Please listen to the great Al Rosen on the "External Value of Scouting"
He was my mentor and I value his approach to the game.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCs3R-CU8As
Bob
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May his memory be for a blessing.
I had the pleasure of meeting Al Rosen several times. He was extremely warm and personable. Most of all he was a true gentleman.
An interesting fact about Al Rosen's playing career is that had he not grounded out on a close play in his last AB of the 1953 season, he would have won the Triple Crown. Instead, he lost the batting championship to Mickey Vernon by one point, .337 to .336. Rosen led the AL in Hrs with 43 and RBI with 145, in one of the greatest seasons a third baseman has ever had.
Batty, Laura,Three Bagger;
Al Rosen broke his nose 5 times playing 3b. He played deep at 3b and charged in on each pitch. The ML fields were not in the condition as today and he had a few "wicked" hops.
I copied this style of play.
Of course, you know he was also an amateur boxer.
Bob
Bob,
Rosen also held the AL record for HRs by a rookie when he hit 37 in 1950. Mark McGwire broke the record with 49 in 1987.
After his tremendous season in 1953, he started 1954 on fire again and after 38 games was leading the league in HRs with13, RBI with 49, and second in batting at .367.
He then hurt his back, missed several weeks and was never the same hitter again. He retired after two more seasons at age 32. A largely unknown star to most people today.