Montreal manager Frank Robinson stood at No. 4 on the all-time home run list for 26 years, trailing only Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth and Willie Mays.
But Robinson finally was overtaken this week when San Francisco’s Barry Bonds hit his 587th career homer.
“I’m just happy I was there as long as I was,” Robinson said. “I’d have loved to have been there the rest of my life, but it just was not to be. I congratulate Barry on his 587th and I’m sure he’s going to hit a lot more before he’s through.”
Some think the era of Robinson, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron and Ernie Banks produced the greatest class of sluggers in the game’s history, even when compared to today’s era with Bonds, Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa and Ken Griffey Jr.
“When things are achieved in certain eras, you compare players in those eras,” Robinson said. “But don’t try to compare era vs. era. Things are different in different eras. Players are different. Pitching is different. Ballparks are different. I don’t think it’s fair to either one to try and compare players from different eras.”
Robinson said he doesn’t know what he’ll do next year after Montreal is contracted or moved, but he said he definitely doesn’t want to manage again. How about becoming commissioner?
“I’d rather manage than be commissioner,” he said.
Lofton milestone: Kenny Lofton stole the 500th base of his career in the sixth inning Friday, becoming the 35th player to reach that plateau.
Lofton received a standing ovation from the crowd of 22,481 and the game was halted so he could keep second base. Lofton is third among active players in steals, trailing only Rickey Henderson (1,400) and Tim Raines (808).
North vs. South: Interleague play already has grown somewhat stale in its sixth season, with the exception of obvious matchups like the White Sox vs. the Cubs.
To add some new life into the Crosstown Classic, one idea being floated for next year is a day-night doubleheader, with a day game in Wrigley Field followed by a night game in Comiskey Park. Fans could take the Red Line “L” to both parks, and it could create a huge buzz in the city.
Because of a rainout, the Mets and Yankees once staged a day-night doubleheader at Shea Stadium and Yankee Stadium, and it was a big success. Would it work in Chicago?
“I don’t think so,” Frank Thomas said. “I don’t think those fans in New York hate each other as much as White Sox and Cubs fans.”
Father knows best: Anthony Manuel, son of the Sox manager, said he was surprised the Sox chose him in the 48th round of the amateur draft.
He expects to return to Kishwaukee Community College in Malta and re-enter the draft next year, even if another team takes him.
“In my heart I want to go now, but you have to think about what’s best, what’s going to put you in a better position when you do get there,” he said. “My dad told me I need another year. Physically it’s not really a big deal, but mentally, learning the strike zone and things like that. . . . I have to come out and represent the Manuel name. I can’t just come out and be out. It’s probably a better thing. I don’t mind going to school another year.”
Anthony is concentrating on shortstop over second base and is getting some expert tutelage from Royce Clayton.
“Royce is teaching me about reading balls off the bat,” he said. “I’ve already put that into play a couple times in summer games, and it helps me a lot. Hopefully I’ll swing a little better.”
How much is he asking the Sox for?
“A couple million,” he said, laughing.
