Rusty Priske - Future Hall of Famer

[rpriske]

Today Lenny Dykstra of the Mets was named the NL Rookie of the Year.

Apparently Rob Deer finished 2nd in voting and I finished 3rd!

The Giants have quite a future!

[rpriske]

I officially received my new contract. I will be making $73,600 next year.

That works for me.

A bunch of teammates have field for free agency.

John Castino, Lee Mazzilli, Mike Krukow, Mike Hargrove, and Ron Davis might all be gone.

[rpriske]

It has begun. We will have anew closer next year as Ron Davis has signed with the Phillies.

```````````````

It looks like Lee Mazzilli will be back! He signed a one year deal with the Giants!

```````````````

The draft was today!

The Giants picked up a pitcher from college in Texas named Bruce Ruffin.
Next was another college pitcher, Kevin Tapani.
A college first baseman, Jeff King.
A college pitcher, Mike Perez.
A college outfielder, Daniel Grunhard.
A college pitcher, Bryan Hickerson.
A college 2B, Tommy Hinzo.
A young pitcher, Scott Service.
CF, Wayne Housie.
A young pitcher, Dennis Moeller.
A college pitcher, Tim Swob.

And lots more. Possible future teammates.

But no shortstops.

Good.

[rpriske]

The team is opening its pocket book! They just signed starting pitcher Dennis Eckersley! He has been a solid starter for the Red Sox for quite a while and he will be a welcome addition to the team!


``````````````````

Two days before Christmas, the Giants announced another signing... but it is an odd one.

They signed vet Hal McRae. The 40-year old is pretty much just a DH, so what is he doing in the NL? A pinch hitter?

Mike Krukow signed... with the Dodgers.

Wow. The fans are going to ROAST him when he comes to town!

[rpriske]

Christmas in Victoria was really nice. Getting to spend time with family is even more important now that I am away for half of the year.

And the team got a New Year's gift as they signed Ben Oglivie to a one year deal! He may be a bit past his prime, but a know the value of veteran leadership.

Guy Sularz, who I played with a bit in September, was removed from the 40-man and placed on waivers.

```````````````
The Hall of Fame results were announced and Lou Brock did NOT make it in!

``````````````

As Spring Training was starting I heard that David Linton was released by the organization.

[rpriske]

the 1986 season starts here

year 2

[rpriske]

Spring Training is VERY different this year.

Last year I just wanted to show the organization that I was a real player in the making... and instead I made the team!

The year I want to develop my hitting. If I can get on base more, I can help the team more.

March 3rd, 1986

It is our first Spring Training game and wouldn't you know it, we're facing the Dodgers.

We get to see Dennis Eckersley for us for the first time.
The Dodgers are pitching Orel Hershiser.

But I'm not in the lineup! Nestor is going with Fran Mullins at short.
That's okay. It i shout spring. Not all the regulars are playing today.

We ended up losing 4-1.


March 4th, 1986

Today it is the Expos.

We are using Atlee Hammaker. The Expos have Bill Gullickson.
Today I am starting and back in my lead-off spot.

I got in on the action right away, throwing out Toby Harrah for the 2nd out.

I led off the bottom of the 1st by working a walk. Lee Mazzilli smacked a single behind me and I went to 3rd. One of the minor leaguers in camp. Steve Stanicek, grounded out but I was able to cross.

Giants lead 1-0.

I came up in the 3rd with none out and Atlee on 1st.
I did the worst possible thing - I hit into a double play.

The Expos tied it up in the 4th when Chris Bando doubled home Bill Moore.

Game tied 1-1.

Frank Williams came in for the 5th. He pitched one and when he was due up in the bottom half, Mike Aldrete pinch hit for him and blasted three-run homer!
I was up next, facing a minor leaguer named Eric Mustad. He struck me out.

Giants lead 4-1.

Randy Morse was the next pitcher for us.
I got the 1st out for him, taking a Danny Heep grounder. A couple of batters later I was the turn on a Rabb - Priske - O'Malley double play.

I was lifted for Hal McRae in the 7th, about as expected.

We ended up winning 5-2.


March 5th, 1986

We are taking a look at another new pitcher today as Bruce Ruffin takes on Erik Hanson and the Phillies.

I have the day off... until the 8th anyway, when I came in defensively... at third! The order never came back around to me and we lost 3-2.


March 6th, 1986

Terry Mulholland is in to face Scott McGregor and the Padres.

I'm not starting again.
It seems that Nestor doesn't think he needs to see me play as much as Fran Mullins, but I need my reps!

I never got in the game and we won 9-7.


March 7th, 1986

Today it is Eric King facing the Cardinals and Dave Masters.

Fran Mullins is starting again.

What is going on?

I didn't get in the game. We lost 11-4.

I went to talk to Nestor. He assured me that I am still the guy.
I am spending lots of extra time with Antonio Lucero, but I need game time!


March 8th

Today it is the Pirates. Colin Ward vs Bob Walk.

And I am in the line-up!

So, of course I fly out to start the game.

In the bottom of the 1st Keith Moreland smashed a three run homer.

Pirates lead 3-0.

I got the last out in the 2nd, snagging a liner off go Kirk Gibson's bat.

In the 3rd I got the 2nd out off a Dale Berra grounder.
The Pirates truck again that inning as Sam Khalifa pushed Moreland across with a single.

Pirates lead 4-0.

I led off the 4th by smacking a double into the left field corner. It was the first hit of the game for us and my first hit of the spring. Lee Mazzilli walked behind me. With two out, one of our minor leaguers, Scott Bradley, singled and I scored. Lee scored on an error as well.

Pirates lead 4-2.

In the bottom half Tony Pena hit a two run double to restore the margin. A rough outing for Colin as he didn't even finish his scheduled for innings. Randy Morse took over for him. He almost gave up another run but Lee gunned Pena down at home.

Pirates lead 6-2.

I came up in the 5th with none out and Brian Harper on 2nd and Morse on 1st. Dan Spillner got me to hit into what looked like a double play, but I outran it and turned it into a fielder's choice. Lee walked and loaded us up. Steve Stanicek hit into another fielder's choice, but this one scored Brian from 3rd.

Pirates lead 6-3.

I got eh 1st out of the bottom half, off a Khalifa grounder. I then got the 3rd out on a Dusty Baker grounder.

More of the same in the 6th as I took a Free Lynn grounder for the 1st out.

I was lifted in the 7th as planned.

We ended up losing 7-3.

I shouldn't have to go asking for playing time.

[rpriske]

March 9th, 1986

We lost to the Braves 5-1.

I did not play.

March 10th, 1986

We beat the Cubs 10-4.

I did not play.

March 11th, 1986

We beat the Reds 9-1.

I did not play.

March 12th, 1986

Finally!

I am starting against Ron Darling and the Mets!
Terry Mulholland is going for us.

I got into it right away, taking a Gerald Young grounder for the 1st out.
Then a Herm Winningham grounder for the 2nd out.

I led off the home half by singling into centre. I then was thrown out trying to steal on a pitch out.
THIS is why I need playing time!

The Mets open the scoring in the 2nd when Billy Beane doubles, scoring Joe Redfield.

Mets lead 1-0.

Terry had some real control problems in the 4rd, with multiple wild pitches and a hit-batsman before Kevin Mitchell singled home Young.

Mets lead 2-0.

I came up in the 3rd with two out and John Rabb on 2nd. I flew out to Mitchell in left.

In the 4th I got the 2nd out, taking a Darling grounder.

Randy Morse took the mound for us in the 5th.

I came up that inning with two out and the base loaded... and struck out.

Mark Grant took the mound for us in the 6th.

I got the 2nd out in the 8th, off a Steve Kemp grounder.

I was pulled for a pinch hitter that inning.

I went 1 for 3.

We lost 2-1.

[rpriske]

March 13th, 1986

We lost 6-3 to the Astros.

I did not play.


March 14th

We were crushed by the Dodgers, 12-0.

I did not play.


While I was worrying about playing time, one of our big new pick-ups, Ben Oglivie, broke his kneecap. He will be out until late April.

March 16th

We lost to the Expos 9-7.

I did not play.

March 17th

Finally! Some action!

I started against Charles Hudson and the Phillies. Atlee Hammaker went for us.

The Phils struck early when Tim Raines doubled home Keith Miller from 1st.

Phillies lead 1-0.

I led off the bottom half by grounding out to John Russell at 1st.

We took the lead in the 2nd when Steve Stanicek scored on a Tom O'Malley triple, who the scored on an error.

Giants lead 2-1.

I made my first defensive play in the 3rd when I made a pretty niece catch on a Hudson liner.

I led off the bottom half by grounding out to shortstop Ken Dowell.

I got the last out in the 4th by dealing with a Raines grounder.

In the bottom frame Chili Davis pinch hit singled home Terry Harper. I made the last out off the inning on a groundout.

Giants lead 3-1.

Scott Garrelts took over for us in the 5th. I was the pivot on a Rabb - Priske - O'Malley double play behind him.

I was lifted for a pinch hitter in the 7th.

We ended up losing 4-3.

I am 2 for 11 this spring in VERY limited action.

[rpriske]

March 18th

We beat the Padres 10-2.

I did not play.


March 19th

We lost to the Cardinals 8-2.

I did not play.


March 20th

We beat the Pirates 5-1.

I did not play.


March 21st

We beat the Braves 4-0.

I did not play.


March 22nd - Otherwise known as my 18th birthday.
I don't feel much like celebrating. Nestor keeps claiming that I am still his starting shortstop but it is Fran Mullins and Robby Thompson who are getting all the playing time.

And I am finally getting another start!

We have Dennis Eckersley going and we are facing Rob Williams and the Cubs.

I led off the bottom of the 1st by striking out.

In the 2nd we got the lead off a Steve Stanicek two run homer.

Giants lead 2-0.

I came up in the 3rd with one out and lined out to Dave Owen at short.

I made my first defensive play in the 4th, snagging a little fly by Bob Dernier for the 1st out.

Mark Davis took over pitching in the 5th.

I go the 2nd out in the 6th, handling a Reggie Patterson grounder.

I led off the bottom half, facing Patterson, by grounding out to Billie Merrifield at 3rd.

I was pulled in the 7th.

We won 3-0.

I am 2 for 14.

[rpriske]

March 23rd, 1986

We beat the Reds 3-1.

I did not play.

After the game Atlee Hammaker was placed on the D.L. That is bad. Word is that he will be out until late May.

A bunch of guys were sent down to the minor league camp. Mostly they were people I hadn't played with yet, other than Guy Sularz.


March 24th, 1986

I didn't start the game but I came in as a pinch runner for Tom O'Malley in the 7th and stayed to play short. We were beating the Mets 3-2.

I got on the defensive score sheet quickly, getting the 1st out for Pat Perry on a Mike Fitzgerald grounder. Gorman Thomas singled home Tom Paciorek that inning to tie the game. I took a Dave Cochrane grounder for the 2nd out.

We had a good 8th.
Hal McRae started with a pinch-hit single. Lee Mazzilli did the same. Alonzo Powell took over for Hal as pinch runner. Bob Brenly pinch hit and walked, loading the bases. Robby Thompson pinch hit and flew out but a throwing error allowed everyone to advance, including Powell scoring. Jessie Reid pinch hit and singled, scoring both Mazzilli and Brenly. I got my first at bat and I ALSO singled.
As nice as THAT was, I was later thrown out trying to steal 2nd.

Giants lead 6-3.

Scott Garrelts came on in the 9th in his new role as closer. He loaded the bases with one out. I got the 2nd out for him, off a Gerald Young grounder, but Fitzgerald scored.

We won 6-4.

I went 1 for 1 with a caught stealing.

[rpriske]

March 25th, 1986

I came in as aping runner for Kenny Oberkfell in the 11th and ended up scoring the walk off run on an Alonzo Powell single. We beat the Astros 7-6.

March 26th, 1986

I got the start vs Bob Forsch and the Dodgers.

Colin Ward was starting for us.

I grounded out to Forsch to open the game.

I got the 2nd out in the bottom half, catching a Mike Marshall pop.

In the 2nd we fell behind when Franklin Stubbs hit a solo shot.

Dodgers lead 1-0.

I came up in the 3rd with two out and dropped a curve into short left for a single. I stole 2nd but stopped there.

In the 4th Stubbs did it again, hitting his 2nd home run of the game!

Dodgers lead 2-0.

I came up in the 5th with none out and Scott Bradley on 3rd and Chili Davis on 1st, now facing Moose Haas. He struck me out. We never managed to push Bradley across.

Mark Davis took over for Ward in the bottom half.

In the 6th the Dodgers struck again as pinch hitter Greg Brock singled home Reggie Williams from 2nd.

Dodgers lead 3-0.

In the 7th Lee Mazzilli struck back, hitting a lead off homer.

Dodgers lead 3-1.

Frank Williams took the mound for us in the bottom half.

I was lifted for a pinch hitter in the 8th. Jessie Reid hit a three-run homer for us that inning and we beat the Dodgers 4-3!

I went 1 for 3 with a stolen base. I am hitting .222 so far this spring.

[rpriske]

March 27th, 1986

We lost to the Expos 6-1.

I did not play.


March 29th, 1986

We beat the Phillies 4-3.

I did not play.


March 30th, 1986

We are facing the Padres and Joe Bitker. We are going with Bruce Ruffin.

And a sophomore shortstop, me.

I made the 3rd out in the first frame, snagging a liner of the bat of Tony Gwynn.

I led off the bottom half by launching a deep one to left, but no deep enough as Randy Ready caught it out there.

The Padres started strong against Bruce in the 2nd. They loaded the bases with none out and then Darrell Miller kept it going with an RBI single. Ready scored on a wild pitch. Doug Gwodsz walked to reload the bags. Bitker with an RBI single. Lou Frazier with an RBI single. Tom O'Malley really bailed Bruce out as he snagged a liner and caught Bitker off for a double play. Bruce got Gwynn to end it.

Padres lead 4-0.

In the 3rd I got the1st out, nailing Kevin McReynolds off a Ready fielder's choice. We followed it by a nice little Thompson - Priske - Aldrete double play.

In the bottom half I came up with one out and Scott Bradley on 2nd. I worked a walk. They got Robby Thompson out but then Rob Deer singled to load us up. Unfortunately Mike Aldrete popped out to end it.

I got the 1st out in the 4th off a Miller grounder.

Our end went well as Steve Stanicek doubled and then Lee Mazzilli doubled him home and Bradley hit a two run homer. I came up with two out and grounded out.

Padres lead 4-3.

Bill Laskey took the mound for us in the 5th. He has had a nice spring. Not so great today as Gwynn doubled home Harold Reynolds from 1st.

Padres lead 5-3.

They kept at it in the 6th as Carmelo Martinez pushed Juan Beniquez across on a groundout. Mark Gillaspie singled, scoring Miller.
Willie Fraser took over on the mound for us and got the 3rd out.

Padres lead 7-3.

I was lifted for a pinch hitter in the 7th.

We ended up losing 7-6.

I went 0 for 2 with a walk.

[rpriske]

March 31st, 1986

Into the home stretch of spring training an apparently I am finally going to start getting my playing time. I am starting today against Bob Kipper and the Cardinals.
Terry Mulholland is pitching for us.

In fact, it is tarting to look like we know who the starting lineup will be. Mostly familiar faces but it seems Robby Thompson will be my new DP partner. He is 23 and making his debut. We could turn some heads if things go well.

A couple of hits and an error by Kenny Oberkfell loaded the bases. Then Willie McGee singled, scoring Tom Herr. That's all they got.

Cardinals lead 1-0.

I led off by singling to right. I quickly steal 2nd. Kenny O strikes out and Chili Davis walks. Rob Deer flies out but then Mike Aldrete doubles, scoring both Chili and I. He tries to stretch into into a triple and is thrown out.

Giants lead 2-1.

I came up next in the 3rd, with one out. This time Kipper struck me out.

The Cards tied it up in the 4th when McGee scored on a Jose Uribe sac fly.

Game tied 2-2.

We got the lead right back in the bottom frame as Rob Deer hit a solo homer.

Giants lead 3-2.

Pat Perry took over for Terry in the 5th.

I was the pivot on a nice Thompson / Priske / Aldrete double play to get Andy Van Slyke and Pat Bailey to end the inning.

I came up in the bottom half with one out and now facing Jeff Lahti. I worked a walk. I stole 2nd again. Lahti made it moot by walking Kenny O on four pitches. So, what to do next? Double steal! That makes six swiped bags for me this spring. Then Chili reached an error and I crossed for the 2nd time today. A few batters later, Chili also crossed on an error.

Giants lead 5-2.

I was lifted for a pinch hitter in the 6th.

We ended up winning 9-6.

Nice day for me, going 1 for 2 with a walk, two runs scored, and three stolen bases.

A bunch more players were sent to minor league camp after the game. Nobody I have spent any time with.

With a couple of exceptions (Willie Fraser, Brad Wellman), we are down to the 40-man.

With Hal McRae taking a roster spot as apparently a full-time pinch hitter, I wonder how all of Chris Brown, Tom O'Malley, and Fran Mullins can stay.
Will Steve Stanicek get a spot?

It looks like Terry Mulholland and Colin Ward will be the only rotation holdovers from last year, with Dennis Eckersley, Bruce Ruffin, and Eric King joining. Scott Garrelts is the new closer, but it seems like mostly familiar faces behind him.

Only a few days left.

[rpriske]

April 1st, 1986

I started against Dennis Martinez and the Pirates.

Eric King pitched for us.

I led off the game by whiffing.

In the bottom half Keith Moreland crushed a three run homer.

Pirates lead 3-0.

They struck again in the 2nd when Joe Orsulak singled home Bip Roberts.

Pirates leads 4-0.

I came up with one out in the 3rd and Martinez struck me out again.

In the bottom half Fred Lynn singled home Kirk Gibson. I started a Priske - Thompson - Aldrete double play to get Moreland and Tony Pena.

Pirates lead 5-0.

We got a couple back its eh 4th when Mike Aldrete hit a two run dinger.

Pirates lead 5-2.

I came up in the 5th with one out and Brian Harper on 1st. Dave Johnson was pitching. Different pitcher, same result. I struck out for the 3rd time in three at-bats.

Jeff Robinson relieved for us that inning. Lynn singled home another run, this time in the form of Ozzie Smith. Pena knocked Gibson in. Jason Thompson hit a grand slam. Jeff faced six batters. They all scored.
Nestor went with Frank Williams.

Pirates lead 11-2.

Back to back solo homers by Chili Davis and Rob Deer made up a bit of the gap.

Pirates lead 11-4.

I handled a Dale Berra grounder for the 2nd out in the home half of the 6th.

I was lifted in the 7th.

We lost 12-6 and I struck out three times. A bad day all around.


April 2nd, 1986

It was the penultimate game of the spring schedule and we were facing Tom Glavine and the Braves.
Colin Ward was going for us.

I led off the bottom half by working a four-pitch walk. I tried to steal 2nd but ran into a pitchout and was gunned down.

In the 2nd Andres Galarraga led off with a s solo homer. I got the 1st out off a Ron Cey grounder. I then did the same on an Ozzie Virgil grounder.

Braves lead 1-0.

In the 3rd Gerald Perry singled home Milt Thompson for another run.

Braves lead 2-0.

I came up in the bottom half with two out and grounded out to Cey at 3rd.

In the 4th Virgil walloped a three-run shot. I got the 2nd out off the bat of their rookie shortstop, Gary Sheffield.

Braves lead 5-0.

Things can turn around in a hurry, however, as Bob Brenly connected with a Grand Slam in the bottom half to narrow the lead to one run.

Braves lead 5-4.

Mark Calvert took over for us in the 5th. He did no better than Colin as he gave up a two run double to Galarraga before recording an out.

Braves lead 7-4.

I led off the bottom of the 5th, now facing Jeff Dedmon. I grounded out to Ron Oester at 2nd.

I made the 2nd out of the 6th, off a Paul Runge grounder.

Randy Morse relieved for us in the 7th.
He gave up an RBI single to Brad Komminsk before recording an out. Jeff Blauser pushed him across with a two out triple.

Braves lead 9-4.

I was lifted in the 7th.

We lost 10-4.

I am hitting below .200


April 3rd, 1986

We are wrapping up the spring schedule with a game vs Bill Swift and the Cubs.
We are pitching Mark Grant.

I led off by flying out to Bob Dernier in right.

I got the 1st out onto other side, taking a Billy Hatcher grounder.
We did not emerge unscathed as Mel Hall hit a two run homer. (There is something about that guy I just don't like. He is creepy.)
I got a Jody Davis grounder to end the inning.

Cubs lead 2-0.

I led off the 3rd by grounding out to Gary Jones at 2nd.

Jody Davis hit a solo homer in the 4th.

Cubs lead 3-0.

I came up in the 5th with two out and Rich Bordi pitching. I managed a walk. Robby Thompson singled and I hustled to 3rd. THat's as far as I could get.

Bill Laskey relieved for us.
He walked Dernier and gave up a two run homer to Ray Knight. One out later he did the same thing - walked Shawon Dunston and gave up a gopher ball to Jody Davis.

Cubs lead 7-0.

We got a couple dingers of our own the next inning as Mike Aldrete hit a two-run shot and Bob Brenly hit a solo bomb.

Cubs lead 7-3.

Mark Davis relieved in the 6th. I got the 3rd out for him, off a Day eOwen grounder.

I was lifted in the 7th.

We lost 7-3.

Wow, spring training has kind of sucked.

I don't feel ready for the season at all!

[rpriske]

With spring out of the way, how are we heading into the season?

Well, a lot happened. A lot of stuff that I wasn't expecting.

A bunch of guys that had a shot to make the roster were designated for assignment instead.

Fran Mullins, Burt Brown, Brian Harper, Mark Calvert, Hal McRae, Terry Harper, and Eddie Vargas.

Sent to Phoenix:

Colin Ward, Randy Morse, Bill Laskey, Steve Nicosia

We are going into the season like this:

Rotation

Dennis Eckersley
Bruce Ruffin
Terry Mulholland
Eric King
Mark Grant

Bullpen

Scott Garrelts (Closer)
Jeff Robinson
Mark Davis
Pat Perry
Willie Fraser
Frank Williams

(Surprised about Fraser. He was a starting pitcher in A ball last year.)

Primary lineup:

SS - Rusty Priske
3B - Ken Oberkfell
RF - Chili Davis
LF - Rob Deer
1B - Mike Aldrete
C - Bob Brenly
2B - Robby Thompson
CF - Lee Mazzilli

John Rabb is the back-up catcher. Chris Brown, Tom O'Malley, and Brad Wellman are backing up the infield with Mike Jones and Steve Stanicek for the outfield.

The experts are predicting we will finish 3rd in our division, 3 games behind those damned Dodgers.

Some are calling for Eckersley to be the favourite for the NL Cy Young.

We are starting out on the road, in Houston.

[rpriske]

April 8th, 1986

Here we go. Opening Day in Houston.

New star Giant, Dennis Eckersley is pitching.
The Astros have Mike Scott.

I have gone 3 for 13 vs Scott.

Opening day under a roof seems wrong somehow.

Anyway, I lead off the game by grounding out to Doug DeCinces at third. No 1.000 batting average for me this year, I guess.

I got involved early on the defensive side, getting the 2nd out on a Ken Griffey grounder.

I cane up next in the 3rd, with two out, and Scott struck me out.

In the home half I got the 1st out off a Jerry Mumphrey grounder. Houston opened the scoring that inning when Bill Doran doubled home Dickie Thon from 2nd.

Astros lead 1-0.

I came up with one out in the 6th, We still have yet to record a hit. I changed that! I singled to right and got to 2nd when Harold Baines overran the ball. And what do I do when I get on base? Stolen base #1!
Unfortunately, I couldn't get past 3rd.

I came up next in the 8th with two out and Chris Brown, who had pinch walked for Ecks, on 1st. Scott struck me out again.

Mark Davis took the mound for us in the bottom half.

Dave Smith took over for Houston in the 9th to close thing out, but we had a different idea in mind.
Kenny Oberkfell and Chili Davis led off the inning with a pair of singled. Mike Jones took over for Kenny as a pinch runner. Smith struck out the next two but then Bob Brenly singled and Jones scored, tying the game. After Robby Thompson walked Lee Mazzilli singled, scoring Chili.

Giants lead 2-1!

Scott Garrelts came in to get his first save as our closer. He didn't.
Doug DeCinces doubled home Keith Hernandez with two out to tie it back up. Then Mark Bailey singled and DeCinces crossed for a walk-off 3-2 win for the home team.

Ugh.

I went 1 for 4 with a stole base.

After the game we heard that a couple of our teammates from last year had been claimed by other teams. Fran Mullins was heading off to Detroit. Brian Harper would be showing up right here, in Houston. (Well, more likely he would be in AAA, but he is on their 40-man.)

[rpriske]

April 9th, 1986

For the second game of the season, we are going with the rookie, Bruce Ruffin.
The Astros have John Candelaria.
I am 3 for 12 vs Candelaria.

I kicked off the game by whiffing.

I led off again in the 3rd and I hit one hard but Jerry Mumphrey tracked it down in deep centre.

I made my first defensive play in the bottom half, grabbing a Dickie Tom grounder for the 1st out. I also got Bill Doran the same way, for the 3rd out.

I came up with one out in the 5th and this time I wore a Candy fastball, getting 1st. I wasn't able to get any further.

In the bottom half I snagged a Doran liner for the 3rd out, to save a run.

We were still tied 0-0 in the 7th when Nestor lifted me for a pinch hitter.

It didn't help. We ended up losing 1-0.

Pulled for a pinch hitter in our second game?

[rpriske]

April 10th, 1986

We really hate to start the season off on a low note. Two games in an don win yet.

Today the Astros are pitching Bert Blyleven. The Giants have Terry Mulholland.

I am a goose egg for seven vs Bert.

I led off the game and made it 0 for 8 as I grounded out to Glenn Davis at 1st.

In the 2nd we staked a claim as Mike Aldrete, Bob Brenly, Robby Thompson, and Lee Mazzilli hit consecutive singles, scoring two.

Giants lead 2-0.

I made my first defensive play in the bottom half, grabbing a Ron Hassey grounder for the 2nd out.

I led off the 3rd by swinging through a Blyleven fastball for the K.
Before the inning was up, Aldrete singled home Chili Davis, who had walked.

Giants lead 3-0.

I came up in the 4th with two out and Robby on 3rd. A good time to break my Blyleven slump, but nope. I grounded out to Bill Doran at 2nd.

In the bottom half I pivoted on a Thompson / Priske / Aldrete double play to get Doug DeCinces and Ken Griffey out.

Mike Aldrete was at it again in the 6th as he smacked a solo home run.

Giants lead 4-0.

In the home half the Astros got on the board with a two run homer by Glenn Davis. Later Chuck Jackson hit a pinch hit single to score Griffey. Then Bill Doran singled to score both Hassey and Dickie Thon.

Astros lead 5-4.

I came up with one out in the 7th, now facing Mike Flanagan. I worked a walk. Steve Stanicek pinch hit for Kenny Oberkfell and I ran right into a pitchout for a caught stealing.

Pat Perry relieved for us after that.

In the 9th Brenly showed us how it is done as he hit a lead-off homer to tie the game!

Game tied 5-5.

Frank Williams came it to pitch the 9th, and try to force extras. I did my part as I started a Priske - Thompson - Aldrete double play to get Thomas Mitchell and Harold Baines out. Then I took a Keith Hernandez grounder it end the inning.

I lead off the 10th, facing Frank DiPino. I ground out to DeCinces at 3rd.

Scott Garrelts came in for us. I got the 2nd out for him, off a Griffey grounder. I also got the 3rd out, off a former teammate of ours, Kenny Smith!

I then got the 1st out in the Astros' 11th, off a Thon grounder.

In the 12th I came up with two out and now facing Jeff Heathcock. I grounded out to DeCinces again.

Willie Fraser took the mound for us in the 12th. He got all three he faced that inning, but in the 13th he gave up a solo shot to DeCinces for the walk-off.

Three straight losses to start the season.

I am hitting below .100

And now we are heading to L.A. to face the Dodgers.

[rpriske]

April 11th, 1986

We are in L.A. to face Bob Forsch and the Dodgers.

Eric King is pitching for us.

Forsch pitched for Oakland last year so I have never faced him.

I led off the game by swinging through the third strike.

I got the last out of the inning by grabbing a grounder from Darrell Evans.

In the 3rd Eric walked Evans with the bases loaded to score Mike Scoscia.

Dodgers lead 1-0.

I led off the 4th by eating a Forsch curveball that curved a little too much. The way I have been hitting, I'll take it! Then came stolen base #2. I moved to 3rd on a Kenny Oberkfell grounder. I wasn't able to move up the last 90 feet.

I came up in the 6th with one out and pinch hitter Tom O'Malley on 1st. I grounded out to Steve Sax at 2nd, but moved O'Malley up. He wasn't able to come around.

Frank Williams relieved for us.
He gave up a run when RJ Reynolds hit a sac fly to score Mookie Wilson.

Dodgers lead 2-0.

Jeff Robinson took over pitching for us in the 8th, after Frankie was lifted for a pinch hitter.
I got the 2nd out for Jeff, snagging a liner by Evans.

I led off the 9th, now facing Tom Niedenfuer. I struck out. I am hitting .071

We lost 2-0 and are now 0-4.