Not that you needed it, but here is yet another reason to like Dennis Eckersley, the Alameda product who did his best work in the employ of the Oakland A’s.
But first, some background.
Eckersley came to the major leagues in 1975, a cocky 20-year-old phenom, dripping with talent, with the world on the end of a string. Even at that, it took an impassioned plea from the Cleveland Indians manager to secure Eck’s spot on the roster.
The manager’s name? Frank Robinson.
“Every time I used him in spring training, he got people out,” Robinson said.