Dallas Green

Recently a gunman opened fire at a super market in Tuscon,
Arizona. Nineteen people were hit, six died. Among them was nine year old
Christina-Taylor Green. Grand daughter of former Philadelphia Phillies
manager Dallas Green.
This is not an article about the tragedy or the
gunman or even little Christina. It's about the Dallas Green I
remember.
In 1974, I had the priviledge of signing with the Phillies. In
1975, I got to spend spring training in the Phillies minor league camp at
Clearwater, Florida. That's where I met Dallas Green.
George Dallas Green pitched in the Major Leagues for eight seasons. From
1960 through 1967. The right hander played for the Phillies, the Washington
Senators and the New York Mets. But I remember him as a Phillie.
After
his playing career, Green became assistant Farm Director for the Phillies
from 1970 until 1972. He was director of player developement in 1973 and
1974 and Scouting Director from 1975 through 1979.
We all know that in
1979 Dallas became the manager of the Phillies and led them to their first
World Championship in 1980.
From 1982 through 1987 he was the
General Manager of the Chicago Cubs. He managed the New York Yankees
in 1989 and the New York Mets from 1993 through 1996.
But as I said.
He's always been a Phillie in my heart.
I remember the first time I saw
Dallas Green that spring of 1975. He was, and is, a big man with a booming
voice. He had a reputation as a savvy baseball man who wanted things done
his way. I had heard that he was a gruff and tough SOB and to tell you the
truth, I was a little scared of him, at first.
One day after our workout, I
was walking through the crowded minor league locker room. Now, I was
eighteen years old and I have to admit, maybe just a tad home sick. I looked
up and saw Mr. Green coming toward me. I decided to say hello, even
though I doubted he knew who I was or much about me.
Before I could say a word, he walked right
up to me with a big smile on his face and said, "Hi Steve, how's it
going?"
I was somewhat shocked. I told him it was going good and he
told me to, "keep swinging". Then he slapped me on the shoulder and walked
away. Wow, Dallas Green knew my name!
You hear from time to time
about how baseball clubs are like family. I suppose some are and some
aren't. But back in 1975, Dallas Geen and the Phillies treated us like family.
They went out of their way to make sure we had the best of everything. The
best equipment, uniforms, accommodations and even pay.
I recall talking
to players from other organizations who were jealous of us because the
Phillies treated us so good. And Dallas Green was a huge part of that.
My minor league career came to an end after that 1975 season, but I'll
always remember that day when Mr. Green took a few seconds to make my
day.
My heart is grieved over the loss the Green family has suffered. I
have an eight year old grandson and I can't imagine the pain they must be
going through.
Of course our thoughts and prayers are with them but it
doesn't seem like that's enough.
I don't "know" Dallas Green, but I can
tell you this. He sure knows baseball and he's a good man. Thanks Mr. Green
for that day back in 1975.
Steve Ramer
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