COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. – Jim Leyland gave an eloquent speech on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in the most idyllic small-town American setting.
That was not a surprise to anyone who knows Leyland. He has a way of gaining people’s attention with his deep commanding voice and sense of humor. However, there was one surprise when Leyland spoke during the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony in the field behind the Clark Sports Center, speaking third among the four inductees – after Todd Helton and Adrian Beltre and before Joe Mauer.
Leyland’s voice did not crack until nearly three-quarters through his speech. A man noted for showing his emotions kept them in check for longer than anyone who knows him thought possible. What brought Leyland nearly to tears was talking about Gene Lamont.
One former Pittsburgh Pirates manager explained the importance of another former Pittsburgh Pirates manager to a large chunk of his 51-year professional baseball career. Leyland mentioned that Lamont and Rich Donnelly were the first coaches he hired when he replaced Chuck Tanner as the Pirates’ manager during the 1985-86 offseason. Leyland lauded Donnelly for scheduling spring training workouts and how they were flawlessly executed.
Then, Leyland got to Lamont and almost lost control. “Gene was listed as a coach but really was another manager,” Leyland said. “It was unbelievable to have your closest friend standing next to you in the dugout through the good times and the tough times.
” Lamont was in attendance Sunday, making the trip from his home in Sarasota, Fla., to rural Central New York despite being 77 and having health problems in recent years. Lamont wouldn’t have missed it, though, because he and Leyland have been BFFs since 1966.
They were catchers for the Detroit Tigers’ Class A farm club in Rocky Mount, N.C., that year and roomed with another catcher named Joe Cernich.
“He was the kind of guy everybody gravitated to because of his personality,” Lamont said of Leyland to Pittsburgh Baseball Now. “He had a quick wit, was the type of guy people wanted to be around. You could tell he really loved baseball, had a real keen interest in the game and we just hit it off pretty much right from the start.
” Lamont coached with the Pirates from 1986-91 before becoming the Chicago White Sox’ manager. Lamont returned to Pittsburgh as a coach in 1995 after being fired and took over as manager in 1997 when Leyland left to manage the Miami Marlins. Leyland returned to managing in 2006 with the Detroit Tigers after a six-year hiatus in which he scouted for the St.
Louis Cardinals and hired Lamont as bench coach. Lamont remained his best friend’s closest confidant until Leyland retired after the 2013 season. Leyland recently bought a home in Siesta Key, Fla.
, and now lives just a mile away from Lamont. “We have such a great bond,” Leyland said. “I have some much respect for being one of the smartest baseball men around.
” Leyland touched upon the relationship he developed with Pittsburgh fans during 11 seasons managing the Pirates from 1986-96. The Pirates won three straight National League titles from 1990-92 but never made it to the World Series. “It never felt it was like manager and fans in Pittsburgh.
It felt more like manager and friends,” Leyland said. “I know we made you happy and I know we broke your heart, but I always felt we were in it together.” The 79-year-old Leyland opened his speech with “I have the heart of a little boy but the soul of an old man.
” He closed his remarks with a poignant ode to all baseball fans. “No matter which Hall of Famer you are here to support today or what team you root for, your presence is really felt,” he said. “When you’re on your feet in the ninth inning with the home team clinging to a one-run lead.
Turning on your television for the first game of the World Series and seeing 50,000 people waving towels and hoping this is the year. For a little boy or girl getting their first autograph and scurrying back to the stands to show mom and dad. Ladies and gentlemen, that’s you.
That’s baseball and this is a Hall of Fame.” This article first appeared on Pittsburgh Baseball Now and was syndicated with permission..
