Big-league managers hang together. They are a small society, 26 members, and in first place or last, they have common problems.
Most fans would be surprised to know that when a manager is in the dumps, he will get a long-distance call from a rival manager who will try to cheer him up with words of encouragement.
”I know what it`s like, we all know what it`s like to be in the dumps,” explained Jim Leyland, Pittsburgh`s dugout wizard. ”Managers get very lonesome, especially when their club isn`t winning.”
Leyland went on to say that within the last 48 hours he had put through a long-distance call to one of his managerial colleagues and told him, in effect, to hang in, better days are ahead.
”But I`m not going to tell you who I called, that`s private,” Leyland said at a crowded press conference Monday, three hours before his Pirates opened a big three-game series against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.
This is mentioned because prior to his midafternoon press conference, Leyland had a special visitor. Gene Lamont, the rookie White Sox skipper, had stopped in to cut up old touches. For the previous six seasons, Lamont had been Leyland`s third-base coach.
Lamont`s White Sox are strugglng, with only three wins in their last 14 games. They`re in fourth place in the American League West, 12 1/2 games out of the lead.
An inquiring reporter wanted to know if Lamont had asked for advice, how he could shake the Sox out of their lethargy.
”We didn`t even talk about the White Sox,” Leyland said. ”I`m not going to get into any discussion about what`s wrong with his club. He wasn`t looking for advice. And even if was, what am I going to tell him? `Gene, what you need are more home runs from your outfield.` ”
Leyland paused.
”He knows that better than I do. We`re best friends. He would have stopped in if the White Sox were 15 games in front. We talk three or four times a week.”
And like any good friend, Leyland put in a plug for his buddy.
”He`s a terrific man, a terrific manager,” Leyland said.
And Leyland, of course, understands the peril.
”The expectations were too high,” Leyland said. ”And it`s always tougher on a new manager. I lost 98 games in my first year.”
Leyland has since risen in the ranks. He is now generally regarded as one of baseball`s best managers, if not the best. His Pirates have won the National League East the last two seasons. When slugger Bobby Bonilla jumped to the Mets, the consensus of the experts was that the Pirates would be unable to win a third successive title.
Yet, they have rallied around the pennant flag. They have held first place continuously except for eight days-from May 24 through June 1. On the morning of June 24, they were breezing at seven games ahead. But hard times have arrived. Their lead has since been sliced to two games. Counting Monday`s loss, they have lost seven of their last 10.
”We`re not a great team,” Leyland said, ”not as good as last year, but I like my team. I`m not going to desert my team whether they finish third or fifth.”
A reporter asked what was the key for the two months ahead.
”There is no key,” Leyland replied. ”You go out and execute and play as good as you can. You hope you can keep a six-game lead, but it`s like
(Notre Dame football coach) Lou Holtz said, `The other teams give scholarships, too.` ”
Leyland was asked if managing a big-league club is tougher than seven years ago when he signed as the Pittsburgh skipper.
”The media has made it tougher,” Leyland observed. ”No one asks about the game. `Why didn`t you bunt? Why did you stay so long with your starting pitcher?` Most of the talk today has nothing to do with the game. They want to know `Are you going to re-sign Barry Bonds? Are you going to re-sign Doug Drabek? Will the franchise survive?` ”
According to published reports, the Pirates are for sale. As for Bonds and Drabek, they can become free agents after this season. Because Pittsburgh is a small market franchise, chances are, like Bonilla, they may take the high bid.
”I want Barry Bonds to play for Pittsburgh,” Leyland said. ”I want Doug Drabek to play for Pittsburgh. But I can`t sit and worry about it. It`s out of my control.
”I`ve publicly said many times Barry Bonds is the best all-around player in baseball. And Drabek is one of the very best pitchers. I have no complaint. Bonds plays hard; Drabek pitches hard. I`ve told them `At the end of the season, whatever`s best for you, go for it.` ”
First or last, Leyland enjoys the work.
”I love managing. I like the players and I like the competition. I`ve probably managed 800 or 900 players (Leyland managed eight seasons in the minors) and I`ve only had about 10 players I didn`t like. That`s not a bad percentage, is it?”
It was time for Leyland to join his team. The moment he stepped on the field, he was surrounded by old friends who have known him since the days when he was coaching third base for the White Sox, and beyond.
Within minutes, Leyland was in the first row of the box seats sitting next to Nick Kamzic, the Chicago native who for many years has been the California Angels` No. 1 scout.
As they shook hands, Kamzic saw me approaching and said, ”As long as I`ve known this guy he`s been in first place, even when he was managing in Evansville.”
