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I see where MLB Network is showing a Bob Costas tribute to Rod Carew next Tuesday at 8 p.m.
This reminded me of a spring training game about 2 years ago. For those of you not familiar
with Hammond Stadium the stands run along the 3rd base side to just past the infield. Then
comes the Twins bullpen area and outside of that is a picnic area with concrete tables. Above
this area is a concrete ceiling and above that is a big bar area with railings all around. As you
stand in this bar area and face home plate to your left is the main field and to the right is a
small infield size field called the Tom Kelly field where he conducts his famous "Good Morning,
America" infield drills.
This particular day Aaron Hicks and Pedro Florimon were both nursing minor injuries and were
not scheduled to play. A few of us standing at the rail noticed Rod Carew take Hicks and Florimon
to Tom Kelly field to practice bunting. Paul Molitor began feeding a pitching machine while the
two took turns bunting with Carew talking softly behind home plate. About halfway through
the basket of balls someone came to relieve Molitor who left. During this brief time out Carew
took one of the bats and scratched a line in the dirt parallel with the 3rd base line and about a
foot inside. We couldn't hear him but assumed he told them to either hit that line or bunt between
the line and 3rd base line.
They both batted left handed and used up the rest of the balls. Some bunts were good, some not
so good, and some pretty bad. When they finished they picked up all the balls and refilled the
basket then started to leave.
Carew motioned to Hicks to hand him his bat. Carew walked to the batters box and just stood
there without taking a hitters stance and motioned for one more pitch. He bunted the ball perfectly
right down that line in the dirt and handed the bat back to Hicks. Hicks shook his head in
disbelief as they walked off the field.
We all wish Mr. Carew renewed good health and many more spring training appearances.
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