Instead of avoiding it, as the manager of the Rockford Peaches urged, Astros minor leaguers will be dealing with the Clapp this season.
I’m talking about Stubby Clapp, of course, who is the new hitting coach for Houston’s rookie league team in Greeneville, Tenn.
You remember Stubby, don’t you? He captured the heart of Cardinal Nation with his Hustle, Grit and Scrappiness. He was Bo Hart before Bo Hart was Bo Hart.
Baseball Prospectus has complex formulae such as Speed and Stuff; certainly they can come up with one called Scrap.
March 31, 2007 at 6:13 am
I went to high school with this guy. He could really play ball, but he has never ben given a long term shot to prove his worth. His small size doesn’t lend a hand either. Too bad really.
March 31, 2007 at 9:45 am
Overseer, I know all too well what being 5-foot-8 can do to your chances at athletic stardom. Thanks for commenting.
April 3, 2007 at 9:56 am
I watched Stubby play his college ball at Texas Tech and he’s always been a gamer. As an Astros fan, glad to see him start his coaching career. If he approaches it with the same fire and determination that marked his playing stint, I’m sure that brass will appreciate him the same way that Tech and Cardinals fans have all these years.
April 12, 2007 at 11:46 am
I saw him play some minor league ball in Arkansas. He was a big hit down here.