My guest in this episode is 70-year-old John Yandle who, rather remarkably, has been throwing batting practice to the San Francisco Giants for 41 years.
Yes, you read that correctly, a septuagenarian has been a left-handed BP specialist for a Major League Team since well, before every current player – and even current President of Baseball Operations and Giant great, Buster Posey – was born.
John regales me with stories about his time as a pitcher for the Stanford Cardinal, his time in the minors playing with an against some future Baseball Hall of Famers, what life was like playing for the Hawaii Islanders, and why he gave the life up (he has a Hall of Famer to thank for that as well). Of course, he shares some of his highlights pitching to Barry Bonds and how he even worked his way into a Cactus League game once upon a time.
If I do say so myself, it’s 50 minutes well spent listening to John share his journey as both a fan and 3-time World Series ring recipient.
Hey John Yandle,
Mike Pereira here… from Tigard.
unbelievable still throwing/ I read an article in the AARP magazine about you. that is so cool, I might by stock in IceHot and see if my curveball comes back, lol
I still talk about you, and wonder what happen to you. now I know…you were always great, congratulation buddy.. and I will continue to talk about you.. “70” and still throwing wow… Happy New Years to you and your family
Hello Miguel.
Thank you for listening to John’s episode. I’ve passed your comment (and your email address) along to him to ensure he receives it. Hope the two of you are able to connect. A very Happy New Year to you as well.
Doug