MUST SEE: Greatest Pic Of Tom Kelly, Ever

[Parker Hageman]

I trot this photo out a lot on Twitter because, well, it is just super. There doesn't need to be a reason to constantly look at this photo for hours on end. Zubaz and smoking near machinery that could take your hand clear off, what more do you need? This image is the epitome of MANKIND in the 1980s. You know, before lawyers got involved.

 

ANYWAY, today is special because it is Tom Kelly's 64th birthday so this photo deserves to be front-and-center in our collective again. 

 

Happy birthday, T.K.

 

[Willihammer]

"Nooooo smoking in the Metrodome!"

[Kirby_waved_at_me]

Willihammer beat me to it !

 

Isn't there a Zubaz promotion coming up at Target Field soon?

[nicksaviking]

Hard to believe he's only 64.  Managing the Twins sure has a way of aging a guy. 

 

La Rusa, Torre and Cox all managed to the age of 66 or older and occupy spots 3-5 on the all time wins list.  Combined Kelly and Gardenhire sit two wins behind Sparky Anderson who is in 6th place.

 

Just saying.

[Seth Stohs]

I wonder if he'll wear that to Zoobazpoluza!?

[gil4]

I wonder if he'll wear that to Zoobazpoluza!?

 

I wonder if Joe Mauer or Aaron Gleeman will join him:

 

http://aarongleeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/mauer-and-gleeman-zubaz.jpg

 

If "joe mauer zubaz gleeman" makes Gleeman's list of searches that hit his site, that was me.  I remembered the Mauer photo on his site, but I didn't know he had combined it into one image with the old photo of himself.  I think the jersey is worse than the pants.  I know if my mom had old photos that were that bad (and I'm sure she does), I wouldn't be scanning them and putting them on the internet.

[Ben B]

Greatest picture of Tom Kelly, ever.

[DocBauer]

Great picture! That is a man right there! Lol

 

 

Seriously, TK is often seen as deadpan and dry. And there is no question TK has a very dry wit and sense of humor about him. But this photo, I think, shows the mind of guy players and close associates know and love. A guy who is anything but flamboyant, but also not afraid to have a little fun.

 

 

Whether it's time for Gardy to go or not is not a point I wish it discuss at the moment. I love Gardy as a good guy and a good baseball man. And I've always loved TK the same way. I think we've been lucky to have both men represent our team and the Twins Way the past 27. That's right...27 years these two men have lead our favorite ML team through thick and thin...and let's be honest here...it's been mostly thick.

 

 

I love that TK still scouts for us. I love that he remains involved in ST along with other past greats. I hope that like TK, when his time comes to go, Gardy will stay involved as a scout, mentor, or occassional broadcaster.

 

 

Happy Birthday TK, and thank you for all you've done for our Twins!

[gunnarthor]

Usually you see something that promises "greatest picture ever" and you think, "well, this will probably suck." But, nope, this time it was delivered. 

[JB_Iowa]

I'm very glad that I was so busy with my life that I totally blanked out on the era of those Zubaz pants.

 

I'm only sorry that they seem to be enjoying a revival -- and look what happened to the Tigres after they wore them.  Detroit was 27-12 on May 18 and then they had a team Zubaz to travel from Boston to Cleveland.  Today they are 65-55.  So they are 38-43 post-Zubaz.

 

They should have let them go the way of the leisure suit.

 

 

(Great photo of TK, though even though I choked on the cigar smoke when I saw it).