Tuesday, April 5, 2011

A to Z, The Orioles' Legacy: Rick Dempsey

Player: Rick Dempsey
Years of Service: 12 (1976-86, 1992)
Position: Catcher


Image via Camden Chat

To this day, Dempsey still enjoys folk hero status among the Oriole faithful. He was the MVP of the 1983 World Series. Known primarily for his defensive assets, Dempsey was a beast with bat in hand for that affair: .923 slugging percentage over the five-game series! That really would have been enough. But what truly endeared him to Baltimore fans was his sense of humor, providing comic entertainment during rain delays.

Hamming it up:


Photo via Deadspin

He was the on-field embodiment of Earl Weaver, the larger-than life manager of the Orioles through an era when they were the best operation in baseball. Dempsey has served stints as first base and bullpen coach for the club. His name comes up whenever the managerial job opens.

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For each letter of the A to Z Challenge, I will feature one player from Baltimore Orioles/St. Louis Browns history. I hope you will join me. I hope you'll also check out the other 1200+ blogs participating. See the full list at Tossing It Out.


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