Rusty Priske - Future Hall of Famer

[rpriske]

July 21st, 1992

After losing a couple of very close games, we are looking to bounce back.

Today the Expos are pitching Alex Fernandez (11-6, 3.62).

The Giants have John Burkett (6-12, 3.62).

I am hitting seventh again.

We turned a Priske - Thompson - Klesko double play to end the 1st.

I came up in the 2nd with one out and Craig Grebeck on 1st. I hit one sharply up the middle for a single. Craig went to 2nd.
We were stranded.

In the bottom of the 3rd, Wayne Johnson scored on a wild pitch.
Then Pat Bailey scored on a Reggie Sanders sac fly.
I handled a Shane Mack grounder to end the inning.

Expos lead 2-0

I came up with two out in the 4th and took a walk.
I got no further.

In the bottom of the 4th, Jose Offerman scored on a Thomas Howard double.
I took care of a Johnson grounder for the 2nd out, but Howard scored on the play.
I caught a Bailey pop to end the inning.

Expos lead 4-0

In the 5th, Ruben Sierra hit a two run homer.

Expos lead 4-2

In the bottom half, Sanders scored on a Mack fielder's choice.

Expos lead 5-2

I came up with two out in the 6th and struck out.

Mike Perez took the mound for us in the 7th.
Pinch hitter Bill Moore scored on a Scott Cooper single.

Expos lead 6-2

I came up in the 8th with two out, Craig on 2nd, and Mark Tindall pitching. I singled to centre, with Craig going to 3rd.
We were left on.

With one out and a man on in the bottom of the 8th, Matt went to Scott Service.
I handled a Bailey grounder for the 2nd out, but Rey Sanchez scored on the play.

Expos lead 7-2

Well, it finally wasn't a one run loss. Sigh.

I went 2 for 3 with a pair of singles and a walk.

[rpriske]

July 22nd, 1992

We have lost four in a row and we are trying to avoid the sweep in Montreal.

Today the Expos are pitching Eddie Portillo (8-6, 2.96).

The Giants have Charlie Vinson Jr. (7-8, 2.90).

I am hitting seventh.

I came up in the 2nd with two out and Ryan Klesko on 3rd. I grounded out to Scott Cooper at 3rd.

In the bottom of the inning, Rey Sanchez scored on a Michael Urzendowski single.
Then Wayne Johnson scored on a. single by Portillo.
Urzendowski was awarded home on a balk by Charlie.

Expos lead 3-0

I handled a Jose Offerman grounder for the final out in the 3rd.

I then came up in the 5th with Craig Grebeck on 1st. I walked.
Timothy McKercher hit into a double play.

I got another Offerman grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 5th.

In the top of the 6th, Ruben Sierra scored on a Bryce Bernadin double.

Expos lead 3-1

In the bottom of the inning, I bobbled what could have been a double play.
I am making too many errors lately.

Thankfully, it didn't cost us.

I came up with one out in the 7th and grounded out to Johnson at 2nd.

Bryan Hickerson took the mound for us in the bottom of the inning.

Cooper and Offerman scored on a Thomas Howard double.
I caught a Sanchez pop for the 2nd out.

Expos lead 5-1

I came up in the 8th with two out, Jerry Browne on 2nd, and Craig on 1st. They brought Jeff Reardon in to face me. He struck me out.

With two out and a man on in the bottom half, Matt brought in Scott Service. He got the out.

We have now lost five in a row.

I went 0 for 3 with a walk and an error.

We have a travel day to go to Philadelphia. An extra hotel day.

[rpriske]

July 24th, 1992

We had an off-day to sit and stew about our five game losing streak.

Two years ago we won the World Series.

Now we are the worst team in the National League.

We are in Philadelphia and the Phillies are pitching Bruce Lizarraga (8-8, 2.00)

The Giants have Pat Combs (5-2, 3.17).

I am hitting seventh.

In the bottom of the 1st, Bo Jackson hit a two run homer.

Phillies lead 2-0

I came up in the 2nd with one out, Jerry Browne on 2nd, and Craig Grebeck on 1st. Jerry went to 3rd and I replaced Craig on 1st with a fielder's choice.
We were left like that.

In the 3rd, Jeff Carter hit a two run homer, doubling the Phillie lead.
Then Jackson scored on a Mike Greenwell single.
I dealt with a Darrin Fletcher grounder for the 2nd out.

Phillies lead 5-0

With none out and a man on in the 4th, Matt went to Scott Service.
With two out, Lizarraga scored on a Jeff Carter double.

Phillies lead 6-0

I led off the 5th by fouling out to Randy Milligan at 1st.

We finally got on the board in the 6th when Ruben Sierra scored on a wild pitch.

Phillies lead 6-1

With one out and one on in the bottom of the 6th, Matt brought in Bryan Hickerson.

I came up with one out in the 7th and struck out.

Greenwell hit a solo shot in the bottom half.

Phillies lead 7-1

In the 8th, Robby Thompson scored on a Bryce Bernadin triple.

Phillies lead 7-2

Mike Perez took the ball for us in the bottom of the 8th.

I came up in the 9th with one out, Craig on 1st, and Alejandro Pena on the mound.I singled to shallow left, moving Craig to 2nd.
Timothy McKercher singled to load the bases.
Mark Lewis got a pinch hit single, scoring Craig.
Then Robby hit into a double play.

Phillies won, 7-3

I went 1 for 4 with a single.

We didn't know it at the time, but that was the last appearance for us of Robby Thompson.

He was traded across the Bay to Oakland for a couple of minor leaguers, Matt Mieske and Thomas Kinney.

Brutal.

Robby wasn't having a great season, but losing my double play partner is rough.

Matt is joining the team.

Tim Naehring is the new starting 2Bman.

And I am being dropped in the batting order to 8th.

What the absolute hell. I am hitting .287. I have an OPS+ of 109.

This is ridiculous.

[rpriske]

July 25th, 1992

It is the second game in Philadelphia after yesterday's stunning news.

We have lost six in a row.

Today the Phillies are pitching Juan Guzman (8-4, 3.47).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (3-9, 4.08).

I am hitting eighth. Ridiculous.

I led off the 3rd by grounding out to Randy Milligan at 1st.

I returned the favour on a Milligan grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the inning.

I next came up with one out in the 5th and I flew out to Mike Greenwell in left.

I then came up in the 7th, with none out, Craig Grebeck on 3rd, and Timothy McKercher on 2nd. I scored Craig with a sac fly.

Giants lead 1-0

Thanks went our way in the 8th.

Ruben Sierra flew out.
Bryce Bernadin singled.
Ryan Klesko singled.
Tim Naehring walked, loading the bases.
David Rivera relieved.
Craig walked, scoring Bryce.
Timothy reached on error. Ryan scored.
I popped out.
Rick singled. Tim scored and then Craig scored on a throwing error.
Jerry Browne grounded out.

Giants lead 5-0

With two out and a man on, Matt brought in Mike Perez.
He got the 3rd out.

Then Jeff Russell came on for the 9th.
I caught a Jeff Carter liner for the 1st out.
Two batters later, Joe Girardi hit a two run homer.

We won, 5-2.

I went 0 for 3 with a sac fly, RBI.

[rpriske]

July 26th, 1992

We broke the losing streak yesterday, but I am still in a pretty bad mood. I try not to show it to the other guys.
As far as I am concerned, I am the most valuable player on the team.
I am hitting eighth. On the worst team in the league.

Ridiculous.

We finish in Philadelphia today after splitting the first two games.

The Phillies are pitching Erik Hanson (7-9, 3.68).

The Giants are going with John Burkett (6-13, 3.78).

You know where I am batting.

I came up with one out in the 3rd. Neither team has had a baserunner yet. I changed that with a single to right.
I went to 2nd on a sac bunt by John.
I was left there.

I led off the 6th. Each team had one hit so far. This time I flew out to Jeff Carter in centre.

I took care of a Bo Jackson grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the inning.
But then Carter and Dave Hollins scored on a Mike Greenwell single.
Greenwell scored on a Darrin Fletcher single.

Phillies lead 3-0

Ryan Klesko got us one back in the 7th with a home run.

Phillies lead 3-1

I came up in the 8th with none out, Craig Grebeck on 2nd, and Timothy McKercher on 1st. I hit into a double play.
Craig ended up scoring on a single by pinch hitter, Shawon Dunston.

Phillies lead 3-2

Mark Ross took the ball for us after that.

We could not score in the 9th and that was that.

I went 1 for 3 with a single.

We head home now to face the Dodgers.

[rpriske]

July 27th, 1992

We are home to face the Dodgers.

L.A. is pitching Brian Bohanon (2-0, 4.76).

The Giants have Charlie Vinson Jr. (7-9, 2.97).

I am actually hitting seventh today.

I got into it right away, taking care of a Pat Listach grounder for the 1st out.

I came up in the 2nd with two out and Craig Grebeck on 1st. I flew out to Howard Johnson in centre.

In the 4th, Phil Plantier scored on a Chill Davis fielder's choice.
Then Gary Sheffield scored on a wild pitch.
I handled a Johnson grounder for the 3rd out.

Dodgers lead 2-0

I then dealt with a Bohanan grounder for the 3rd out in the 5th.

I led off the bottom half by hitting one up the middle for a single.
With one out, I was replaced with a fielder's choice.

In the 6th, Plantier scored on a Paul Sorrento single.
Then Sheffield scored on a single by Chili.
We turned a Naehring - Priske - Lewis double play to end it.

Dodgers lead 4-0

I came up in the 7th with Craig on 1st. They brought Lee Smith in to face me. I hit one crisply to right for a single. Craig went to 2nd.
With one out, pinch hitter Shawon Dunston walked, loading the bases.
Nothing. We left them that way.
Terrible.

Aaron Morris took over at 1st and Bryan Hickerson took the mound for us in the 8th.

Sheffield scored on a sac fly by Chili.

Dodgers lead 5-0

Scott Service took over for us in the 9th.

Bill Spiers and pinch hitter Brian Hunter scored on aPlantier double.
Then Listach and Plantier scored on a double by pinch hitter, Mal Mosby.

Matt brought in Mike Perez after that. He got the 3rd out.

Dodgers lead 9-0

I came up with one out in the bottom of the 9th, now facing Darren Holmes. I grounded out to Listach at short.

We were shut out.

I went 2 for 4 with a pair of singles.

[rpriske]

July 28th, 1992

We got drubbed yesterday. I am very unhappy, both with our results and my role on the team.
I have never meshed well with Matt Carroll, our Manager.

I am keeping this to myself. I don't want to be THAT guy in the clubhouse.

Today the Dodgers are pitching Shane Reynolds (2-6, 10.47).

We have Ed Whitson (1-1, 3.24).

We need to take advantage of this.

I am hitting seventh.

I handled a Pat Listach grounder for the 1st out of the game.

I took care of a Brian Hunter fielder's choice ball for the 1st out in the 2nd.

I came up with two out in the bottom of the 2nd and popped out to Shawn Manuel at 2nd.

I should have made the 1st out in the 4th, but I threw it wide, allowing Howard Johnson to reach. Error for me. (This is the kind of error I mind a lot less. It happened because I got to a ball I normally shouldn't have been anywhere near.)

Unfortunately, Johnson ended up scoring on an Usama Jamal al Din triple.

Dodgers lead 1-0

I came up in the 5th with none out and Craig Grebeck on 1st. I struck out.

In the 6th, Ruben Sierra hit a solo homer to tie things up.

Game tied 1-1

In the 7th, Jamal al Din scored when he stole 3rd and Greg Myers threw the ball away trying to catch him.
With two out and the bases empty, Matt brought in Scott Service. He got the 3rd out.

Dodgers lead 2-1

I led off the bottom of the 7th by flying out to Phil Plantier in right.

Mark Ross took the ball for us in the 8th.
He gave up a solo shot to Paul Sorrento.

Dodgers lead 3-1

Jeff Russell got the nod for the 9th. It is hard to save your closer for save situations if you are never winning.

I came up in the bottom of the 9th, representing the tying run. None out. Craig on 1st. Dennis Eckersley pitching. I singled up the middle, moving Craig to 2nd. Clutch!
Greg then struck out.
Aaron Morris, who came in as a double switch when Jeff came in, hit into a double play.
Game over.

We faced a pitcher with an ERA over 10, and scored one run.

I went 1 for 4 with a single and an error.

[rpriske]

July 29th, 1992

We are trying to avoid a sweep, as usual.

Today the Dodgers are pitching Chris Haney (8-10, 4.72).

The Giants have Pat Combs (5-3, 3.73).

I am hitting seventh.

I took care of a Shawn Manuel grounder for the 1st out in the 3rd.

I led off the bottom of the 3rd by flying out to Howard Johnson in centre.

I handled a Chili Davis grounder for the 1st out in the 4th.

We turned a Priske - Naehring - Klesko double play to get the other two outs.

I came up in the 5th with two out and Craig Grebeck on 1st. I flew out to Johnson again.

In the 6th, Gary Sheffield scored on a wild pitch.

Dodgers lead 1-0

In the 7th, Ron Karkovice scored when I made a great play that turned into a throwing error - my 13th error of the season.

Dodgers lead 2-0

We got on the board int he bottom of the 7th when Tim Naehring scored on a triple by Craig.
I then came up, with two out and Craig on 3rd. I grounded out to Sheffield at 3rd.

Dodgers lead 2-1

Mark Ross came in to pitch the 9th for us.
I took care of another Manuel grounder for the 2nd out.
I did the same to Pat Listach for the 3rd.

We couldn't get that last run and we were swept by the Dodgers.

I went 0 for 3 with an error.

Now the Braves come to town.

Two more days until the Trading Deadline.

[rpriske]

July 30th, 1992

The Braves are in town. We have lost four in a row. Atlanta has lost six in a row.

The visitors are pitching Ben McDonald (8-12, 4.56).

The Giants are going with Rick Sutcliffe (4-9, 3.75).

I am hitting... third? Okay. I will take it.

I took care of a Ken Griffey Jr. grounder for the 3rd out of the game.

I came up with two out in the bottom of the 1st and I snuck one through the right side for a single.
I was thrown out trying to steal 2nd.

I got the 1st out in the 3rd off a Chris Gwynn grounder.

I then did the same to Ron Gant for the 1st out in the 4th.

I led off the bottom of the 4th by lining it into centre for a single.
Stolen base #50.
With one out, Tim Naehring was hit by a pitch.
Craig Grebeck hit into a double play.

I should have made the 1st out for the 4rd straight inning, but instead, error.
Jeff Bagwell - on from my error - scored on a Joey Cora single.
I caught a Gwynn pop for the 2nd out.

Braves lead 1-0, and it is on me.

I got a Gant grounder for the 1st out in the 6th.

I then came up with one out in the bottom of the 6th. I flew out to Gant in left.

I caught a McDonald pop for the 2nd out in the 7th.
Gant then crushed a three-run homer.

Braves lead 4-0

In the 8th, Bagwell scored on a Mike Scioscia single.
Scott Service relieved for us after that.

Braves lead 5-0

I came up in the bottom of the 8th with two out, pinch hitter Shawon Dunston on 2nd, and Bryce Bernadin on 1st. I grounded out to Jeff Blauser at short.

Mike Perez took the ball for us in the 9th.
We turned a Naehring - Priske - Klesko double play behind him.

We ended up shut out.

I went 2 for 4 with a pair of singles, a stolen base, a caught stealing, and an error.

[rpriske]

July 32st, 1992

Deadline day. We have lost five in a row and have the worst record in the NL.

Today the Braves are pitching Tom Glavine (12-6, 3.75).

The Giants have John Burkett (6-14, 3.78).

I am hitting seventh.

I caught a Ken Griffey Jr. pop for the 2nd out of the game.

I came up with two out in the 2nd, with Jerry Browne on 2nd. I flew out to Gene Larkin in right.

I caught a Glavine liner for the 1st out in the 3rd.
But then Jeff Blauser scored on a Griffey single.
Griffey scored on a Jeff Bagwell triple.
Bagwell scored on a Mike Scioscia double.

Braves lead 3-0

In the bottom of the 3rd, John scored on a single by Ryan Klesko.

Braves lead 3-1

I caught a Bagwell fly for the 3rd out in the 5th.

I then led off the bottom half by driving a ball into centre for a single.
Stolen base #51.
I went to 3rd on a Timothy McKercher groundout.
Stolen base #52... with a steal of home!

Braves lead 3-2

In the 6th, Larkin scored on a Jim Thome double.

Braves lead 4-2

In the bottom half, Tim Naehring scored on a sac fly by Jerry.

Braves lead 4-3

I led off in the 7th by grounding out to Jay Cora at 2nd.

Mark Ross took the ball for us in the 8th.
I handled a Thome grounder for the 3rd out.

Jeff Russell came in to pitch and Matt Mieske came in to play right in a double switch in the 9th.

I took care of a grounder by pinch hitter Randy Ready for the 2nd out.

I came up in the 9th with one out and Duane Ward on the mound. I flew out to Ron Gant in left.

Six losses in a row.

```````````````````````
That evening we got word that Ed Whitson - who had already announced his retirement - was traded to the Reds for a couple of minor leaguers named Luis Munoz and Miguel Cintron.

That was our only deal.

Do I regret not asking for a trade? I never wanted to be that guy.

Oh, Al Leiter has been called up.