Just one of the best of baseball’s past.

I found a tidbit on him when I was checking sites for this day in history, which I do on occasion for writing prompts. He is one of my all-time favorites and I still enjoy his unique “turn of a phrase” as a color commentator for the Red Sox TV broadcasts.

On this day in 1990, he won his 40th game of the season. It’s no surprise seeing he’s considered one of the most dominant relief pitchers of all time. He ended his career in Boston, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004, the first year eligible, and he was the proto-type for Reid “Crackerjack” Jackson in Thrown for a Curve. 

There’s always a proto-type, a picture, an essence that a writer uses for character development. With sports series being popular right now, I’ve been watching my favorite team as often as I can, ideas germinating for several more books as a follow-up to TFAC.  There’ll be a story about the catcher for sure. There’s a pitcher who’s become one of  my favorites and he’s considered one of the best out there. He’s presently on the disabled list and that is a built-in conflict. There’s the left fielder, who reminds a lot of people of Ted Williams. He’s young and talented and seems a natural. There’s also one of our players who I’ve been down on. I thought he should have been traded by now but as he continues to come up with game winning hits, and amazing plays, I’ve decided to slip him into the line-up.

Izabella, the female lead in TFAC, has a brother who’s a professional player and he’ll soon be traded to the Greenliners as short stop. His storyline has been in my head since introducing him and I can’t wait to sit down and get it on paper. I’m leaning towards Behind in the Count as the title because Enrique is in danger of striking out with the woman who has rattled his brain.