give.

Show me the ropes and things as such.

But in the beginning, it's like I was really intimidated and nervous.

But it all worked out.

We become great friends.

That's cool.

So then how many games did you play in the big nine games.

In the big nine games.

Okay.

And then did the season.

I play.

I don't know if I played or.

You had five played appearances?

Yeah, I probably went out for defense.

But you batted 402 for 5.

5.

Do not ask me what I did my first time at bat.

Thank you.

But.

But you had an rbi.

Oh, that's good.

So then did you play kind of like the last nine games of the season?

Just kind of to finish it out then or.

I don't know if it's what.

How many games I what if it's what part of the season, but I knew I had just gotten into a game.

If the game's out of reach, if we were head or they're ahead or Willie Mays wanted me to go in.

Cause it was cold out there, so.

But like I say, I was still on pins and needles.

I was just floating.

Cause like I. I'm in the major league, I'm in the big leagues and my idol, Willie Mays, I get a chance to play alongside Willie Mays.

It's like a dream come true.

Well, I'll give it to you like this.

Then you played 121 games in Fresno in 1969.

Then you played nine games in the majors.

And then you played 17 games in the fall league.

Okay.

And then we get to 1970.

So that, that was your 1969 season.

All right.

So at what point in those nine games were.

I'm not quite sure, but.

So then here's my question.

When was the first time your mom got to come to a major league ball game and see you play?

Oh, wow, these are great.

Crush.

It had to be a Dodger stadium.

See, did I.

Did I play?

I don't know if I played.

So she came to the game assumed.

Yeah.

But I. Yeah.

In what?

I was called up later.

Yeah.

Like in 7.

1970, I was called up.

And so, yeah, she probably come to one of those games and because we were competing with the Dodgers as far as winning that division.

And I think I pinch hit.

I'm not sure I think I pinch hit.

It was my first hit against Claude Osteen.

But I know Ethan's all there checking, so I can't really.

Can't really embellish it.

That just must have been the coolest thing in the world, though, is, you know, not only do you get to play, but then here's.

Here's your mom, who's been.

I know.

So behind you all these years.

She was always there, always supportive.

It's Little League, middle league.

And then this.

Because she knew that was my dream.

Yeah.

And giving me that support.

And my uniform was always clean and pressed.

I had creases in my pants.

Oh, man.

Other guys, every.

You know, after each game, she would wash it and.

And iron it.

The other guys, they make the uniforms dirty, wrinkled.

But I was styling.

Oh, that's cool.

Do you have any siblings?

I had a brother and a sister.

They both have passed away.

My brother was into boxing more.

And so.

But when I would go to the track to run, you know, I said, I can't cheat now.

Cause he's watching me.

So I go there and do my running.

And.

But he was saying, oh, that's good.

Because I would.

I would break up a.

A mile into four 40s 110s or 880s things, as such.

But always make sure that I was prepared.

My legs were prepared when I went to spring training.

And so the other parts will come together with making sure your legs were ready.

Yeah, that's cool.

That's cool.

So then.

All right, so then you're back into fall leagues again at the end of 1969.

And then you start the year in 1970 in AAA.

Right.

And where was that?

That was in Phoenix, Arizona.

So that was the.

So now you have guys competing to be on the Triple A team.

And every day they're waiting for me to be sent down from AAA to Double A.

But that never did happen.

So I made the AAA team as a starter.

And so that was a big jump for me.

But at the time, double A, which was Amarillo, Texas, there was more of the breaking ball league.

So I missed that league.

So when it had the shift, they could have put a shift on me.

They didn't need a third base.

When I got up to the plate in Phoenix because I tried to hit everything, which turned out to be good from left center, all over, I ended up hitting like 308, maybe eight home runs.

But the main thing is hitting for good average.

And so I played, I played right field there and Jimmy Rosario center field, he's pretty fast.

And so that was, that was really a big break going from Fresno to AAA.

But Fresno, I was leading the league in RBIs when I was brought up, I said, oh man, they're gonna take me out of here.

And this other look like giving it the RBI title to this other guy.

But my brother told me that no, that's, that's an important stat, the RBI from then on, you know, when men are on base.

But it's the saying that a reporter had come up with, it was like a conviction that Foster has a conviction.

He doesn't drink, he doesn't smoke, he doesn't, he doesn't leave men on base.

So then did you.

Okay, so then did you play the whole season there or did you end.

Up played 114 games in Phoenix and then played another nine games in the bigs?

Yeah, we were.

Bernie Williams was my roommate.

He was one of the top prospects with the Giants.

He signed for like $45,000.

When you signed for that amount that you're.

They must keep you on the roster in the beginning.

Ken Henderson the same way.

So we were both brought up to the major league after that.

Well, once again, back, backtrack a little bit.

So Charlie Fox, who was the manager of the aaa, he got promoted to being the manager of the Giants because the guy, Clyde King was fired.

Okay.

And so Charlie Fox said, yeah, well, be ready, we're going to call you guys up.

So I got a chance to go back to the major leagues again in 1970.

That's cool.

And then no, looks like no fall League after 1970.

I was getting better.

I had to take time off.

Did you ever go to the Dominican League and play?

Oh, good question.

Yes, I went there, played there two and a half years, which is great custom.

Once again, we're playing against major league players.

The Dodgers always had filled their team with major league players.

Like Ron Sayer, Steve Garvey.

So let's see if we forget what city was Lisa.

It was called Lisay the team, but they always won.

But this particular year, we're competing against them and we came close to winning, but Tom Lasorda was there to be in the manager.

But then when the season started, you're playing against these guys because I remember I got all the pitching staff for the Dodgers already knew.

So when they, someone said, hey, you know, Doug Rowe said, yeah, I had to look it up.

I kept saying, every time he pitched against the Reds, I hit a home run.

So.

But I had to look that up.

So one game, I was over three and Losorda was looking at his pitching coach deciding on, should we leave him in or take him out.

That was one of the first time I rushed up to the plate to get that, that fourth at bat against Doug Rowell, and it resulted in the home run.

So do you remember what years you played in a, In a.

Played winter ball at the BEN.

See, I came to the Reds and 70 had me 72.

Okay, so it wasn't after you went to Cincinnati.

Yeah, it was after.

It was after.

Okay, okay, so we haven't, we haven't played any winter.

Okay.

Now, before we jump to, to 1971, I want to talk about, I want to ask about workload.

How are you adjusting to, to all these games?

Is it, is it a lot?

Are you, is, are you having trouble with your stamina?

How are you making that adjustment?

I made that adjust my first year in Medford and I, I tell kids today, make sure that you stretch, get loose.

And I had hit the weights a lot during high school because I went from like 128lb wise from my sophomore year to my senior year to 185.

That's a good job.

I started to, to grow and then, then my muscle mass start getting better.

So more, more home cooking too.

Oh, yeah.

You had to work out a lot to be.

So I could eat a lot.

So in Medford, I want.

I think there was a week that I didn't work, I didn't stretch, and I started feeling it in my back and my legs, my hamstring.

I said, what am I not doing?

Oh, remember, I got to go out there and stretch.

I said, but the thing, worst thing I said is nobody else is doing it.

Oh.

I said, but you here, it's you.

You gotta.

These guys may not be here, so you got to get yourself in prime condition.

And after that I was fine.

So I learned that from Fred from Medford, that even when it got to the big leagues, I'm running my four sprints, foul pole to foul pole to make sure that I'm ready because I don't want to have a time that I will.

I'm tight and I pull a muscle.

A lot of these guys today, you go there, they're, they're going through the motion as far as getting loose, but nobody, nobody goes run those four pole to pole before a game.

The tougher one was in Atlanta.

I mean, it's so hot in Atlanta, but you gotta get your body.

Yes.

Ready for it and so acclimated for it.

So I would go and do my force rinse.

Then I'm.

I'm used to it.

But other guys, you know, it's too hot.

I'm going to save it for the game.

So then, so then we finish up in 70.

We go to 1971.

So you start out with the major.

League club, I start off with major league club.

And we're so you.

So you.

But you play, you split the year in trip in 70 and Triple A in the big league.

So at what point is it communicated to you that you're going to start the season with the big league club?

String training.

I had a good spring training.

Okay.

And they let me know you're gonna, you, you made the team.

Okay.

But then at that time I was getting, I guess a little rattled because I'm playing every day.

Like, give me a break.

And.

But they were saying, well, you're gonna make the big league.

It was funny, I think back said, you're gonna play a lot in spring training, so you're not gonna play a lot when the game, the season starts.

So that was really the message that were given to me.

But we played place like Palm Springs and it was so hot there to play in Palm Springs.

But playing in Phoenix, I always love playing in warm weather places so like say Fresno, Medford and, and going, going to Palm Springs in Phoenix.

And then, then when I was sent back down from the reds and in 73, I played in Indianapolis, was nice and warm.

Yeah.

Okay.

So you start the year in 71.

You play 36 games and mostly in left field, I assume.

Yes.

Well, there was a guy in center field that I tried to beat him up, but he had, he had the credentials.

But what was exciting, we got off to a great start.

We're like 14 games in first place.

This is around May, mid May or so.

And I'm playing every day and all of a sudden I wasn't playing like why I'm not playing.

So I got a check in from I said okay, my feet are good, my knees are good.

I'm not hurt.

Why I'm not playing?

Because you have Hal and shortstop out in left field taking fly balls.

I said what's going on?

They're Frank.

Frank Johnson, my roommate.

He was listening to the game on the rate broadcast.

He said roomy, you got traded.

Like this is not funny.

So later on I was the last one to leave the bench because I'm saying maybe it's not really true or maybe if I don't go in I won't get the message.

So I was the last one I said to go.

And then the clubhouse guys who the manager want to see you.

Yeah, you got.

He was excited because they're in first place.

Hey, you got trade if make you feel any better we got two guys for you.

But here I am my first full year.

I'm thinking that again.

Oh I'm thinking going to the World Series and yeah, but it was a delay.

You want a delay.

But the Giants organization did not repeat as a contender to 1990.

So it turned out great for me because Willie Mays got traded.

That that's winner Bobby Bonds left, Gaylord Perry left.

So most of those guys, the nucleus of that team had left.

And I said wow, I go to Cincinnati because when I first played in Cincinnati I said wow, this weather is great.

I love to play here.

I think somebody heard me and so we're going to trade for that kid.

So I ended up getting traded.

I think I know it's round Memorial Day and so coming to the Giants are you coming to the red?

Are you saying that's the curse of.

Of trading George Foster?

I know what was a karma.

It's karma.

Ok. Before being traded to the Reds.

Did you play here before I played here, yeah.

Against the Reds.

Okay.

And I actually played at Crosley.

Right.

Because we were.

I was brought.

Had to be 70 when I was brought up.

So I didn't play but I you know took fly balls and everything out there.

Not a terrace.

They didn't have your name on your back.

So they didn't know who I was.

So I fell on.

Fell on the terrace and they're like look at that clumsy guy out there.

But he didn't know my name and but I saw Johnny Bench hit a home run against Juan Marshall.

Was the.

The distance was 308 down the left field line was 308.

So okay, so then let's talk about so The.

The very first time.

So this would have been, I don't know, the year before when they first bring you up the first time, or at least a time that you remember being in the outfield and you're there and.

And Willie Mays is just like over there.

Yes.

And when does sink in.

I'm on the same field with Willie Mays.

Okay.

The center fielder supposed.

Is the captain.

Right?

Right.

And she's supposed to call for the ball, but Willie Mays wouldn't call for the ball.

And we had.

This is a true story.

I don't know why.

I don't know the reason why you end up going to Japan, but Bobby Taylor collided with Willie Mays, and the next year he was in Japan.

But I really had nightmares knowing that if I collide with Willie Mays, my career's over.

But everything worked out.

But I mean, planted Willie Mays is to my left.

Like, oh, man, this is great.

They have Bobby.

I mean, this is a great outfield, but we call it the soul patrol.

You know.

Along those lines, a lot of times you hear rookies having kind of a welcome to the big leagues moment where they're really humbled, and it's like, oh, man, this is the show.

You know, maybe it's.

They get struck out by triple digits for the first time, or they get thrown out stealing a base because they thought they could get away with it.

Did you have one of those, like, humbling, like, oh, wow, this is another level kind of moments?

I realize it's another level and you try to do more than, like, being a home run hitter, knowing that you're a singles hitter.

So I said, if this guy throws it over the plate, I'm going to hit it.

But he knew that I was nervous, I was anxious.

It was against the Braves.

I think it was LeMaster's last name.

And so he kept.

I ended up striking on my first time up, but my timing was good, but my discipline wasn't that good.

So I. I needed to.

I needed my pitch away for the pitches that I was swinging at.

I said, man, why don't he just.

If he throw me a strike, I'm fine.

But he knew that I was going to make him go at bad pitches.

Oh, my goodness, that's funny.

All right, so we're at the trade then.

Okay, so.

So let's back up a little bit because I have another question.

Okay, go ahead.

So from the time you start in, in Medford, at what point in time do you actually make enough money to survive?

Oh, and before that what have.

What other things are you doing to.

To pay bills and get by?

Well, it started when you.

Well, Fresno, I think we were.

I mean Metro Thinker.

I don't know what, 250 a week or something like that, but I know in fresno we're making 500 a week.

But for.

At that time I didn't have any bills, so it wasn't a big deal.

You had the money to.

To buy groceries and things.

As such, I wasn't a big spender, so.

But in aaa that's when I started to, I guess try to negotiate with the owner.

But up to then, you know, you're just thinking about being.

Getting the opportunity to play every day and.

But there was a sign in Fred in Medford, if you hit the ball over this sign, you get a free pair of shoes.

Guess what?

That was my target.

So I did that twice.

I get two pair of brand new shoes.

So that was money I was able to save.

Because in the beginning you're thinking that, oh, are these shoes really.

Are they made of cardboard or what?

Or is this really legit?

So I went down there and got.

But I was, I wouldn't selfishly my roommate, I let him pick a pair out.

Okay, but a brand new pair of shoes, that is something I could need and use.

That's pretty cool.

So you finished the season last year exhausted from all the travel and the tournaments, and you tossed your gear in a bag where it's been sitting all winter.

Now you're ready for another year.

But your favorite glove that fits just right is an error waiting to happen.

The leather is dry, the laces are brittle.

And this year you're on a new team with new colors.

And it sure would be cool if it matched.

Well, wouldn't it be great if you had a glove guy who could help you out with that?

You do.

His name is Ethan and he owns glovehound baseball glove repair shop in Fairfield, Ohio.

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So we're coming.

So we're coming to.

We get traded to Cincinnati, and you fly over here, you get ready to go.

You're going to your first game.

Okay.

Who's the first Cincinnati Red that you meet when you get here?

Good lead in.

Good leading.

Because with some teams, the veteran players do not speak to you.

The rookie.

Okay.

And so I was confronted with that with the Giants, but it wasn't a big deal because I. Willie Mays, Bobby Bonds, I look, they were the top guys, but there are a couple other guys that would not speak to you.

And so they don't accept you the first year, but the next year they did.

So he's passed away now, but Gaylord Perry was one that really stood out.

He wouldn't say anything to you.

And I was nervous playing the outfield because I didn't want to make a mistake because he would turn around or tell the manager, get that kid out of the.

Out of here.

He's messing up my game.

So I'm playing now and then.

And so I played against, I think the braves and went four for four and they got maybe three or four RBIs.

And here comes Gaylord Perry sitting next to me, like, what should I say here?

He said, you should go tell the manager to put you in the game.

And I'm one.

One thing, I'm thinking, you know, why you bothering me?

And I'm not going to go to the manager and tell him that.

So now when I get traded to the Reds, I felt it was the same idea that nobody's going to talk to me.

But I found out later on that's why we become buddies.

And he become one of my not only my top player friends, but also my mom, Pete Rose.

So I didn't know that Willie Mays had called since to Cincinnati and told Pete Rose to take care of that kid.

And then when Pete Rose spoke to me, I'm looking around, I was like, yeah, yeah, I'm talking to you.

Wow.

Then I really felt at home.

I feel accepted being part of the family.

But up to then, I'm walking around, I don't want to be noticed.

You know, get there, get early, get on the bench, and they won't Notice you.

But then and there, that's when I really felt part of the team.

But I didn't know Willie Mays was really that great of a supporter of George Foster.

That's good.

But that was a great feeling.

So then the dynamic duo.

When did you first meet Griffey?

Oh, when.

When I was set down in 73.

So I think.

I forget where.

We're probably in Oklahoma City.

So we had.

I was room with Hal King at the time.

So how King.

He's a guy that loves the nightlight nightlife.

And so I said the first time I gave him an opportunity.

But then after that he was coming in late, so he's disturbing my rest.

So I ended up.

This is a story.

I don't remember it all, but this is a story that Hal King said that I would put his suitcase outside the door.

So you're not coming in curfew.

And so Hal King said.

Because Hal King and Dreeson were running partners.

And so Griffey and Dreeson were together and.

And so Hal King said to Griff, you know, why don't you room with George?

And he said, why?

Because I'm getting tired of paying hotel bills.

So we switched rooms.

And then for my first maybe couple of weeks, I wouldn't.

I didn't say anything.

And so Griff's from Donor, Pennsylvania, and he is.

He had said something that from then on they said now that's what started him talking.

So he said, if.

If I.

When I say something, if somebody doesn't say something, I'm gonna beat their butts.

I'm like, here I am from la, you know, close to Watts.

And he said that to me, all I could do is start laughing.

So.

But that's.

That's the start of a great friendship.

And when I had been sent down in 73.

Oh, that's cool.

Well, that brings us to what you.

I was gonna say, so you.

In 71, I've got that.

You played 104 games in Cincinnati, and then in 72 you played 59.

And then they send you down.

Did you start the year in AAA in 73?

Yes, I was sent down from spring training.

And this shows you that you gotta be cognitive or notice what's going on.

So we had 26 guys on the roster.

It was like three or four days to go.

And so you're thinking, we gotta send somebody down.

I'm not thinking it's gonna be me.

And so every time I go to the clubhouse, I'm looking around and see if the coach is coming towards me.

If he were, I would go some another area.

So I'm just sitting there talking and all of a sudden somebody touched me on the shoulder, said the manager want to see you.

So he called me in and said, we're going to send you down to get seasoning.

But it turned out to be great because I hadn't, I wasn't playing a lot in 72, so I had to get my confidence back and my, my skill level back up.

So playing in Triple A at Indianapolis in 73 really did me a favor.

But the.

I ended up hitting, I think 15 home runs, 60 RBI and.

But I was, I was.

That was the pivotal time because now the chief bender who's heard of player, head of player personnel came down telling guys what they're going to.

What's going to happen next year.

So I was like his shadow following him, saying, no, what's going on?

Am I going to be here or what's going to happen?

So then they brought me back up in 73 because we won that division that we ended up losing against the Mets.

And by.

I didn't.

It wasn't karma, Ethan, but I knew if the Reds would have beaten the Mets that year or got into the World Series, I would have been traded because a lot of teams, they don't make a lot of moves if they win.

So we lost against the Mets.

So they.

Then I got another opportunity to Play.

So in 74, I was being platoon.

I was doing well.

But yeah, being ready for that, that opportunity was a big, big deal.

But in 72, I wasn't playing much because I, when I first come to the Reds, I was batting second.

I said, ah, this is different.

Batting second.

And.

But that's when it came as far as playing on a regular basis, getting fatigued and not really having time to regroup.

But you got to go out there and can't tell the manager.

You just your first major league tell you, man, I'm tired.

Yeah, right.

So, but, but I, it ended up well.

But in like I said, In 72, I think my batting error is that right on 200.

And he actually had me to pinch hit.

And I was up there, I'm ducking these pitches.

You know when the umpire said ball four said yes, because I said if I swing and hit me that my.

I can't see my errands being under 200, 195, 199.

No, sorry.

It ended up at 200.

But it, that see, oh, there was the, the one that stood out I scored the winning run to win the the playoffs against the Pirates.

And so the next next year, every time the Reds would come on, even though I wasn't in the big leagues, it was me scoring.

And so I was at this hotel Sheraton Gibson and there's a cafe there.

In the beginning, you know, not many people were there.

And then later on I said, wow, these people here, they were telling them that George Foster comes here.

Everybody wanted to come and see George Foster.

So I didn't know that at the time.

At the time I said, wow, if I had Ethan to be my agent, get endorsements.

But yeah.

So how fitting, how fitting if if Pete was your first, your first person who that you met went to look out for you.

How fitting that it was his move to third base that got you in in the first place and got you regularly on the field.

But that shows you him not being a team player, not being selfish because he.

But it started also with him.

He had challenges.

So when he made started as a second baseman, Lolly guys didn't like that because a friend of theirs was going to lose a job.

So now they, I can say it on air.

The most of the white players wouldn't talk to him.

And so that's when he hung around with Beta Pence and Frank Robinson, those guys.

And so he saw what happened to him.

And so he was after that he was always a team player, whatever he could do to help the team win.

So then later on when Tommy Helms came up, he went to right field.

And then of course he was in left field and went to third base when I was ready to play.

But here's a team player.

But once he was an all star third base and not because of his bat, but he did a good job.

There was Leo Cardness, I think Leo.

Was he gone by the time he was gone?

Yeah.

But the sad part about it, when I came to the Reds, it was they had to let a player go and was Willie Smith.

And I saw him at the time, I didn't know what was going on.

He was in the clubhouse smoking many packs of cigarettes, nervous on if he's going to get traded or he's going to get released.

So I don't know what he.

What happened after that, but it was sad to see that's happening.

I mean, but it's a business.

But when I came over because Bobby Tollen got hurt.

Right.

So.

And then I was the Giants, they had abundance of outfielders, so they felt I was expendable.

So then you're so then you, you.

You're playing, then you're down in Indianapolis and then how do you get.

When do they call you back up?

What's that about it call me back up the end of this.

That season they are there.

And so I got a chance to come back up, I think September in September.

So Griffey and Dreeson had been called up earlier.

And so I go to the clubhouse where.

Where's everybody?

So I was looking at.

Look at my locker.

I said, maybe I got a letter here.

No.

But I stayed the rest of the season there in Triple A.

But once again it was.

Is helpful for.

To me to really get my.

Get your mind ready again to play in the major league level.

So when I got back, you know, I was more inclined to knowing what I needed to do.

Yeah.

What was it that helped you get.

What was the.

As my grandmother would say, get your mind right.

What was it that that helped you?

Because it had to been disappointing.

And yet at the same time you're going, okay, I can see this as an opportunity or not.

And so what was it that helped you orient yourself and get ready to say to.

To come back up and be there?

Well, it's going back to my mom.

She was always there, not only physically supporting, but mentally said that this is something that you wanted to do and make sure that you go out there and give your best so you don't have any regrets.

And you know, it was a feeling that because I wasn't playing much and I didn't really feel part of the team and that was a good move.

Ended up being a good move for me going to Triple A and.

But today's game for guys had in a batting area, I mean guys who have.200 batting average or.

And play it a whole year, they would have been sit down or released when we were playing.

But I'm at the borderline of 200 and so I just need the playing time.

I didn't really realize what I needed, but I needed the playing time.

And I knew that sitting on the bench, you know, my career was slowly ending, but my mom was there, said, this is what you want to do.

Give you put your best foot forward and you don't want to have any regrets.

Because there was one guy when I was in high school, he said, you know, I can't figure this out.

I'm like, was he trying to do a math problem or what?

I can't figure it out.

He said, I was the best.

I was better than you in high school.

I said, yeah.

And then he said, I don't, I can't figure out what happened.

I said, will you start working at it?

There you go.

That was.

I said, yeah, you stopped working at it because you thought you're.

I didn't tell him that, but he thought it was so good he didn't need to keep working at it.

It's just going to all come to him.

But that dad and my mom being there, always being positive.

Ethan is more than my podcast partner.

He's my son.

And like every baseball parent, my first priority was his development as a player.

Every year we'd start out with a new coach and a new team, making new promises, only to end up playing the same old tournaments with.

With little to no practice in between.

You know what I'm talking about.

That's why I'm so thankful that we found MDNI Academy.

I first met Coach Rick over a decade ago when Ethan was just a kid.

And I'll never forget the relief I felt watching his first lesson.

I knew right then that no matter what team he played for, my son would have amazing, consistent instruction from someone who cared.

Rick has trained baseball and softball players at the select, travel and even college levels.

So I knew that Ethan could continue his excellence through training approach for his whole baseball career.

He learned hitting, pitching, catching, fielding, and more all in one place.

Most of all, he learned to love the greatest game in the world and how to play it with character and integrity.

So if you're wearing yourself out running all over town to multiple teachers or worse, you're counting on that new select coach to actually develop your child.

You need to check out MD&I Academy today.

Go to mdaiacademy.com and contact Coach Rick to learn how you can get all the baseball instruction you need from someone who cares about your favorite player as much as you do.

At MDNI Academy.

What, what do you feel are the advantages of having, of having the major or the minor league system for developing young baseball players?

What it says, development, getting more at bats and just developing their skill.

You.

Know, and just to see where you're at.

And right now there are so many different levels of it.

You've got rookie ball, then you go to single A, high A, double A, triple A.

So you've got a lot of levels to continue developing and get better.

I think George hit on something too, that depending on what your signing bonuses or your slot money is, then those guys going to get a little bit more of a leeway, a longer rope to right to, to advance a little.

Bit more Invested more.

Yeah, they invested more money versus the guy like say for Albert Pujols that was low round, very low round or well, they would say high round.

P50, Piazza 50.

The odds are Mike Piazza.

Those guys are, you know, they're, they're, they're, it's going to be a little bit harder but you know, sometimes luck, people falling don't produce and you know, I think, I think George hit on something too is you have to have confidence, take advantage of the opportunity and just got to keep grinding.

Yeah, yeah, Think about that George.

Like okay, so let's take a right out of high school, George Foster versus, versus Having made it through several leagues of the minors, George Foster, how much more prepared and how beneficial was that minor league experience for you?

You know, would you, would you have even survived, you know, time in the.

Base challenge to survive?

Because I hadn't faced that caliber of play.

Yeah.

And then also maturing physically so that those things really help.

But to step back, we talk about confidence, confidence carry you through the self doubts that you would have.

But yeah, playing in the minor leagues helped me to grow.

And you're getting more at bat, see what you can do and how consistent you can be and working on your stamina.

Because these guys, you look at guys today, they get tired around July or so and that's when you know, maybe at top, like I remember Ken Reits, he was leading the league like April 400 batting average.

Then as the season progresses, his average start going down because he's getting fatigued.

But the minor league I felt is really great.

But today's game when Rick was talking about slots, these guys are in two years, they're in the major league.

Yeah, you see now a prospect, certain prospects going to start today, have their debut.

So they're running them through the system quicker.

So you must be ready.

Yeah.

And college, yeah, they're looking at college being the farm club for major League Baseball.

And they're going, I tell people once you get that opportunity, take that opportunity because it may not happen again.

But I go into these different cities and like say playing against the Dodgers a lot, I got a chance to learn about their pitching.

Charlie Huff, I said Doug Rowell earlier.

So I know those guys.

So then let's talk about just, just basic maturity too.

So like you got 18 year old kid versus somebody who's now 22 or older or older and you got, you got a kid who versus who's become a young man now he's learned how to pay his bills and organize his life.

Take care of himself, you know, do.

His laundry, get himself somewhere on time.

Right.

You know, sort of just, just basic grown up skills.

How valuable is that?

To be able to then not be a mess if they call you up.

But it's that I use the term learning life skills.

Learning life skill through the game.

Yeah.

And you, you must, you need to know that.

Not waiting a good example, you waiting on someone to, okay, it's time to get on the bus.

You got to be able to calculate that for yourself.

Being able to, you know how to do laundry.

My first year guys didn't know how to do laundry.

My mom taught me how to.

How to do laundry.

Well, I was going to say that the pressure's on now if she's not there to iron your pants, are you, are you getting the job done or.

I'm not ironing them.

Right.

But is she calling you up going, george, there's a standard here?

Oh no.

The one day.

So back in those days, the refrigerators, they're not self defrosting.

So now it's all iced up and like how do I do that?

Well, you got to get can or what is it?

A.

A big container of hot water and put it in there.

Yeah.

So it could melt.

It could melt.

But what I did, I just popped the stick against the, the freezer door so it wouldn't open.

But when she came there, she's, she did it for me.

But yeah, learning those life skills makes it very important.

The travel also I have a lot of friends that played in the minors.

And the travel will break you down.

It'll.

And you know, you go to certain cities and everything.

The bus rides are long.

What will break you down?

13 hours.

Yes.

And then you know, with they going through that, coming from a certain city to doing that and in dealing with different language barriers at times with certain people, different cultures.

What else?

Some guys don't make it back.

Other one that stood out is budgeting.

Yes.

And budgeting because you get meal money.

Yes, you get meal money.

And some of these guys, you know, they have the money but they think it can get more money.

So they start playing cards and they lose their money.

Yes, they sure do.

So we're on a five or six, a six day road trip.

They already lost your money the first day.

And so this is at the time I didn't know it myself, but I wasn't involved.

So when you go to these restaurants and you see money on the table, you think you didn't realize it was tip for the waiter, waitress.

But the guys are thinking that, oh, somebody left the money.

So they end up taking the money.

It wasn't legal, but I didn't do it.

I didn't do it.

Well, the other thing is we're talking about 1969, 1970, you know, civil rights was a new thing at this point.

So.

And you're traveling, you're coming from California.

What was.

What was that like in different places?

I mean, did you face what.

I was amazed with the things that were going on when I was playing.

I wasn't really aware of a lot of it.

So when I played, go back.

Well, this happened in 70 or 69.

I said, where was I?

I could relate to certain music, you know.

Well, this.

This record came out at this year, that year, but only really the place that I faced it.

And the least place I thought it was was in Metford, Oregon.

Really?

It wasn't in the South.

So in the south, you prepared for it.

Yeah, but there I wasn't prepared for it because I usually do my walking before a game to get myself acclimated to the exercise, get my body to lose.

So I'm walking and all of a sudden, people start coming out of their businesses, their office, and they're looking at me.

They weren't greeting me.

Alien.

They were like.

Like, in their eyes, like, what are you doing here?

Why are you.

So I just sped up, go back to the hotel and stayed there until it's time to go to the game.

So that was really the time in the minor league that I felt it.

Yeah.

Interesting.

Interesting.

What, Ethan?

What is your favorite.

You've been to a couple of different minor league things.

What's your favorite thing about the major or about the minor leagues?

And probably my favorite thing is just the ease of access there, you know, there's only.

Was it 30 major league teams.

Yeah.

But there's, you know, 30 times four.

Do you know there's so many.

Three now three to four.

Okay, three to four.

So, you know, there's.

What is that, math?

100?

Yeah.

Okay, so yeah, yeah, yeah.

Minor league.

And then you got.

You got that on top of.

On top of independent teams, which, you know, it's.

They're not specifically affiliated, but they, you know, they've got their connections.

It's still the same kind of level.

So, you know, here we have the Florence Freedom.

Yeah.

And it's.

Or that's.

Right, right.

They were the Freedom.

Now they're the y'.

Alls.

But just the ease of access.

There's so many more, and it's way Cheaper.

I just, I just went to see the.

See the Tin Caps play the dragons up in Fort Wayne.

Cost me 17 bucks to sit right behind home plate.

That's parking.

It is.

You know, it cost me, you know, four times that for a. OK seat, you know, to go see the Reds play, which I get it.

You know, it's.

It's a business.

You're see.

Well, you're seeing a higher.

It's a better product.

You know, they're better players, better talent.

You know, I get that.

But watching players before they hit.

Exactly.

That's one of my other favorite things is I love to.

I recently went back and tried to find every MLB game I had went to going, you know, based on like if I could find tickets or pictures we had taken at the game and then go to that date and find the lineup and see who was playing then.

And there's lots of times that it's somebody that you completely forgot about.

And so getting to go back and see what players have come through that stadium who you may have gotten to see before they got big.

So, you know, I've got, I've got my scorecard that I'm going to be checking over the next few years to see if any of those guys make it up there.

So it has to be accessibility.

That's.

That's the most.

That's the best part about it to me.

Yeah.

The one thing I would, I would encourage if you're listening or watching on YouTube and, and you've never been to a minor league ball game, oh my gosh, go.

There's.

They can't be.

There's one close by.

I mean, within a couple hours or something.

There's usually one near you somewhere.

And there's worth.

That's what I have to entertain.

That's the, that's the.

There wasn't a single.

You know, there was something going on between every inning and most of the time it was some sort of silly race with the fans.

The fans engage.

It was great.

Yeah.

And so it's affordable.

It's an easy way to take the family to a ball, to a, to a baseball game.

You know, enjoy it, keep score, have a great time.

It's just a good, good way to go.

So, yeah, I encourage everybody to go see in preparing for the game we're going to play here in a minute, I was surprised at how many as I went down through every name of minor leagues, every minor league team name in.

In existence, I was surprised at how many I've seen play.

Oh really?

Because I'VE only been to so many games, but when you go there's, you're.

You're knocking two names off the list.

Yeah.

You know, so I've seen a lot of these.

A lot of these teams play, which is kind of at least the local ones.

Yeah.

I've been to a number of.

Of Tin Caps games just because my grandparents live up in Fort Wayne.

And that.

And that.

That will be a.

That will be.

Those will be memories.

I will always remember going to the game with my grandfather and he wasn't even a huge baseball guy, but he liked going.

And so I will never forget there was one time we sat out in the outfield and we didn't.

They weren't even.

I think we were sitting on grass or like concrete bleachers.

They weren't even like actual seats.

And a home run went over our head and like, I'm never going to forget.

You know what I mean?

So that kind of thing.

But for whatever reason, most of the time I've gone to a game there.

They've played the Lansing Lug Nuts.

I haven't gotten to cross as many.

I have seen the Lancing Lugs.

I think Lance Durham used to play for them and the Tin Caps, I think he played for both of them.

Cool.

Yeah.

Well, the one thing I wish was different about the minor leagues is I wish more people knew about it.

I wish there was a.

You know, they're locally owned.

Their.

Their marketing budgets are what they are and they have to.

Now.

The Dayton Dragons do an amazing job reaching the local community.

Sellouts.

Yeah, they really do.

But it can be a real struggle.

I mean, it's a small business and they're trying to make a go of it and they don't.

You don't charge an arm and a leg to get in.

And so, you know, I just.

I wish more people knew about them because I think it's such a great opportunity to go to a good family outing.

Yeah.

Yeah.

If you've got multiple kids.

I was talking to one of the kids upstairs at the.

In the child care center this morning when I was helping Leslie open up and.

And he's.

I don't know, Connor's what, 10 maybe?

And we were talking about it.

We're talking about what it costs to go to a ball game.

And when I told him the difference of what it costs to go see the Reds versus what it costs to go see minor league team, and I said, you know, you go see the Reds, you could pay $50 a ticket or more.

And he goes Is that a lot?

I said, how many people are in your family?

He said, well, there's five.

I said, if your dad takes all five of you to go see that, he's paying $100 before he ever buys a hot.

Yeah.

Plus tax.

So, you know, I mean, that's, he's like, yeah, that is a lot.

I'm so, yeah, it can be, it can be an investment to go and spend, but you know, if you could spend a fifth of that and take everybody and go get a hot dog and have a good time, then, you know, that's cool.

So that's, that's my thing.

I just, I wish.

Well, that was fun for me in spring training when I go, I was going there with Ferguson Jenkins foundation.

We were signed at different ballparks.

So you see in the prices that they're charging.

So like Chick Fil A, they're charging maybe two times as much at the ballpark, but you can buy it on the way.

But you know, people say, oh, this is baseball food.

I want to buy it here.

I want to say, I bought peanuts here and I had a beer here.

And they don't really question the pricing.

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Apply at George Foster baseball.com so what we're going to do is we're going to play mascot or make believe.

And the.

The cities are real.

They have real teams in them, but some of the team names are real, and some of the team names are not.

And so we're gonna.

I'm gonna.

I'm gonna read it out, and then everybody gets a chance to say whether they think it's.

It's mascot or make believe.

And then we'll find out who scored a point.

Oh, so George can't just yell louder?

Yeah, we have to go call on each person's chances.

All right.

Okay.

So we'll get a chance.

So it's like raising your hand.

No, it's not fair.

We just did.

We just did an episode on how to play all your players.

Okay.

All right.

The very first one.

The Altoona Curve.

Oh, that's real.

Oh, wait a minute.

Who's going first?

We'll just go this way.

Now you're going this way because he raised pirates.

I have two, Rick.

Two friends.

All you get to do is say real or not.

All right, Real.

Because.

Because then you're going to.

You're going to make us.

You know, Then we'll know.

You got to keep it.

You got to keep that a secret.

Okay, we're going to start.

Okay.

Okay.

I messed up already.

They got too excited.

Okay.

I already knew that.

All right, the first.

Okay, the first one.

Here we go.

We'll cut into this.

Yeah, the first one.

Okay.

The Beloit Sky Carp.

I'm gonna say that's false.

The Beloit Sky Carp.

Rick, is it mascot or make believe.

Today?

We need to answer that today.

That's current.

That's correct.

You're saying mascot.

Yes.

Mascot.

Okay, George, I say no.

Make believe.

I'm gonna say make believe.

Rick scores.

The Beloit Sky Car are actually a team.

Yes.

That's almost like.

That's too crazy to make it up.

Yeah.

You know why I know that?

I. I can't say.

All right, number two.

Number two.

The Bradenton Baby Sharks.

Ethan, you go first.

What I'm gonna say.

I'm gonna say make believe on that one, too.

I'm gonna say yes.

You're saying it's mascot.

Yes.

Okay, make believe.

It is make believe, but I know it.

The Braden.

Bradenton does have a team, but they are not the Baby Sharks.

Oh, okay.

Close to the water, the San Antonio Alamos.

Ooh.

What do you think, Ethan?

How much time?

I'm gonna.

I'm gonna say.

I'm gonna say make believe again.

Okay.

I'M gonna say yes.

I mean, it's real.

Okay.

Mascot.

Mascot.

What are you saying?

Make believe.

Two more points for these guys.

It is not the San Antonio Alamos.

It is the San Antonio Mission.

That was a trick.

Oh, yeah.

The Mission.

Not the Alamo.

Yes.

Okay, here we go.

Davy Crockett.

The El Paso Chihuahuas.

That is a mascot.

Okay, that is a mascot.

Says, that's a mess.

That's a point for everybody.

Put his poker face on.

Yeah, he said it with enthusiasm.

Oh, okay.

Okay.

I'm trying to help you.

I want to get shut out.

I didn't want to point.

The Jupiter Hammerheads.

Rick.

The Jupiter Hammerheads.

Mascot.

Mascot.

I'm going to say make believe these two score.

You do not.

It is a mascot.

That youngster.

It is a mascot.

Okay, here we go.

The Somerset Sand Gnats.

Oh.

I'm going to say make believe again, because I think it's something different.

I'll go with Ethan.

Make believe.

Mascot.

Make believe.

Yeah.

It is a Sand Nats, but it's not.

It's the Sand.

It was.

It was the Savannah Sand Gnats before they became the Savannah Bananas.

Yeah.

But Somerset does have a team, but they are not the same.

Okay, so George and I scored on that one.

Yes.

Yes.

So this is all tricky up here.

Yeah.

All right.

The Norfolk Narwhals.

Huh?

I'm gonna say mascot.

Norfolk.

Yeah.

Yeah.

I go with Ethan.

Make believe.

It is make believe.

It's the Tide.

It is.

Yeah, it is.

You're right.

The Norfolk.

They've been in two cities.

Yeah.

All right, here we go.

Ready?

Ready for this one.

The Hickory Crawdads.

Rick.

Can't be.

You threw it.

You threw a curve there.

Hickory Smart Crawdads.

There is a team, but there's.

I'm just gonna say mascot.

Make believe.

I'll say make believe.

It is a mascot.

The Hickory Crawdads.

North Carolina.

Yeah.

Okay.

The Reno Roustabouts.

Ethan.

Oh, Reno.

Yes.

I'm gonna say.

I'm gonna say mascot.

I'm gonna say no.

Make.

Make believe.

Make believe.

It is make believe.

They are not the Roustabouts.

What in the world?

I thought that was too crazy to even make up.

Reno Slot Machine.

What is it?

Reno?

I don't remember off the top of my head.

Reno.

Nevada.

The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp.

Ethan.

I'm gonna say mascot.

Oh, that's.

This is it.

The.

The Reno Aces.

Rick.

That's what.

Reno Aces.

Yes.

I say make believe.

That's a mascot.

They're with the Lord of Marlins.

It absolutely is a mascot.

The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp R18.

I did know that one.

I considered buying that hat.

I thought you said franchise.

The.

The Peoria Pancakes.

Rick.

Not a mascot.

Of Peoria.

Not.

That's a mascot.

Nope.

Is it the Pandas?

Yeah.

Yeah.

No.

I don't know.

It's not the Pandas.

Isn't there a. Oh, man.

One of them is actually called the Trash Pandas.

But that's Josh.

Josh.

Josh Harrison.

He played for them.

He used to play.

I got them confused with a different one, but I'll bring that up.

Okay, here we go.

Ready?

The Visalia Vice grips.

Ethan.

I'm going to say make believe.

Vice grip.

I would say yes, make believe.

It is make believe every time you.

Guys get it together.

Visalia is not the vice grip.

Yep, it is.

Okay.

The Biloxi Shuckers.

Shuckers.

Like corn chuckers?

Like the Biloxi Shuckers.

There is a no Biloxi there.

I'm just gonna say.

Yeah.

No, they've got casinos there, though.

Yeah.

No, I'll say that's a mascot.

It is a mascot.

The Biloxi Shuckers.

Yes.

Shuffle.

You know, it just sounds too country.

That's funny.

The Hudson Valley Hubcaps.

Ethan.

I'm gonna say mascot.

I'll say mascot.

Just a guess.

Hudson Valley.

What was that?

Hubcaps.

Mascot.

You're all wrong.

I got you all on that one.

Wow.

There.

That is make believe.

There is a team in Hudson Valley.

Yeah.

And they're probably.

I believe.

Yeah.

Yeah.

But they are not the hook gaps.

Okay.

I figured if there could be lug nuts, there could be hub caps, you know?

Yeah.

Yes.

All right.

The Hartford Yard Goats.

I'm gonna say mascot.

Yeah.

Mascot.

Make believe.

It is a mascot.

I knew that.

Hartford.

The Hartford Yard Goats.

I knew that one.

Okay, let's see what we got left.

The Kannapolis Cannonballers Brick mascot.

He's smiling now.

Oh, you got Ethan.

I'm gonna have to go.

Mascot.

It is a mascot.

Rick just gave y' all a point.

I gotta watch his face.

I just seen that when he hesitates.

That's.

Oh, my.

Lance, I gotta play poker with this.

What did you say was the.

What was the city name?

Kannapolis.

Oh, I thought maybe you made that up, but nope.

Nope.

That's a real.

Yes.

That's funny.

Where is that.

Where's Canopolis?

I have no idea.

Yeah.

No idea.

I think it is in New England.

Yeah.

Goodness gracious.

North Carolina.

North Carolina.

Kannapolis.

With a K. Yeah.

North Carolina.

Is that where it is?

Okay.

Not this.

In that.

The Omaha Ocelots.

Ocelot.

I'm gonna say that's a make believe.

Make believe.

George is trying to read Rick's house.

He said tentative.

He's gonna do next episode.

Say make believe.

It is make believe.

You guys got it.

All right.

Rick's gonna play next time with sunglasses.

All right.

I think.

Let me see.

I think that's all of them.

I don't really have any more.

How many do I have?

Rick had a pretty clear win on that one.

Let me see.

Yeah, let me see if I have.

Rick had 14, George had 8, and I had 10.

Oh, we got to do two more.

That's pretty good.

Don't.

I was on the board, but no.

Flies on Rick when it comes to the minor leagues.

He's got his minor leagues down, buddy.

I know, but these.

A lot of people I knew that played.

Someday I'm gonna.

I'm gonna have a mental grasp.

Someday I'm gonna have some idea of how many people you know now.

They don't make a fumble.

Imagine a lot.

I. I don't know that.

I don't know if anybody who knows.

More people.

I love.

I love listening to what George.

I'm like, man.

George was like, man.

I could feel it.

I could feel myself being there.

And just.

I'm probably the water bottle.

Just sit there.

Listen.

At what point did the power chops come into play?

That's important.

Real quick.

That's important.

We need to know.

When did you grow the jobs?

Maybe in.

I was being belligerent.

Probably around 72.

Okay.

Because we.

We weren't allowed facial hair.

Okay.

So I decided to grow the sideburns.

And I follow Elvis Presley and.

And I want to be.

Oh, wanna be.

So I think probably 72.

Okay.

Now, did Griffith.

Did Griffey go with you or did he come after the deal?

Well, Griff, he was more known for the natural.

Okay.

Yeah, I see.

Yeah.

That saved his life when it was.

The hair, not the.

Yeah.

Wasn't the sideburns.

But some guys, you know, they try to.

Like what Yogi Bear said.

You try to imitate, but you can't.

You can't be like me.

You got to imitate if you want to immolate something.

And.

Yeah.

So I left off things like the.

The sea wolves.

Yeah.

You know, and the lug nuts and the.

The local.

They got.

They got the white.

White caps, mud hens, iron pigs and.

Yeah.

Especially if you're down south.

That's a great place to see the Memphis because you don't have a lot of RV down there, but you got a lot of minor leagues.

Yeah.

Because there's quite a few in Alabama and there's a couple of Mississippi.

Mississippi Myrtle Beach Penguins.

Yeah.

Oh, Pelicans.

I got the Pelicans.

Yeah.

Yeah, I did.

We did see them.

I got the, the pancakes confused with the biscuits.

Ah, yeah.

I was picturing.

I was picturing a cylinder with butter on top.

Montgomery Biscuits.

Yeah.

I was like, let's look at that.

Might be pancakes, but it was biscuits.

They were a good one.

But in the.

We're talking early about the mascots.

I didn't know that the pause.

It's called Paws, the name of the mascot.

That's Detroit.

Okay.

And so it's.

It's like.

It's number one.

Is rated number one, but I would think.

But the San Diego is no longer San Diego Chicken.

They.

They have a different name now, but the Philly fanatic has to be the number one.

Yeah, he's.

He's one of the probably most well known.

Yeah.

After the chicken.

He's probably one of the most.

Well, and the chicken isn't really a thing.

I think if you grew up in the 80s, everybody knew everyone.

Chicken was.

Yeah.

70S, 80s, not the same thing anymore.

But then.

Yeah.

With the.

Just.

I'm just thinking from right here, you know, you can easily see a lot of those teams that we mentioned.

The Chattanooga Lookouts.

Yeah.

State.

Yeah.

Well, I mean, nice state.

Just in Ohio.

Now it is.

But when I was roving, I was one of the worst.

Was it really?

Yeah, yeah.

I mean, just in Ohio, you have Dayton.

You have Dayton Dragons, Columbus Clippers, Toledo Mud Hens.

Akron Rubber Ducks.

Yes.

Probably forgetting one.

Well, and if you're down in this corner, then it's easy to get to the Lawrence.

Yeah.

Indianapolis, Louisville.

Yeah.

So.

So, you know, lots of those.

Lots of those fun things.

So hopefully you guys had a good time playing a little.

Playing along with us and doing.

Having a little fun talking.

That was fine.

Give a hand for Rick.

Rick Family one.

Yeah.

Bo.

All right, so hopefully you guys had a good time with us, and you'll be joining us again next week when we'll tackle some other great topic about baseball.

And until then, have a great time, and we'll see you next time on the Complete Game Podcast.

We hope you've enjoyed the Complete Game Podcast, the show that's all about baseball.

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Check us out at 2CreativeDigital.com on behalf of Ethan, Coach Rick and the Silver Slugger George Foster, I'm Greg Dungan saying have a great week and we'll see you real soon.