Pat Sheridan - a true professional
Recently, I got to enjoy another perk of sports media, when I sat down with former Major Leaguer Pat Sheridan. What made this so enjoyable, is that I grew up watching the players from this era.
Pat was drafted in the 3rd round by the Kanas City Royals in 1979. He grew up in the area and went to Wayne Memorial and then Eastern University.
His debut game was Sept 16th, 1981 - he played ten more years - with the Royals, Toronto, Giants, Tigers and the Yankees. I remember his Tiger days from 86-89. In the 1987 ALCS he hit a homerun for the only win the Tigers could muster against Minnesota. In 1985 Pat was on the World Series Royals championship team and played for the Giants world series team that lost to Oakland in ‘89.
During our talk I enjoyed the stories he had of the Royals and of the Tigers. He never hesitated to sign the baseballs I had for him, and I even left with some “Pat Sheridan” baseball cards that he gave me. A true professional in all respects. The great thing is that he still calls Michigan his home and lives and works here. Thanks for being one of those players I grew up watching, that wore the Olde English D and are still representing Major League Baseball as professionals.
I remember those days also. That 87 team wasnt that bad of a team.
Comment by larry — July 15, 2011 @ 9:49 am
He platooned alot but he was a local boy which made his Tiger years here enjoyable for fans. There is somethng about that Olde English “D” that strikes pride in a fan.
Comment by jeff — July 15, 2011 @ 9:51 am
A nice guy to talk to. Very professional (unlike John HAHA). We grew up watching these guys play a kids game, and they were all our heroes. And still today, as we talk to the men who played more than 20 years ago, it just brings back memories of yesteryear. Oh to be young again!!
Comment by Kevin — July 15, 2011 @ 10:06 am
John, it was nice talking to you also. As we get older, the younger generation is concerned more with computers and texting. Since we didn’t have any of those growing up, we played baseball in the streets until the street lights came on , then we had to go home. See ya around!!
Comment by Pat — July 15, 2011 @ 11:43 am
True to form. I grew up back then also. In fact somewhere in my collection I have a Sheridan autograph from when I was at Tiger Stadium when he played. I have many from that team also. As I take my kids now it seems very rare that the players are accessiable. Thanks Pat for being one of those guys that took the time some 20 years ago to make a kid happy..
Comment by Phil B. — July 16, 2011 @ 5:23 am
Thanks for the posts. Yes It seems like now a days some players do not have the time for the fans. I understand that they are preparing for the game but it takes a second to sign a ball or baseball card. Mr Sheridan is still available for the fans and I see that with some former players. I will say now that current Tiger Phil Coke is usually the last off the field during practice and always it seems he does what he can for the fans and answers all our questions that we need. As you can all see Pat took time to even post on our site. Live long and prosper number 15.
Comment by john — July 17, 2011 @ 11:04 am
John, I truly agree with you on that. I love the Tigers and it bugs me when they dont even take the time to sign one thing. I have noticed some of them going out of there way to sign while some do not. It is about fans.
Comment by jeff — July 17, 2011 @ 11:14 am
hey guys, do you have anymore promo’s coming up. My ball team was up at kickers when you guys did an event a couple weeks back. Great time, and awesome prizes.
Comment by jeff — July 22, 2011 @ 11:02 pm