Rizzo's new advisor
Mike Rizzo's new special advisor, Ron Schueler, has seen the game from pretty much every level - from player to executive.
Schueler pitched in the big leagues for 8 seasons with Atlanta, Philadelphia, Minnesota and the White Sox; was a pitching coach for the White Sox, A's and Pirates; was GM of the ChiSox for 11 seasons; and has been a special advisor to the Cardinals, Cubs, A's, and most recently the Giants.
In other words, he's no "new age" baseball guru; he's old school with a rock-solid resume.
As a GM, Schueler did something in 1993 that had never been done before: He drafted a woman.
It wasn't just any female; no, it was his daughter, Carey Schueler, a pitching prospect. She was drafted in the 43rd round by the White Sox, and, obviously, didn't make it to the majors. She never actually signed with the Pale Hose, opting instead to attend college at DePaul.
Drafting his daughter was thought by most to be a publicity stunt. That she was taken in the 43rd round just 5 years after Mike Piazza was drafted in the 62nd round was a point frequently made. I didn't see it quite that way, however.
About 30 years ago when I was hosting a show on WTOP, someone called and asked if I thought a woman would ever play big league baseball. I responded by saying that it wasn't impossible, and that I'd like to see it in my lifetime.
Well, I'm still here, and she's not there.
About 20 years ago USA Today did a story on Carey Schueler when she was in high school, and it mentioned that she was able to compete with boys at that age. I cut the story out and stuck it on the refrigerator and waited. When she was drafted by her dad, I thought perhaps she'd at the least get a look-see, but that was just wishful thinking.
Anyway, perhaps Carey will show up and pitch BP for the Nats some day. In the meantime I'll look forward to chatting with her old man.
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Categories (click for archive)Phil Wood |
That's what I like about you Phil, you throw in some interesting tidbits once in a while. I'd like to see see that girl throw BP too, I wonder if she has some decent curves. I also wish there was enough baseball stuff going on all year long so "Wall to Wall" would be on during the winter. I thouroughly enjoy DVRing your show and watching it when I can. Take care. ===== It's year-round, though on occasion it gets pre-empted by play-by-play.
Dad always told me....To be sucessful you need to "Surround Youself With Strong People".
The hiring of both Clark and Schueler are just those types of people.
Go Nats!!! RR-Upstate South Carolina
(Phil- Thanks for keeping the blog going during the off season. Us hungry National fans need your words to servive this down time.)
Agreed on the interesting tidbits, and in the off-season too. I think I'm going to hang out here more. That other blog is getting STALE.