Is the time right?
Back in the late 1980s, a business man and baseball fanatic got the fantastic idea to put Vida Blue, Rollie Fingers, Ferguson Jenkins, Clint Hurdle, and a host of other former major league baseball players back on the field in what was called the Senior Professional Baseball Association. After two years, though, the league folded.
I can’t help but wonder if such a venture would not be more successful today? With several former ballplayers still in excellent shape, it could turn out to be an interesting and competitive league. Think of it: Jose Canseco, Rickey Henderson, and Barry Bonds in the outfield; Mike Piazza at first base; Barry Larkin at shortstop…these are big draws! Much bigger than Vida Blue was in the late 1980s.
Another problem that I saw with the league of nearly two decades ago was that all the games were played in Florida. They never traveled to baseball-starved cities. It could be a “barnstorming” league, traveling across the country and playing for communities that may have some minor league teams, but missed out on the big superstars in their primes.
What really got me to thinking about this was Mario’s recent sighting of Ozzie Canseco on a softball field. You can read about that here and see a video here.
For those who are not familiar with the SPBA, the minimum age for players was 35 (with the exception of catchers at 32). They had about eight teams I think, and while they did get a couple of future Hall of Famers to sign up, it was mostly filled with utility players and regional stars (like Clint Hurdle, Jim Morrison, and Joaquín Andújar).
However, I believe that the nostalgia of people of my generation (born in the 1970s) would propel a new league on to success if it were organized correctly with a good smattering of former stars. (What’s Wade Boggs up to nowadays? Dave Stewart? Hey, Ryne Sandberg, wanna play 2B?)
If such a league were formed, who would you like to see play? Obviously, Pete Rose and Johnny Bench are probably a little too old to go for it, but what about some of the players who started in the 1980s?
Posted on February 29, 2008, in baseball and tagged Barry Bonds, Barry Larkin, Dave Stewart, Jose Canseco, Mike Piazza, Ozzie Canseco, Rickey Henderson, Ryne Sandberg, Wade Boggs. Bookmark the permalink. 2 Comments.
Great idea…I remember the league from the late 80’s. Unfortunately back then, there was no TV coverage. I do remember a card set tho.
I think some old Cubbies like Mark Grace, Shawon Dunston and Ryno would/could still play in a league like this.
There were 3 or 4 different card sets, in 1989 and 1990. I have one, I think it was produced by Topps.
It would be great to see Dunston in action again. He is a spring instructor with the Giants now.