Fredlynn.net Fan Interview

Fred Lynn Interview with Tim Pulcifer on June 14, 2004

You were born in Chicago, but gew up here in Southern California. What
was your fondest childhood memory?

Fred: "I've never been asked that question before... I did go to my
first Dodger/Giant game when I was about 11 years old. I saw (Sandy) Koufax
and it was the first time I saw Willie Mays. I also got to go to games at
the old Wrigley Field in Los Angeles and see the Dodgers play in the L.A.
Coliseum."

Who was the biggest influence in your becoming a baseball player?

Fred: "I'd have to say my dad. He counseled me to try everything. So I
played 3 sports with El Monte (High School) and 2 sports at USC. I also
learned how to really play baseball and how to win from USC coach Rod
Dedeaux."

Who was your favorite player when you were a kid?

Fred: "That's Willie Mays. (Roberto) Clemente a close second. They had
no holes in their game."

What was your major while attending USC?

Fred: "Originally it was Business Administration, but I got bogged down
so as a Junior I got into P.E. That's what I wanted to do if I couldn't be a
baseball player, teach. I also really liked history."

What was your first big league hit in 1974? Who was the pitcher?

Fred: "A Home Run off Jim Slaton in Milwaukee. I also hit a home run in my
first National League at-bat off Orel Hershiser."

Every Fred Lynn fan knows you won the ROY and MVP awards in 1975. Aside
from that, what was your greatest thrill from 1975?

Fred: "One was the night in Detroit (6-18-75) where I hit 3 HR's, a
triple, single and 10 RBI's. The 10 RBI's is still a rookie record, and
the 16 total bases is a Major League record. Another thrill was a game
saving catch against the Yankees in September. We (Red Sox) were
leading 1-0 in the 8th inning when Graig Nettles hit a drive into the gap. I
dove and went tumbling and came up with the ball in my glove. It preserved
the game and knocked the Yankees out."

You were one of the finest defensive centerfielders in the game,
winning four Gold Glove Awards. What was your favorite catch?

Fred: "I had a few that were showcased on NBC's "Game of the Week." One
in particular was in Minnesota at the old stadium. Dan Ford hit a drive
that went over the old wooden fence but I jumped over it to catch it. We won
that game 4-3."

Do you personally believe in the "curse" that has seemingly haunted the
Red Sox since they traded away Babe Ruth?

Fred: (Laughs) "I don't believe it. But it makes for good fodder for
the writers. I'd have to say ownership is the big difference. When they
(the Yankees) need a player, they get him. It should be "The Curse of
Steinbrenner." But players love to have an owner like that."

What was your favorite baseball stadium to play in?

Fred: "Fenway, no question."

Who was the toughest pitcher for you to hit against?

Fred: "Frank Tanana of the Angels. Before he hurt his arm he had a
great fastball and great command. He was all arms and legs and it was hard to
pick up the ball. He had 16 strikeouts against us (Red Sox) in one
game."

Who was your favorite pitcher to hit against?

Fred: (Laughs) "Well I did alright against Bert Blyleven. Also a
pitcher with Detroit named Lerrin LaGrow. It it seemed that every time I swung
the bat against him I got a hit."

What was your last major league hit?

Fred: "I don't remember my last hit but my last at-bat was against my
pal Don Aase. I was pinch-hitting against the Dodgers when I was with the
Padres. I hit a line drive that Jose Offerman leaped up and caught."

Do you still follow baseball and if so, do you have a favorite team?

Fred: "Oh yes, I still follow the game. I root for the teams that I
played for and there are a lot of them (laughs).

Is there any particular player today you enjoy watching?

Fred: "Yes, the Angels' Vladimar Guerrero. I would also pay to see
Barry (Bonds) hit. Also Ken Griffey Jr. before his injuries and Tori Hunter
of Minnesota. I love to watch guys that can play defense."

Looking back on your career, what was your favorite baseball moment?

Fred: "The Grand Slam Home Run in the 1983 All-Star Game in Old Comisky.
At that time we (the American League) had lost 9 straight."

The worst?

Fred: "One was the hit by Cecil Cooper to knock us (Angels) out of the
1982 A.L. Championships. The other was the Game 7 loss to the Reds in
the '75 World Series. That was really tough. I had never lost a
Championship before, having won 3 NCAA Titles while playing at USC. Also the 1978
game against the Yankees that we lost to end the season (the "Bucky" Dent
game)."

What was the funniest thing you ever saw on a ballfield?

Fred: "Well it wasn't Morganna. She put me in a slump... (laughs). I
struck out the next at-bat. (Note: Morganna was a huge breasted female
who liked to run out on the field and kiss the biggest stars). One time in
Boston I watched Bill "Spaceman" Lee help the groundskeepers roll out
the tarp. The "Spaceman" title really fit. Also Rick Dempsey of the Orioles
putting on a show during a rainout. He did a hilarious Babe Ruth
imitation that was later shown on TWIB (This Week In Baseball)."

If you could change anything in baseball, what would it be?

Fred: "Get rid of the DH (Designated Hitter) and artificial turf."

How did you meet your wife Natalie and how long have you been married?

Fred: "She was producing commercials in New Bedford and I was doing a
Ford commercial at the time. We were married in October 1986."

How many children do you have?

Fred: "Two from my first marriage; Jennifer & Jason."

What is your favorite food?

Fred: "Cheeseburgers. When I was a kid it was cheeseburgers and they still
are the best." (Fred likes In-N-Out Burgers)

How did you become involved with Child Haven, a charity for
disadvantaged children?

Fred: "Actually through Todd Farino who created Fredlynn.net. At first
it was an "unofficial" website but it was really well done. Todd was
involved with Child Haven so I thought maybe I could help. We put items on the
site to raise money for the kids."

What is your favorite activity now that you are retired?

Fred: (with no hesitation) "GOLF!"

If you could give one piece of advise to a young person, what would it
be?

Fred: "To stay in school; get your education and don't get
sidetracked."

Thank you Fred!!!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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