April 14, 1969...GAME 6 (SEA 6, KC 5)

In the lexicon of baseball Bouton says, "I died tonight". After giving up 2 runs in an inning of work and seeing his ERA balloon into the 3.80's "The Bulldog" was optioned to Vancouver (Seattle's Farm team). The Pilots held on to win the game, and if Diego Segui doesn't yield a double to the light hitting Jackie Hernandez, Bouton escapes with only 1 run against. Still convinced that his knuckle ball can get out major league hitters he heads off to "the bushes". Interesting quote: "What about Steve Barber ? He hasn't been able to pick up a baseball. He had a brutal spring. What's this love affair with Barber ? Why can't he go on the DL ?"..."Ah, the hell with it". Baseball is a funny game. The thought processes that emanate from baseball management, even funnier. Sometimes as fans we sit back and shake our heads at the decisions they make. How many of us would have drafted Steve Chilcott over Reggie Jackson ? Somehow they get paid the big bucks and we don't. Gotta love the 'ole boys network.