Summing Up His Career, You Can Take It to Blank
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Eddie Murray, 41, has been released by the Angels, after an outstanding 21-year career in the major leagues. This newspaper has managed to get an exclusive Q and A with the elusive Eddie.
Eddie, thanks for the memories.
Question: You were born right here in Los Angeles in February 1956. Eddie, did you always think that you would grow up to be a baseball player?
Answer:
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Q. Who gave you your start?
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Q. Eddie, you have 3,253 hits, 504 home runs, 11,329 at-bats . . . quite a career, wouldn’t you agree?
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Q. What will you do next?
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Q. Seriously?
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Q. Eddie, often when a person comes up to speak with you, you treat that person like dirt. Why?
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Q. I once saw you walk right past dozens of fans in Vero Beach, Fla., all of whom waited behind a rope for autographs, as they called out, “Mr. Murray? Please, over here, Mr. Murray!” You kept walking and said, “Not today.” Why was that, Ed? A little tired after practice?
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Q. You hit .219 this year, but wouldn’t quit. Any reason?
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Q. Do the Angels have a chance to win the pennant without you?
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Q. An even better chance? How come?
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Q. “Young kids like Rickey Henderson.” You really think so?
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Q. Eddie, you played in three World Series . . . two with Baltimore, one with Cleveland. Why did you bat only .169?
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Q. Gee whiz, 11 hits in 18 World Series games? Not very many, eh, Ed?
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Q. But wow, 19 grand slams! What advice would you give to younger players on how to accomplish that?
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Q. “Bat a lot with the bases loaded?” What do you mean, Eddie?
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Q. By the way, why did a wonderful team player like you change teams so frequently?
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Q. If a team held a ceremony to retire your number, would you show up?
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Q. Ed, you switch-hit home runs in a single game 11 times. Do you remember every one of them?
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Q. Do you remember any one of them?
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Q. Do you remember being a switch-hitter?
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Q. If you could be any tree, which tree would you be?
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Q. Eddie, when you are voted into the Hall of Fame, do you think it will be unanimously?
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Q. Oh, come on. I don’t think the voters would do a thing like that, do you?
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Q. Steve Carlton got in, didn’t he?
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Q. You and Pete Rose are the only switch-hitters to get 3,000 hits. What’s the secret of being a good switch-hitter?
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Q. “Bat left-handed and right-handed?” What do you mean, Eddie?
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Q. Why did you let ESPN interview you? Did you see the questions in advance?
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Q. I know it’s impossible for you to thank every fan who supported you individually. Would you like to say a word to all your fans here, Eddie?
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Q. Cat got your tongue?
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Q. Well, you were one of the greatest baseball players of my generation, Eddie. If you ever need anything, please, just call. I won’t answer, but just call, OK?
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EDDIE MURRAY, ON WHY HE CHANGED TEAMS SO OFTEN: “ “
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