RIP Gene Mauch

vtbub · 08-08-2005, 10:01 PM

If there was anybody in baseball who deserved to have more than the brass ring, it was Gene Mauch. Mauch passed away ttoday at the age of 79. Most of you old enough will remember him for his teams meltdowns. The Phillies in 1964, surrendering a ten game lead with two weeks to go. For those of us in our 30's, he was the guy who was one strike away from redemption in 1986 when the Angels had Boston dead to rights on a beautiful autumn afternoon in Anaheim and, well you know the rest.

Mauch had an obvious knowledge of the game. While never reaching the pinnacle of a World Series, he did have success wherever he went. While with an overall losing record, he holds the highest win total of anyone not in the hall of fame. He had six consecutive winning seasons in Philly, made the expansion Expos a respectable team, got great mileage out of a mediocre Twins team in the late 70's and brought the Angels into two ALCS.

Hopefully the starcrossed legacy will turn into enshrinement someday. By all accounts, he was a gentleman, and in later life a big angels fan.

Lets hope he and Gene Autry are telling tales of 2002.

Fouts · 08-08-2005, 10:08 PM

I remember him leading the Angels to the playoffs in 82. Reggie, Rod Carew, Fred Lynn. One of my favorite teams of the 80's.

Ksyrup · 08-08-2005, 10:34 PM

The '64 Phillies surrendered a 6.5-game lead with 12 games left by going on a 10-game losing streak. Even they wouldn't have blown a 10-game lead with 2 weeks left.

Ksyrup · 08-08-2005, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fouts

I remember him leading the Angels to the playoffs in 82. Reggie, Rod Carew, Fred Lynn. One of my favorite teams of the 80's.

The 1982 season was one of my favorite years of all-time, probably because it was the first season I ever played with Strat-O-Matic and I pretty much memorized every player and their stats. Ironically, as it relates to Mauch, the Phillies also blew a division title in the final week of the season in 1982 to the Cardinals, just like they did in 1964. That was Steve Carlton's last great season.

vtbub · 08-08-2005, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

The '64 Phillies surrendered a 6.5-game lead with 12 games left by going on a 10-game losing streak. Even they wouldn't have blown a 10-game lead with 2 weeks left.

Thanks for the correction, I'll post it tomorrow.

Fouts · 08-08-2005, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

The 1982 season was one of my favorite years of all-time, probably because it was the first season I ever played with Strat-O-Matic and I pretty much memorized every player and their stats. Ironically, as it relates to Mauch, the Phillies also blew a division title in the final week of the season in 1982 to the Cardinals, just like they did in 1964. That was Steve Carlton's last great season.

Strange that you say that, because 1982 was the first season I started playing APBA baseball (similar to strat). Me and 3 buddies combined two teams and went at it. Was tons of fun during summer vacation. Robin Yount was my favorite card of the set.

Lathum · 08-09-2005, 12:22 AM

a great ambasotor of the game. RIP

Ksyrup · 08-09-2005, 06:49 AM

No offense meant, but...ambassador

korme · 08-09-2005, 02:04 PM

08-08-2005, 10:34 PM	#3
Ksyrup This guy has posted so much, his fingers are about to fall off. Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: In Absentia	The '64 Phillies surrendered a 6.5-game lead with 12 games left by going on a 10-game losing streak. Even they wouldn't have blown a 10-game lead with 2 weeks left. __________________ M's pitcher Miguel Batista: "Now, I feel like I've had everything. I've talked pitching with Sandy Koufax, had Kenny G play for me. Maybe if I could have an interview with God, then I'd be served. I'd be complete."

08-09-2005, 06:49 AM	#8
Ksyrup This guy has posted so much, his fingers are about to fall off. Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: In Absentia	No offense meant, but...ambassador __________________ M's pitcher Miguel Batista: "Now, I feel like I've had everything. I've talked pitching with Sandy Koufax, had Kenny G play for me. Maybe if I could have an interview with God, then I'd be served. I'd be complete."

08-08-2005, 10:08 PM	#2
Fouts College Starter Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: California	I remember him leading the Angels to the playoffs in 82. Reggie, Rod Carew, Fred Lynn. One of my favorite teams of the 80's.

08-09-2005, 12:22 AM	#7
Lathum Favored Bitch #1 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: homeless in NJ	a great ambasotor of the game. RIP

08-09-2005, 02:04 PM	#9
korme Go Reds Join Date: May 2001 Location: Bloodbuzz Ohio	RIP

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)