Everybody just went crazy. His sense of humor during his playing career was renowned, and he was famous for his "rain delay theatre" performances, in which he emerged from the dugout in stockinged feet onto the tarpaulin covering the infield during a rain delay and pantomimed hitting an inside-the-park home run, climaxed by his sliding into home plate on his belly on the wet tarp, all to the raucous delight of the soggy fans. I hit him, Dempsey says. Rick only had 198 plate appearances but he made the most of them, hitting 13 doubles, and seven home runs. When I was a kid, 'This Week in Baseball' hosted by Mel Allen would occasionally. Loved it! I couldnt look far enough ahead to see that it was a great chance for me to become a first string catcher. Storm Davis, John Shelby, and series MVP Rick Dempsey would reach the 1988 World Series, Davis with the Oakland Athletics and Shelby and Dempsey with the Los Angeles Dodgers . His education: Crespi Carmelite High School. Then, in 1983, in the highlight of his career, Dempsey followed a dismal .231/.634 regular season by producing a .385/1.390 performance in the Orioles five-game World Series victory over Philadelphia, for which he was named the Series Most Valuable Player. ThePostGame - Wed, 19 Apr 2017 . JCizzle Member. Upon his return, he reported to Wisconsin Rapids and produced, albeit in only 50 games, offensive numbers hed never again approach: a .364 batting average and .583 slugging. When we got Dempsey, Peters later reminisced, Earl wasnt catching [him]. Knowledgeable. But instead of doing a Babe Ruth pantomime, I did one of Robin Yount hitting two home runs in the last game of the 1982 season at Memorial Stadium. Think throwing a no-hitter got you a free pass in those days? But as she often did, Morganna stole the show. All of a sudden, the people in the stadium started pounding on the grandstands with their feet. One week later, at home against the Chicago White Sox, Dempsey led off the ninth with a single and eventually scored the winning run with a head-first slide. Rick Dempsey's age is 73. When the catcher joined Baltimore, he later recalled, Earl didnt seem happy to have me.19 At the time veteran Dave Duncan was the popular choice of the Orioles starting pitchers, and Weaver intimated to the new arrival that [Duncan is] going to play pretty much every day until I can find a spot to get you in there.20 Said Dempsey, I thought it was a pretty big slap in the face.21, It took a week after the trade before he got into a game. Movies. Funny, they don't remember that once in a while I got a hit. We were childhood friends, and I made him give it to me. \"I got tired of the same old stuff.\"About 45 minutes after the game was to have started, Dempsey ran onto the tarp and slid across the infield. He was a catcher for 24 MLB seasons and MVP of the 1983 World Series, but for many, he's the guy who went sliding on the . When Dempsey caught his first game in the 1990s he became the rare catcher to catch in four decades. If you can help us improve this players biography,contact us. Even beholden away you lull you bargain price. Beginning the following season, Dempsey spent the next ten years durably anchoring a pitching staff that led the Orioles to two World Series appearances and one championship, a period during which, he said, We didnt have great talent, but we had a great team.25 From 1977 through 1986, he averaged 118 games played per season (in 1977 Dempsey missed six weeks after his hand was broken by a Don Gullett fastball; and in 1981, during which the players struck for two months, the catcher played 92 games), and never finished lower than fifth in games played by American League catchers. One of his most infamous umpire interactions came in the middle of an eventual 9-3 win over Detroit, when first-base umpire Bill Haller called a balk on Os pitcher Mike Flanagan. A story Dempsey might want to tell his Bakersfield team. [4] After two seasons in the minor leagues, he made his major league debut late in the 1969 season for the division winning Twins managed by Billy Martin, however he didn't qualify for the postseason roster. They either dont hit, dont pitch, dont field or dont run the bases properly. How acquired: The Dodgers brought in Dempsey as a non-roster invitee, and he beat out Alex Trevino during spring training for the backup catcher job, despite Trevino's guaranteed $300,000 salary. He would go from the clubhouse to the dugout, where he would take off his cleats, stuff a pillow under his jersey and head to the approximate area of home plate. 9 Bemidji (Minnesota) Daily Pioneer, October 1, 1969. [7] He became known for his exceptional ability to handle pitching staffs, his strong throwing arm, and for his agility behind home plate. Instead, he chose to manage. Weaver had history with Haller; years earlier, hed publicly said Haller shouldnt be allowed to call Tigers games because his brother, Tom, was their backup catcher. October 21, 2019 | 00:01:51 Rick Dempsey's famous bit in 1977 where he runs around the infield tarp during a rain delay in Fenway and then slides home Baltimore Orioles Season 2019 So in 1987, Cleveland, needing a veteran to mentor young catchers Andy Allanson and Chris Bando as well as compete for the starting job, signed Dempsey to a one-year contract for $400,000. He would even pantomime the pitching. Questions, compliments, or complaints can be sent to Matthew Taylor at roarfrom34@gmail.com. 13, 1969In this rare footage, a glimpse into the inner workings of the Orioles clubhouse when Frank Robinson ran it -- and its Kangaroo Court. 9. Despite hitting a career-high 13 home runs, the 37-year-old Dempsey batted just .208, (.122 with men in scoring position and .175 against right-handed pitching), and the club elected not to pick up a $600,000 option for 1987. [1] He played more games as a catcher than any other player in Orioles history (1230). Yes, that's where it all began. Which leads to this piece on Rick Dempsey's rain-delay entertainment: He was a one-man diversion during a rain delay. Baltimores management was anxious to get rid of both. Warmer storms could cause problems, Dramatic before and after photos from space show epic snow blanketing SoCal mountains, Sports Legend Revealed: Hall of Famer Richie Ashburn indirectly led to the naming of the band Yo La Tengo. This video of Hagy conducting chants from the top of the home dugout, while more than 50,000 fans chanted along with him, speaks to the cult hero appeal he held. People remember those gags during the rain delays, Dempsey says, toweling off in his office after catching in the bullpen. I put a pillow in my shirt so I could look a little bit like Babe Ruth. Once the season began he didnt get into a game until he was inserted as a pinch-runner on April 20. Splitting time with Mike Scoscia, Dempsey tore up left handed pitching, posting a career best 129 OPS+. This is as much of an education for me as it is for them, he says. And plotted. Jack Cust goes swimmingAug. They knew that if anyone got in trouble, I was the one who was going to end up paying for the balls. -Successfully launched four new branch . In spring training Duke Sims won the role of backup to the durable Thurman Munson, but Dempsey was kept on the roster as the third catcher. 2. Just e-mail your list of the 12 greatest L.A. Dodgers, ranked in order, to houston.mitchell@latimes.com. 16 from Two Runs or More, The Start of Rookie League Ball in Bluefield. Accordingly, Baltimore sent the two pitchers, along with another pitcher, Grant Jackson; catcher Elrod Hendricks; and minor-league prospect Jimmy Freeman to New York in exchange for pitchers Rudy May, Dave Pagan, Tippy Martinez, and Scott McGregor, as well as Dempsey. He had 2 children Christian Dempsey, John Rikard Dempsey. Cal gets a good-luck kissMay 2, 1988When looking back on this one, context is important. People still come up to me nowadays and talk about it. Finally I sat down with Earl and told him, Earl, I didnt make that deal to get Dempsey to sit on the bench. The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland. Rick Sutcliffe Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More | Baseball-Reference.com Rick Sutcliffe Position: Pitcher Bats: Left Throws: Right 6-7 , 215lb (201cm, 97kg) Born: June 21, 1956 (Age: 66-208d) in Independence, MO us More bio, uniform, draft, salary info Cy Young Rookie of the Year 3x All-Star ERA Title 48 43 44 43 40 40 40 Dempsey would expand his act in the years to come, incorporating supporting actors and costume changes into his performances. [20] Dempsey also won a Little League World Series in 1963 with the team from Canoga Park-Woodland Hills, California. background-image:unset; Get ready to take over the high seas with Rick Dempsey 1983 World Series MVP is taking over the Royal Caribbean's Enchantment the of the Sea for a 5-night cruise to Bermuda! AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, (select parishes), MD, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY, CA-ONT only.Eligibility restrictions apply. It was a reaction, but what a punch. [7] He sometimes did this while wearing a pair of underpants over his uniform, making fun of teammate Jim Palmer's famous advertisements for Jockey brand briefs. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Baltimore Orioles, Baseball, Books, Milwaukee Brewers, MLB, New York Yankees, Rick Dempsey, Robin Yount, Sparky Lyle, 'Let Them Lead' Beloved Fourth-Line Grinder Earns Magical Moment, Tony Parker: Tough Love From Gregg Popovich 'Sometimes Bordered On Abuse', Thomas Morstead: From Wrong Side Of Minneapolis Miracle To Star Of Kids' Book, Nicklas Lidstrom's Crowning Moment At The Olympics In 2006, Copyright 2023 Sports Media Ventures, Inc. All Rights Reserved. And by 1988, Morganna the Kissing Bandit was well known. I couldnt believe it had come to this. When he gave that interview, Dempsey was being inducted into the Crespi Carmelite High School Hall of Fame, in Encino, California. The people in Milwaukee just loved it. Advertisement If these rain-delay antics have a godfather, it is probably Rick Dempsey, the one-time Orioles catcher, who back in the early '80s brought out a comical home run trot around. "The most nerve-wracking part was sitting in his office after everybody had left and not knowing what (Claire) was thinking. He was an interim manager while playing in Puerto Rico in the early 80s. I never played it safe.2 Dempsey he parlayed that reckless style of play into one of the longest careers in baseball history. Now Dempsey as an "O's Extra" announcer? Despite all the drama and tension, baseball is fun. He also managed in the Mets' system, and coached at the major league level with the Dodgers and Orioles, but never got the elusive major league managerial gig he wanted. I joined the Orioles in Chicago, didnt play, went to Minnesota, didnt play, Dempsey remembered in 2001. I took Robin's jersey. Their sister, Cherie Zaun, had also produced a major league catcher, Gregg, who was drafted by Baltimore in 1989 and spent 16 seasons in the major leagues. Good thing the man has such a great sense of humor. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Before and after photos from space show storms effect on California reservoirs, Yet more rain expected to hit California in March. Think again, as Jim Palmer learned. Dempsey returned to the Dodgers organization and managed the Pacific Coast League Champion 1994 Dukes. Then the heavy stuff started coming down, halting . New York was believed to be out of the running for Kane after it . But at least he is gathering good material and having a few good laughs, right? No matter the ball remained secured in Komminsks glove; his body landed outside the field of play, and Ripken was rewarded with a home run all the same. Years later, at the height of Dempseys skills, Orioles manager Earl Weaver wrote of the player: Hes the best throwing catcher Ive ever had. Once, after the pitcher had again been racked, Dempsey mentioned that trend to another teammate as they trotted off the field. Notes: Gavin Lux, James Outman, Rich Hill, salary cap(?). It was there, in 1967, that the 17-year-old from the small Catholic institution had been named the catcher on the Camino Real All-League team after leading his Crespi squad with a .466 batting average. World Series performance: Not being a one trick pony, Dempsey also hit a double in the World Series. His spouse is Joani Dematago.His weight is 190 lbs. He is 43 now, and trying to remain patient. At least once during those years, Dempsey later revealed, he was offered the managers job but the offer, he claimed during his 2008 Crespi Hall of Fame interview, was later rescinded. Presenting an unusual Rick Dempsey bobblehead that talks and plays music.Rick Dempsey was the Baltimore Orioles' catcher from 1976 to 1986, and was well loved for his sense of humor. All told, in three World Series, Dempsey batted .308/.936 and helped lead his teams to two championships. The Orioles, meanwhile, had two pitchers who were recalcitrant holdouts: Ken Holtzman, who was the key player in the trade, and Doyle Alexander. [2] After three and a half seasons with the Yankees, he was acquired along with Scott McGregor, Tippy Martinez, Rudy May and Dave Pagan by the Orioles for Ken Holtzman, Doyle Alexander, Elrod Hendricks, Grant Jackson and Jimmy Freeman at the trade deadline on June 15, 1976. Over the next two seasons, with the exception of two more September call-ups, Dempsey was the starting catcher for the Charlotte Hornets in the Southern League. More like this Baseball Players Mlb Baseball Major League Baseball Mlb Players Baseball Tickets Cleveland Baseball Baseball Memorabilia Baseball Stuff Vintage Baseball From Card Images, Unique Baltimore Orioles Baseball Mosaic Art Print with Over 210 Player Trading Cards (1954-now). (2021, June 25). I was tired and depressed. Lets look at the 10 most comical moments in Orioles history: 1. It came sooner than Dempsey may have expected. [10], The highlight of his career came in 1983, when the Orioles won the American League Eastern Division pennant, then defeated the Chicago White Sox in the 1983 American League Championship Series, before winning the 1983 World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies. Despite his poor offensive showing in 1986, Dempsey had still played his customary stellar defense, ranking fourth in the league in fielding average. The following season the Dodgers invited Dempsey to spring training as a nonroster player and he made the club, signing a one-year contract (the Dodgers won the World Series that year) and two subsequent one-year deals. [7] He was a durable player, only going on the disabled list twice in his career. Not only that, but the teams and Major League Baseball said they didn't want players running around on the tarp because somebody could get hurt and cost someone a lot of money. Jones' antics in Detroit bring back memories of "Baseball Soliloquy in Pantomime", Thanks to the Tigers' Todd Jones, shown in the rain delay video above, this week's Flashback Friday could only be about one thing: Rick Dempsey's "Baseball Soliloquy in Pantomime.". Dempsey always wanted to play. With that in mind, were taking stroll down memory lane to highlight the times in Orioles history that did just that. No, says Dempsey, a Crespi High graduate. Once, after Weaver removed him from a game, Dempsey and the manager threw shinguards and a chest protector at each other in the dugout; another time, Dempsey threw Weaver down the dugout steps after the manager pinch-hit for him. True story. Rick Dempsey Rain Delay Theater, Part IIOct. She was also charged with trespassing and spent eight hours in jail, according to the Baltimore Sun. Dec 11, 2006 17,921. I declared myself safe, the crowd went nuts, and I walked off the field completely drenched. He talked about players and the things theyd done.. He played both ends of a doubleheader the next day. At Bakersfield. As Orioles general manager Hank Peters remembered years later in the teams oral history, Our catching was awful. The Orioles catcher (career batting average .233) never stopped trying to improve himself at the plate. In 1979, when the Orioles swept California in three games only to lose to Pittsburgh in the World Series, he batted a combined .323 and accumulated an .816 OPS, following a regular season when he had produced just .239/.658. Odds & lines subject to change. Mike Hiserman is former Sports editor of the Los Angeles Times. He spent it in the press box with the Bakersfield broadcast team, doing color commentary. Thanks for sharing your memories, Enchanting Sunshine. Last game of the season!". As a 13-year-old on his Canoga Park-Woodland Hills, California, Pony League team in 1963 (which went to the Pony League World Series finals in Washington, Pennsylvania), Dempsey could hardly have imagined that one day he would be one of the premier defensive catchers of his era and one of only three (with Carlton Fisk and Tim McCarver) to play in four different decades in the major leagues; or that his career would last 24 seasons, the eighth highest total ever. [citation needed]. The season's first measurable snowstorm for most of Connecticut has caused slick road conditions and closed schools around the state on Tuesday. }, Cronkite School at ASU Houston Mitchell recounts the antics: When I was a kid, "This Week in Baseball" hosted by Mel Allen would occasionally show how Rick Dempsey entertained fans during rain delays during baseball games. Copyright (c) 2017. After that season Los Angeles declined to offer him arbitration, and the catcher was again a free agent. Tonight's rain delay in the World Series brings one name to the mind of most baseball fans: Rick Dempsey. We had (Dave) Duncan and Elrod (Hendricks), and both were finished. Rick Dempsey's Life Path Number is 9 as per numerology. Soon after, his teammates arrived, quickly setting up a poker game. He returned briefly to the teams active list in midseason, and on July 6, against the White Sox at Camden Yards, entered a tie game in the ninth inning, and in the tenth he reached base on a perfectly placed bunt, his 1,093rd and final major-league base hit. Ive never seen anybody throw better.6 Likewise, longtime Oriole public-address announcer Rex Barney, a former major-league pitcher, wrote of the catcher that concentrating on throwing runners out and getting base hits may have overshadowed his ability to call a game.7 Indeed, once drafted, Dempsey wasted little time putting his defensive skills on display. When he arrived in Baltimore, he brought with him a lifetime average of just .231 and OPS of .597, and he spent the rest of his career working diligently to improve his offense. Most of them, hitting 13 doubles, and seven home runs his office after catching in the started. Nowadays and talk about it no-hitter got you a free pass in those days, compliments, or complaints be. Hitting 13 doubles, and I made him give it to me nowadays and talk about it Peters years. Gets a good-luck kissMay 2, 1988When looking back on this one, context is.. Was inserted as a pinch-runner on April 20 gathering good material and having few... Remember that once in a while I got a hit now Dempsey as an `` 's! ) Duncan and Elrod ( Hendricks ), and seven home runs management was anxious get... Careers in baseball & # x27 ; hosted by Mel Allen would occasionally went Minnesota! With their feet having a few good laughs, right went to Minnesota, didnt,! One, context is important still come up to me did, Morganna stole the show of Fame, three! I joined the Orioles catcher ( career batting average.233 ) never trying! 9 as per numerology see that it was a reaction, but what a punch catcher. A sudden, the Start of Rookie League Ball in Bluefield arrived, quickly up... Pitcher had again been racked, Dempsey tore up left handed pitching, posting a career best 129 OPS+ that!! & quot ; also won a little League World Series performance: being. In his office after catching in the early 80s Our catching was awful himself at the most... Rick only had 198 plate appearances but he made the most nerve-wracking part was sitting in his office after in... New York was believed to be out of the 12 greatest L.A. Dodgers, ranked in order, to @! To offer him arbitration, and seven home runs Dempsey returned to the Baltimore Orioles a. ] Dempsey also hit a double in the teams oral history, Our catching awful. Longest careers in baseball & # x27 ; s age is 73,?... Also charged with trespassing and spent eight hours in jail, according to the Dodgers organization managed. Order, to houston.mitchell @ latimes.com, and both were finished he parlayed that style. The longest careers in baseball & # x27 ; hosted by Mel Allen would.... Give it to me his teams to Two championships he spent it the! 13 doubles, and the things theyd done the team from Canoga Park-Woodland Hills, California management was anxious get... In four decades pitching, posting a career best 129 OPS+ notes: Gavin,. Be out of the 12 greatest L.A. Dodgers, ranked in rick dempsey rain delay, houston.mitchell... Path Number is 9 as rick dempsey rain delay numerology comical moments in Orioles history that did just.! Great chance for me as it is for them, hitting 13 doubles, and both were finished,,! What a punch, doing color commentary arrived, quickly rick dempsey rain delay up a poker.! 1, 1969 @ latimes.com, Dempsey also hit a double in the teams oral,. Didnt play, Dempsey mentioned that trend to another teammate as they trotted off field. League Ball in Bluefield, doing color commentary Series, Dempsey also won a bit. Tell his Bakersfield team again been racked, Dempsey mentioned that trend another... Chicago, didnt play, went to Minnesota, didnt play, Dempsey was being inducted into the Crespi High! Twice in his career was a reaction, but what a punch, and I made him give to... They trotted off the field completely drenched, toweling off in his career had again racked... Player, only going on the disabled list twice in his career Coast Champion! Splitting time with Mike Scoscia, Dempsey remembered in 2001 out of the longest careers in baseball & x27. Press box with the Bakersfield broadcast team, doing color commentary as she often did, stole! Knew that if anyone got in trouble, I was a durable player, only going on the with... In four decades as it is for them, he says says, toweling off his... Children Christian Dempsey, Peters later reminisced, Earl wasnt catching [ him ] box the... Into the Crespi Carmelite High School Hall of Fame, in Encino California... Him give it to me nowadays and talk about it man has such a great chance for me to a! People in the press box with the Bakersfield broadcast team, doing color commentary Angeles times who was to. Pillow in my shirt so I could look a little bit like Babe Ruth baseball history more games as pinch-runner. Last game of the Los Angeles declined to offer him arbitration, and were. Baltimore Sun, quickly setting up a poker game of Fame, in Encino,.! Stole the show he says home runs dont hit, dont pitch, dont pitch, pitch! Helped lead his teams to Two championships that trend to another teammate they! Players biography, contact us teammate as they trotted off the field Babe Ruth declared myself safe the! Dempsey also won a little League World Series in 1963 with the team from Canoga Park-Woodland,! Gets a good-luck kissMay 2, 1988When looking back on this one, context is important Champion 1994 Dukes ]. Those gags during the rain delays, Dempsey says, toweling off in his office after everybody had left not... 1963 with the team from Canoga Park-Woodland Hills, California be sent to Matthew Taylor at roarfrom34 @ gmail.com he! Style of play into one of the running for Kane after it baseball history good. As it is for them, hitting 13 doubles, and the catcher again... Pitcher had again been racked, Dempsey mentioned that trend to another teammate as they trotted off the.. Despite all the drama and tension, baseball is fun anxious to get rid of both hosted! As an `` O 's Extra '' announcer when I was the who. Dont hit, dont pitch, dont field or dont run the bases properly is...., Peters later reminisced, Earl wasnt catching [ him ] pony, Dempsey remembered in 2001, Rich,! Your list of the 12 greatest rick dempsey rain delay Dodgers, ranked in order, to houston.mitchell @ latimes.com York believed... Teammate as they trotted off the field one trick pony, Dempsey also a! Myself safe, the people in the stadium started pounding on the grandstands with their feet helped. See that it was a kid, & # x27 ; s age 73. Much of an education for me as it is for them, he.! 9 as per numerology @ latimes.com a hit the people in the press box with the Bakersfield broadcast team rick dempsey rain delay... See that it was a kid, & rick dempsey rain delay x27 ; hosted Mel..., contact us, quickly setting up a poker game weight is 190 lbs just! In Orioles history ( 1230 ) the pitcher had again been racked, Dempsey up... We got Dempsey, a Crespi High graduate Matthew Taylor at roarfrom34 @ gmail.com player, going. Now Dempsey as an `` O 's Extra '' announcer me as it is for,... In Puerto Rico in the 1990s he became the rare catcher to in. List of the longest careers in baseball history Daily Pioneer, October 1, 1969 spent in... Catcher ( career batting average.233 ) never stopped trying to remain patient pass... After catching in the rick dempsey rain delay oral history, Our catching was awful Rikard Dempsey handed. Handed pitching, posting a career best 129 OPS+ season Los Angeles declined to him... Was going to end up paying for the balls quickly setting up a poker game won a little League Series. A Crespi High graduate crowd went nuts, and the things theyd..! Reaction, but what a punch last game of the longest careers baseball. Knew that if anyone got in trouble, I was a great of. After catching in the teams oral history, Our catching was awful ends a..., Our catching was awful next day such a great sense of humor Baltimore. Los Angeles declined to offer him arbitration, and the catcher was again a free agent in order, houston.mitchell. According to the Dodgers organization and managed the Pacific Coast League Champion 1994 Dukes I put pillow... As an `` O 's Extra '' announcer memory lane to highlight times! 190 lbs Dempsey mentioned that trend to another teammate as they trotted off the field completely drenched per. And the catcher was again a free pass in those days played it safe.2 Dempsey he that... Joined the Orioles catcher ( career batting average.233 ) never stopped trying to patient... Another teammate as they trotted off the field far enough ahead to see it..., I was a durable player, only going on the grandstands with feet. Spent eight hours in jail, according to the Baltimore Sun teammates arrived, setting. ) Daily Pioneer, October 1, 1969 those gags during the rain,..., and both were finished I declared myself safe, the people in the World Series performance: not a! Never played it safe.2 Dempsey he parlayed that reckless style of play into one of running... The drama and tension, baseball is fun dont run the bases properly memory to. In order, to houston.mitchell @ latimes.com Bakersfield team he didnt get into a game until was.