Kansas Welcomes Rain Delay

Former major-leaguer Mike Hargrove has been named manager of the semi-pro Bee Jays of Liberal, Kansas. Hargrove played for the Bee Jays in the 70's, when the Texas Rangers drafted him.

As a player, Hargrove was named Rookie of the Year, hit a career .290 and earned the nickname The Human Rain Delay. At the plate, before each pitch, Hargrove adjusted his helmet, adjusted each batting glove, and then fine-tuned the fit of the gloves near the base of each thumb. His at-bat ritual wasn't complete until he adjusted first one sleeve, then the other; wiped his hands onto his pants, planted his left foot, then finally placed his right foot into the box. Almost a minute of Hargrove's routine before each pitch.Every pitch.

I hated to see him foul one off with 2 strikes on. I prayed the pitcher wouldn't check the runner and throw to first, or move off the rubber. His routine was so disruptive to the rhythm of the game, I wondered if the National League pitchers collectively negotiated Hargrove's trade from San Diego back to the American League (Cleveland) after just 52 games in 1979.

This year, during an 8-game win-streak, Hargrove left his post as manager with the Mariners. "I never lost my passion for the game – I lost my passion for the job," he says. Hargrove will skipper the 2008 Bee Jays without compensation. "It’s a chance to give back," he proudly declares.

Lesson one for these college players: Delaying the Game for Fun. "No, Turtle. You're stepping into the box too quickly. Try hitting the bat against your cleats one more time, first."

The Bee Jays play in the Jayhawk League. Notable Jayhawk League Alumni include Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds, Lance Berkman, Ozzie Smith, Doug Drabek, and Chuck Knoblauch.

Tags:[Mike Hargrove]   [1998 ALDS (Cleveland v. Boston)]
[Bee Jays]
[Jayhawk Baseball League]   [Liberal, Kansas]
[Rain Delay]   [Bob Carlile]