One of my favorite Dodgers as child was Pedro Guerrero. He was the power hitter of my youth, the guy I loved to watch play everyday. In 11 seasons as a Dodger, Pedro batted .309, hit 171 homeruns and knocked in 585 runs. Eric Stephen of True Blue LA took a look at Pedro's years in LA, it's a great read. You can check out his article here.
Pedro, who had drug and alcohol problems, was arrested and later acquitted on drug conspiracy charges in 2000. Last year his name popped again when he said he was a changed man and he wanted to return to the game. Maybe we'll see Pedro back in Dodger blue one day.
For now, I would like to show Pedro Guerrero's autograph. This is a 2004 Upper Deck Legends Timeless Teams auto, 1980 Dodgers #181. In 1980, Pedro played every position except catcher and shortstop. The card has him listed as an outfielder, but it looks like he's playing thirdbase in the picture. He's also got that great fu manchu mustache.
I remember when O.J. Simpson called the cops and said his girlfriend was speeding in a car with Pedro Guerrero and they were high on cocaine together. Can't make that stuff up Dude!
ReplyDeleteHilarious.
BTB - I know. I hate to say it, but looking back, it's kinda funny.
ReplyDeleteTerrific card. Pedro was a favorite, too. So much that I tried to get people to call me "Pedro" early in my high school days.
ReplyDeletePathetic, I know.
Greg - Thanks. It's OK. I think we all did something like that. For me, it was Enos Cabell. Not Sandy Koufax or Steve Garvey, but Enos Cabell. Strange.
ReplyDeleteAwesome add to your Dodger collection!
ReplyDeleteYJF - Thanks man!
ReplyDeleteBrooklyn already said it. I remember Pedro well as a player, and he was one of the best when at the top of his game. But thanks to jim rome show, all i can think of now is OJ quote: "She's been doing drugs for two days with Pedro Guerrero"
ReplyDeleteDBG - It's funny, because when I mention that story to some of my younger friends, they're like "who's OJ". I feel old.
ReplyDeleteeven a better story is the pedro guerrero & steve sax celebrity goft tourney. it's worth looking up. let's just say the punch line was "no, he was sucking my d*ck"
ReplyDelete