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Hall of Fame baseball writer Hal McCoy has retired from the Dayton Daily News after covering the Cincinnati Reds for 37 years. Hal's blog, though, will continue to be a must-read for Reds fans. He'll share his thoughts on the team this season and will file updates from Great American Ball Park. You also can catch Hal in print every Sunday in his popular Ask Hal columnHome > Blogs > The Real McCoy | Cincinnati Reds baseball news > Archives > 2008 > August > 26 > Entry
The dog-savers: my heroes
I have two new heroes.
You probably don’t know Dave and Kate DiCenzo, unless you live in Canada and read some of Dave’s hockey reports for the Canadian Press.
He recently began work as a stringer for my paper, although I didn’t know that. Nor did I know he lives a mile from me. I didn’t know Dave or Kate - until today.
My 9-year-old miniature schnauzer, Barkley, went on his own - Barkley McCoy’s Big Adventure. Our cleaning lady decided to let him out before she left the house. When she went to get him, he was gone. She searched frantically.
Finally, she called my wife, Nadine, who was at school teaching. Nadine came home. She and my mother-in-law, Lucille Tomczak, and the cleaning lady scoured the neighborhood for an hour. No Barkley.
My wife returned home just in time to pick up a phone call. It was Kate DiCenzo. Barkley was with Kate and Dave. They’d read his license number and called the county dog folks, who gave them our number.
Only when Nadine went to pick him up and she mentioned my name did Kate and Dave reveal that he has just gone to work at the Dayton Daily News — unbeknownst to me.
All I know is that Barkley is one smart pooch — other than not being able to find his way home. He found a house where another sports writer lived and stood on their porch. Or maybe it was the fact Kate works for the Iams dog food company and Barkley was after a free sample.
Anyway, thanks Kate. Thanks Dave. Other than Nadine, Barkley is my best friend in the world and I would have been a total wreck if something happened to him.
DAVID WEATHERS yelled at me. Again. He likes to yell at me, I guess.
This time it was after I visited Ken Griffey Jr. for a story in Chicago. The White Sox-Mariners game was a mess, a 15-3 White Sox win. I mentioned, offhandedly, in my story, that watching the Mariners was like watching the Reds. Dreadful.
Well, two nights later the Reds beat the Colorado Rockies, 8-5, after leading 8-0. Weathers himself gave up two of those five runs, but in the clubhouse after the game, Weathers yelled at me, “Hey, Hal. Did we look like the Mariners tonight?”
I said nothing, but I could have said, “Well, yeah, in the last three innings.”
A couple of years ago the bullpen was struggling and we were in Cleveland. After the bullpen blew up again I wrote, “This isn’t a bullpen, this is a pigpen.”
Weathers came into the clubhouse the next day waving the newspaper clippings and shouting, “So now we’re a pigpen, huh?”
One of Weathers’ best friends is fellow bullpenner Kent Mercker, but he came to my rescue and I am forever grateful. He said, “Hey, Stormy (Weathers), check the numbers. We are a pigpen right now. All I ask is that I get to be the Head Hog.”
After Weathers yelled at me in Denver, a couple of his teammates later apologized to me. For obvious reasons, they shall remain nameless, but one said, “Does he look at the standings? Has he watched us play?”
Strangely, I like David Weathers. He is a pro. He does anything the team asks him to do and more. He is a fun-loving guy and a good quote. He helps young players. He is good to have around - except when he is yelling at me.
I WAS ON Baseball Beat with Charlie Steiner on XM radio today and before our segment began, he played Eric Burdon’s song, “We gotta get out of this place, if it’s the last thing we ever do.”
Very funny, Charlie. Did you mean out of last place or did you mean I’ve gotta get out of this place of covering the Cincinnati Reds - the eighth straight losing season.
TODAY’S LINEUPS (If anybody cares)
No Corey Patterson.
Dickerson is leading off and playing CENTER FIELD. Jolbert Cabrera is in left field.
Dickerson, Keppinger, Phillips, Votto, Encarnacion, Bruce, Cabrera, Hanigan, Arroyo.
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By michael
August 29, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this
You are correct about McClouth, but I think he has been through what we are seeeing now with Jay Bruce. He was a wonder boy too. I think he will be good for a long time. If we could go after him, the Pirates are known for taking anything in trade!
By timb
August 28, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
Michael, sorry about that earlier, the difference between McLouth and Rocco is thier contract status. Baldelli is a free agent; whereas McLouth is still under contract. I was looking at free agents, since I have no idea who will be available come this winter. In essence, even though McLouth is mostly a flash in the pan (he’s been decent for exactly this season), at least he’s not hurt every season, so he’s probably a better option.
By michael
August 28, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
timb, I assume you are directing that to me? I do like rocco in the OF, but I really like the Pirate’s Nate Mclouth. I think he can be a game changer with his speed and power. They are a lot alike, but Mcclouth is in the lineup everyday. Pittsburg always seems willing to part with players. Bottom line is that we have to pay up to play up.
By Ryan Persohn
August 28, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
The first thing that needs to be done is get rid of Baker and Patterson! I can take a few more losing seasons, if I know things are being done the right way to rebiuld this team. I have confidence in Walt Jockety, but I DO NOT have confidence in Baker.
By Ryan Persohn
August 28, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this
The first thing that needs to be done is get rid of Baker and Patterson! I can take a few more losing seasons, if I know things are being done the right way to rebiuld this team. I have confidence in Walt Jockety, but I DO NOT have confidence in Baker.
By timb
August 28, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
Mike, do you like Baldelli for center? he has a terrible injury history, but he is still young and has all five tools. An OF of Bruce, him, and Votto, with EE at first, Blalock at third, Furcal at short, and Phillips at second. Now, that is mostly a dream, since Blalock’s option will likely be picked up and Furcal’s last contract was huge (so he’s probably not ready for a pay cut). Nonetheless, around Labor Day a Reds fan is always dreaming of next year’s dream squad.
By michael
August 28, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
I agree Ross. I posted earlier that CF (along with SS and C) is one position the Reds should fill with a high quality player. I do not think Dickerson is the impact CF for this team, but I won’t say that Dickerson can’t play somewhere everyday yet. Just as you earn an everday spot in the lineup, you must earn your seat on the bench. He has not earned a place on the pine yet. Dickerson hustles, gets on base, and plays the field pretty well for a Rookie. He has even knocked a few dingers. I say let him play and his true colors will show eventually. As for Bruce, he will turn it around. He has hit everywhere he has played, but he needs a solid hitting coach/Mentor…like Sabo or ED. While I rant about the coaching staff, I am getting tired of watching Dick Pole waddle to the mound. With his stats as a player, and his inability to fit into a big league uniform, how can he expect to have credibility? He has messed up some pitchers around here.
By ross
August 28, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this
yes michael.. and Dickerson is not an impact player..neither is K king Bruce..this team has a couple of young pitchers and Phillips..last time I looked it takes 25 to win not 3 or 4
By michael
August 28, 2008 7:02 AM | Link to this
timb, we shall see. I don’t think you can call Dickerson a utility guy yet, because he still hasn’t proven that he can’t play everyday. He strikes out a lot, but still learning the majors. As for Gonzo, I agree that he can D and has a little pop, but we need impact players to fill the questionable positions, and also somebody at SS who will play everyday.
By timb
August 27, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
Michael, Dickerson will be a fine 4th OF (in his first 49 AB’s he struck out fifteen times, twice as much as he walked). He’s tall and fast and play some defense. He’s not an answer, however. with regards to Alex. Dusty loves because he is a throw back. All AGon can do is hit an occasional home run and play defense. He used to be as good defensively as Brandon is. We’ll see about next year, although if they are committed to rebuilding, it would be a shock to see him make it through March without being traded.
By BrarHopper
August 27, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
A-200 Pyrinate, Bronson, it works ever time! We larnt that down here in them hills a-datin’ Dixie Sue.
By ross
August 27, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
I agree with timb..the reds offense is a bunch of punch and judy hitters..Dickerson might be a 5th OF he is not an everyday player..Hanigan is terrible, Phillips is the only established big time player this team has..Votto has a chance to be solid..Bruce will be an average player at best….260-20-78RBI type guy..I liked the team that could bash with Dunner and company I cant understand why Javy dont get more ABS like last year..this team needs hitters he needs to catch more for his bat
By ross
August 27, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this
by steven…I was saying Phillips/Votto are solid players more so Phillips and the rest of the team is terrible..Im tired of losing with nothing to look forward to..always fired up with optimism for spring training..tell me what we have to look forward to next year…Dickerson, Hanigan, the Reds have terrible players look around..Fogg, Weathers, Bako, Patterson, Hanigan, Dickerson maybe a 5th OF on a club..
By michael
August 27, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
timb wrote:I’m sure glad they traded their “lazy” hitters, because they are scoring runs in bunches. Me too timb! Its exciting to see the Reds actually keep the game close and seemingly enjoying the game! Dickerson looks to be 4 real, and Phillips is a flashy, substantial player (throwback to the Big Red Machine). Votto, be… He can flat hit…just hope he learns to field at 1B. I like the future if we can fill CF, C, and SS with some quality. One problem I see is that Gonzo will be back and Dusty seems to love this guy. I am not sure he can make the kind of impact the Reds need.
By Steven Ross
August 27, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
By ross—-Weathers is another terrible player on a terrible team…look at that lineup..Phillips, Votto and a bunch of terrible players. I’d hardly call Votto and Phillips terrible. Votto is on fire now and looks like the real deal to me. It’s his and Bruce’s first season. Give ‘um a break.
By timb
August 27, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
Michale, that hustling has led to 10 hits in 21 innings. I’m sure glad they traded their “lazy” hitters, because they are scoring runs in bunches. Anyway, Dusty already indicated his plans re: Bako/Hanigan, i.e. Bako catches the kids and Hanigan catches the veterans.
By michael
August 27, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
Weathers is a decent Pitcher who has worked hard for the Reds. They are a terrible team, but they have kept the games close and are hustling a little more of late. Hopefully, the attitude is changing. I do not think Weathers should return next year because he is part of the old regime of losing ways and he isn’t good enough to pitch on a “good” team
By ross
August 27, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
Weathers is another terrible player on a terrible team…look at that lineup..Phillips, Votto and a bunch of terrible players..Ive said it since day 1 Bruce will be an average major leaguer and Jock Itch considers him a franchise type..oh well he is cheap
By michael
August 27, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
Brarhopper, I agree man. all the fiddling around with his stuff is down right annoying! But, if he keeps pitching like he is now, he can do no wrong.
By Steve
August 27, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this
A dog is a gift from God. Why else would it be his name backwards? Thanks for the story, Hal. Tell Weathers to calm down and put together some wins. Shut up and pitch. Or retire. At this point, who really cares?
By AP-FLORIDA
August 26, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this
Bet hanigan does not start tomorrow! Any takers? Think I saw Barkley on Sunset>>>
By ShockMonkey
August 26, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this
BrarHopper wrote: Hannigan is a fine defensive catcher, good arm, calls a great game, and has a bat. A wonderful reason to let Bako sit. Amen brother! Hanigan should start six times out of seven over Bako. Anytime a lineup doesn’t include Patterson and Bako, I feel we have a chance. At least we don’t give away outs in the 7 and 8 slots. Dusty’s a strange man sometimes.
By wizard
August 26, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this
Damn brarhopper I needed to come and visit you to get away from blabbermouth! I think maybe Bronson can’t find it?
By post office Dean
August 26, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this
Good to see Baker finally make a good decision and leave Bronson in to finish the game, there was no reason to take him out, but you never know Baker’s logic. I feel it is a lot more relaxing to watch the Reds with CP on the bench, he could screw up a free lunch.
By BrarHopper
August 26, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this
Tonight’s game was prime premium. This was a pleasure to watch. And hey, no errors! Arroyo was the man we traded for and has been a helluva picther his last many starts. Hannigan is a fine defensive catcher, good arm, calls a great game, and has a bat. A wonderful reason to let Bako sit. And let’s see Rosales get some PT — what ya waiting for Dusty? Speaking of Bronson, could he get a cup that fits or a can of Jock Itch or something? I’ve never seen a player go for, ahem, “an adjustment” so often. He tugs away at that thing after every single pitch. Looks like he’s yanking his cup. What’s up with that?
By Fred
August 26, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this
I’ve got to agree with you Mike about Rosales. It’s hard to understand how you bring someone up who had 10 consecutive two-hit games and sit him on the bench and not give a hot bat a start. We’ve seen what EE and Patterson can do. Give the kid a chance!
By Fred
August 26, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this
I’ve got to agree with you Mike about Rosales. It’s hard to understand how you bring someone up who had 10 consecutive two-hit games and sit him on the bench and not give a hot bat a start. We’ve seen what EE and Patterson can do. Give the kid a chance!
By Mike-Cinci
August 26, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this
Weathers is a good guy. I’ve seen him spend more time than was necessary signing autographs for kids and answering questions. When I asked him about it he said “I have young children and I’d want a player to treat them well too. I know these kids want to talk to a player”. I’m happy to see Stormy stand up for his team mates. Passion for your team is a good thing. Hal is right however. This team is lousy. I’m glad Barkley is home, safe and sound.
By rob
August 26, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this
Weathers is hardly a cancer. He is durable, dependable, and isn’t afraid to stand up for his teammates. I hope he is a Red in 2009.
By jim m.
August 26, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this
well i hope before Aug 1st, the front office brings up Stubbs to play LF, releases “Mr out” Patterson, trades Stormy Weathers and Affeldt and brings up Daniel Ray Herrera, Josh Roenicke and also Ramon Ramirez (DL Cueto and give him rest, the Reds aren’t going anywhere and not worth ruining Cueto!!) for the rotation. At least give the fans something to go watch, because watching Patterson get time in the outfield when he has ZERO future here is ridiculous!!
By donb51
August 26, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this
Hal, I’m glad you can “weather” the abuse with good humor. You need to continue to call ‘em as you see ‘em “weather” people like it or not. You certainly have covered the Reds in all kinds of “weather” over the last 36 years. Let’s hope the bad “weather” can be replaced with some good “weather” these next few years.
By Mike
August 26, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this
Has Rosales been put on “carry the equipment duty ” or is he selling ad’s for next years program?
By Mark in Sun Valley
August 26, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this
It is nice to see someone on this team has some fire in his belly. But Weathers should direct it at his teammates rather than Hal. If you wanna change the press on the team, David, change the performance.
By Jim Tilton
August 26, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this
Weathers usually gets into it with fans over the bullpen if they yell things like the team is lousy, etc… The guy is way out of control and I am surprised someone has not spoken about this earlier. I the Reds would rid themselves of this cancer…
By jarrod
August 26, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
hey hal, i have a minature schnauser as well and he got lost when he was less than a year old. i didn’t have a name tag at the time and the people who found him saw he had a proof of rabies shot tag and called the vet to see if it was registered in the computer. it was, and our number was with it which made a happy end to our story. i’ll always appreciate them for that because as you know, there’s nothing like your dog, especially a minature shnauser. i suppose relatedly you’re in stormy’s doghouse, but he’ll be o.k.
By Florida Buckeye
August 26, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
I love the fact that someone in the clubhouse has a blazing inferno for a heart: No wonder he’s called Stormy! Hal, I too would be wrecked IF my pooch was lost…
By Tyler
August 26, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
Weather’s needs to stop yelling at people who actually perform their job well.
By HubetTucky
August 26, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
Another good story with a happy ending, Hal. I’m an old Schnauzer guy myself. We had one who lived to be 18. Game with Houston ought to be interesting tonight without the automatic outs in the 7 and 8 spots.