Charter Member Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA)
I was stunned to learn the news that Jim Price, former Detroit Tigers catcher and World Series champion had passed away on at the age of 81. Some 29 years ago this month, I was given the opportunity to play baseball at historic Tiger Stadium on the corner of Michigan and Trumbull, where Jim orchestrated the first-ever Field of Dreams at the ol’ ballpark. I not only rubbed elbows with Tigers greats such as Willie Horton, Jim Northrup, and Jim Price, but had lunch with Radio Hall of Fame member and Tigers’ longtime announcer, Ernie Harwell. But, the biggest thrill of all was getting the nod as starting pitcher.
L-R Jim Price, me and our starting catcher meet before the first pitch
Imagine that! With 46 wild-eyed wannabees from across the nation checked in for the event – more than enough for two teams – my dream was to play outfield. In fact, during the Tigers phenomenal season and World Series triumph in 1984, I attended many games and often day-dreamed of playing just one inning in that lush, green manicured outfield. The thrill of a lifetime was upon me, however, and easily surpassed any dreams I had had.
At the age of 44 years, I had not pitched or even played hardball since I was a teen in an Oak Park city league. When Jim began counting hands of those wishing to play outfield, so many hands went up, I instantly realized that my time afield would be quite limited, if I joined them. Lots of hands went up for infield positions, as well. One player volunteered to be catcher and all that was left was to come up with three pitchers. With only two volunteers for the mound, I had run out of options and my hand went up. I was there to play and play I did.
Jim took everyone on a tour of the training room and a view into manager Sparky Anderson’s office, when a weather forecast had us dreamers onto the field under threat of rain. I had already warmed up with a teammate and headed to the mound with Willie Horton, our team’s coach, when Willie positioned himself behind the plate to catch my warm-up tosses, while the catcher got geared up. Jim came to the mound and I had to ask, “Am I supposed to let them hit it?” He barked back with an emphatic “No!”
I still possessed that speedball from my past but it was all over the place during warm-ups and the thought crossed my mind that I was going to hurt someone with a wild pitch. However, when the game began, my focus became sharp and in the two-inning stint, I had walked nobody, struck out three on the way to a one-hit shutout of Northrup’s team.
Then it happened. Our only volunteer for the catcher’s role – a big man who hadn’t played in 18 years – pulled a hamstring muscle running to first base; his dream was dashed and he was done for the weekend. As mentioned, I was there to play, and since not a single other teammate would volunteer for the catcher’s job, I grabbed it in a heartbeat; I played catcher as a teen, so it was a good fit.
Little did I know that I would reside behind the plate for the next 7 innings and for another 18 innings during the following day’s double header. Of the 46 players, I was the only one who played every minute of each game.
When Jim organized a practice session before the second day’s competition, he pitched batting practice but first made a peculiar format announcement: Catchers bat first and take as many swings as they want; all others got 5 swings. He finally had to chase me from the batters’ box, or I’d still be swinging away. Since each of our 23 players would be in the batting order during games, I made only 6 plate appearances going 3 for 5 plus a walk in the 3 games played. I had lived my dream, while gaining MVP honors from Willie Horton and teammates! It didn’t hurt to win all three games, either, under Willie’s winning attitude.
We talked baseball on the dugout steps throughout the weekend. (And, oh the stories!)
Willie Horton, Jim Price, Jim Northrup and even Ernie Harwell signed a baseball, a bat, and a hat for me and I cherish the memories of my dream weekend at the famed ballpark, whenever I look at the one-off gems.
Jim Price will always hold a special place in my heart, as I’m sure so many other dreamers feel, as well.
I’ve uploaded four videos, here, here, here and here of the Field of Dreams experience on my YouTube channel. Go ahead and turn up the volume.
