Lance Parrish

[tycobb420]

My favorite Tiger growing up

Born: June 15, 1956
1974: Drafted by Tigers
1977: Debut (Tigers)
1979: Became starting catcher
1982: Set HR record for catchers (since broken)
1984: Caught Jack Morris' no-hitter
1984: Tigers won World Series
1986: Back problems limited play
1987: Signed with Phillies
1988: Traded to Angels
1992: Signed with Mariners
1993: Signed with Dodgers
1994: Signed with Tigers
1994: Purchased by Pirates
1995: Signed by Royals
1995: Traded to Blue Jays
1996: Signed with Pirates
1996: Retired
1996: Instructor for Royals
1997-8: Minor League Coach
1999-2001: Coach for Tigers
2001: Dropped off HOF ballot (1.7%)
2002: Broadcaster
2003-05: Tiger coach
2006-07: Minor league manager

Accomplishments
1984 World Champion
HR record for catchers (1982)
8x All Star
3x Gold Glove
6x SIlver Slugger
.252 c areer hitter
324 Home Runs
1070 RBI
856 runs
1782 hits
305 doubles
.753 OPS
30+ doubles: 2x
42 doubles (1983)
20+ HR: 7x
30+ HR: 2x
114 RBI (1983)
.529 slugging (1982)
Led league in SF (13) (1983)

 

[tonyballs]

The Big Wheel

So many good memories of the 80's Tigers.

 

[Mitchrapp]

What an arm he had. I think he had an AL record for HR as a C at one point I think.

* I see you posted it, 1982.

 

[kalinecountry]

Tigers have had some of the greatest catchers in the history of baseball.

Starting with an obp machine Johnny Bassler,
Mickey Cochrane,
Bill Freehan,
'The Big Wheel' Lance Parrish,
Pudge Rodriguez.

Me and Uncle Jumbo Charlie used to go to fenway during the 80's, first base, first row, right by/next to the redsox on deck circle, Charlie was the mouth that roared...
he used to yell out "Big Boy" to Parrish, one time he got a grin off him coming to bat.
and Parrish was iirc a body guard for Tina Turner?

 

[Mitchrapp]

Now I did not know that, a body guard.

I hated when he left and Parrish himself thought he messed that up.

 

[gotime909]

Tigers have had some of the greatest catchers in the history of baseball.

Starting with an obp machine Johnny Bassler,
Mickey Cochrane,
Bill Freehan,
'The Big Wheel' Lance Parrish,
Pudge Rodriguez.

Me and Uncle Jumbo Charlie used to go to fenway during the 80's, first base, first row, right by/next to the redsox on deck circle, Charlie was the mouth that roared...
he used to yell out "Big Boy" to Parrish, one time he got a grin off him coming to bat.
and Parrish was iirc a body guard for Tina Turner?

Also Matt Nokes rookie year was something special.

 

[tycobb420]

Raul Casanova anyone?

 

[cmlfactor]

Raul Casanova anyone?

Got some Chad Kreuter and Mickey Tettleton love right here...

 

[byco42]

Boss Schmidt, though the Cubs ran on him at will in the 1906 WS.

 

[erg57]

I remember when a guy filling in for George Kell on a telecast talking about LP. He said " he has muscles in places where I don't even have places". I still chuckle at that. I remember Sparky bitching about his weight lifting saying it hurt his throw. Anywho, IIRC, he was standout football player in HS.

 

[jdeb]

Brad Ausmus is one of the best defensive catchers, if not the best, I have ever seen in a Tiger uniform. He was the complete defensive package. Never seen a catcher frame so many balls for strikes in my life. He was a throwback for sure. I think he would make a great manager but he is probably to smart for that and will stick in the front office.

Remember Bruce Kim? God rest his soul, he only caught Mark the Bird if I recall correctly. I always loved the guys that only played with specific pitchers. Always gave a little hope to the guys who were borderline mlb players.