[Beatles Guy]

Originally Posted by Jim VB

My favorite Frank Thomas story... (apologies to Al C. who heard this one last week.)


In 1962 the NY Mets had the worst team in the history of baseball, but they had a HOF centerfielder in Richie Ashburn. Several times, early in the season, Ashburn had been run over by shortstop Elio Chacon, while chasing pop-ups. After one bruising collision, he went to the coaches. He was told that Chacon spoke no English, so instead of yelling "I got it!", he should yell "Yo la tengo!"

Ashburn called a players meeting, with translators, and they agreed to this change.

Next game, along comes a pop-up. Asbburn comes charging in yelling "Yo la tengo! Yo la tengo!" Out of the corner of his eye he sees Chacon slam on the brakes. He reaches for the pop and gets steam-rollered by left fielder Frank Thomas. Thomas spoke no Spanish and... had skipped the players meeting. Ball drops. Batter is on second. Runners have scored.

As he helps Ashburn to his feet, Thomas says to him, "What the hell is a yellow tango?"

I will look at my Frank Thomas cards in a little different light now thanks to that story.