Tony Graffanino played thirteen seasons in the major leagues for seven teams. He was the definition of a journeyman. Over the course of his lengthy time in the big leagues, he saw it all. From division championships to rebuilding campaigns, Graffanino has been a part of every single type of team imaginable. After being traded to the Chicago White Sox in May of 2000 for pitcher Tanyon Sturtze, Graffanino hit .271 with 17 homers and 85 RBIs with a .344 OBP coming off the bench for the Sox. The Sports ReKap had Graffanino on the show for an interview and he talked about his time with the White Sox, the rest of his time in the majors, his favorite place to eat in Chicago, and much more.
I loved my time in Chicago, the city, the
fans, and the players. They have a rich tradition and history and I’m happy to
be a part of it. It was the place I spent the longest portion of my career,
almost 4 seasons. My first season I lived downtown and it was awesome. I still
see and spend time with people in the organization.
What was it like playing for White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf? Do you
guys still keep in touch?
Mr. Reinsdorf was great, a true sports fan. I
heard from one of the sports radio shows in Chicago at one time that I was his
favorite player because of the way I played and had to maximize my talent that
was very flattering. He is a winner and wants to win and that’s all you can ask
from an owner. Unfortunately, I haven’t seen or spoken with Mr. Reinsdorf in a
long time.
Throughout the majority of your career your role on a ballclub was to
the team’s utility infielder. How did you prepare for games in that unique
role?
My pre-game routine varied depending on
whether or not I was in the starting line-up or not. If starting, I would just
focus on the position I was playing. My early hitting in the cage wouldn’t
change. If I wasn’t starting, I would take grounders at 2 of the infield
positions one day, and the other 2 the next. I would also take throws from the
starters at first and second as much as possible so I could be used to how
their throws would come. Lastly, I would take a lot of ground balls off the bat
during B.P. to imitate live game action.
The 2000 AL Central championship team was the first division title in 7
years for the Sox. What was it like playing for that team in particular?
That was the year I got traded over from Tampa
Bay and fell into a great situation. The team was playing great, winning and
having fun. We had it all, pitching, defense, and great hitting. I really
thought we were going to go deep in the playoffs, but unfortunately we ran into
the Mariners who were on fire. That was one of the most fun years of my career.
What was it like playing for a mellow manager like Jerry Manuel (who was
known as Gandhi) when you were in Chicago?
I really liked Jerry. In fact I had him as a
manager in the fall league in 1996 I believe. Jerry was great and I liked his
mellow, calming presence. He was great for me and my career because he believed
in me, played me and put me in situations where I could be successful. He
helped resurrect my career, I owe a lot to him.
You played for both the White Sox and the Red Sox. What was the
difference between the Chicago and Boston fans and media?
Both Chicago and Boston are great baseball
cities with passionate fans. I was only in Boston for a short time and it was
the year after they won the World Series, so the place was always packed and
electric. Not to take anything away from Chicago, but there is no place like
Fenway as a home player. The media is what it is, both want the team to do
well, but also are quick to be write negatively. That’s what sells I guess, but
overall the media in both places treated me with kindness and respect.
You had a front row seat to see the rise of Ryan Braun and Prince
Fielder in your two years with the Milwaukee Brewers. What impressed you most
about both of those guys and could you tell early on that they were special
talents?
It was obvious that they both had been blessed
with tremendous talent, both first round draft picks for a reason. What is
impressive about both is their work ethic. Neither takes their talent for
granted and both are driven to get better and be the best they can be.
What is your take on players policing themselves in the game of
baseball?
I believe that is how the game should be
played. The umps need only to be aware and ready to step in when it seems it’s
going to get out of control. Batters don’t need to show boat after a home run,
and pitchers don’t need to show up a hitter after a K. I understand competition
and the desire to succeed and win, but it should never come at the expense of
disrespect to the other team. Sometimes a hit batter is necessary to send a
message and the hit batter and team, need to first look at themselves to see if
it was justified before retaliating.
What was the best place that you would eat at in Chicago?
Hands down it’s Rosebud on Rush. In fact, when
I first got traded over to the White Sox, Paul Konerko took me their to eat. I
also have to throw a bone to Portillo’s, I love the Italian beef sandwich and
would hit the drive-thru on my way to the field at times.
Can you describe your work with Unlimited Potential Inc (where he works
now that he is retired from baseball) and where could people find more
information on your work?
As a ministry, we minister to professional
baseball players and all of us on staff are ex-professional baseball players.
As ex-pro’s we are given unique access to the players, who are very guarded as
to who they let into their lives. A lot of people are trying to take advantage
of them or just want something from them and we are there to serve them in a
spiritual mentor capacity. We conduct chapel service in spring training and
throughout the season. We also do large scale Bible studies during Spring
Training for all people affiliated with the pro teams. For those players that
are interested we will do one on one studies and walk with them on a deeper
level through life. We also conduct day baseball clinics in cities in the U.S.
where we bring current players to do baseball instruction for a couple of hours
and then share testimonies and the Good News about Jesus Christ. The last part
of our ministry is we take these players on international mission trips where
we teach baseball and share our faith journey, our personal testimonies, and
the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For anyone who wants more information on Unlimited
Potential Inc, you can go to www.upi.org.
Whom should The Sports ReKap interview next?
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