Two
words: Inconsistency and Controversy can
summarize Randle’s career…His legacy are two events one infamous, one funny…The infamous: Hitting
manager Frank Luchessi during 1977 spring training…the later was a much viewed unsuccessful attempt to blow a bunt foul while playing 3rd base for the Mariners
in 1981….Didn’t work but it was creative....Once again here's a guy in a uniform…sporting a red cap sans insignia of the departed
Senators…Len or Lenny Randle was part of several varying for an infield spot in
the Senators/Rangers transitional years….competing were vets Tim Cullen, Ted
Kubiak, Dave Nelson, and rookie Vic Harris..Did best when manager Billy Martin
took over the hapless Rangers in 1974 hitting .302…After 1974 breakout year
Randle’s career was notorious for ups and downs…an up season would result in
.270-.310 BA…a down year was sub .240 followed usually by a trade…Much shuffled
was part of 5 transactions in 7 months in 1979….After his MLB career was over
he played in fledgling Italian baseball league…this story was chronicled on the
CBS news program 60 Minutes…from all appearances he found an inner peace
overseas…A first round pick out Arizona State University…never played below AAA level.
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