MARCH 15-1978…

MARCH 15-1978 WOULD YOU LIKE SOME MUSTARD WITH THAT HOTDOG

Lost among the excitement of acquiring former batting champion Rico Carty, the Blue Jays made another transaction today that almost fell under the radar. Rick Bosetti arrived from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for pitcher Tom Bruno and cash. Toronto was desperate for a CF and the fleet-footed Bosetti fit the bill perfectly. The twenty-four-year-old came equipped with well rounded defensive attributes and previously led three minor-different leagues in stolen bases.

Toronto fans quickly developed a love/hate relationship with Bosetti. The speedster was the first Blue Jay to choose Toronto as his year round home, (and last before Paul Molitor many years later), and inserted himself into the community with several charitable foundations.

As a ballplayer, Bosetti may have been best described as flamboyant. His tremendous range permitted him to make spectacular diving catches all over the outfield. Much to his manager’s chagrin, he also put his personal touch on the basket-catch, mimicking the great Willie Mays. Bosetti was indeed the first in a long line of great defensive CF in the history of the Blue Jays.

Bosetti’s flaw was on the offensive side. He was a classic .260 hitter with little patience at the plate. When he did get on base, Bosetti ran recklessly. He seemingly got caught stealing more often than he was successful.

Bosetti did suit up for every game for the club in 1979, in which would be his final hurrah with the ball club. The CF became expendable in 1980 with the rapid progression of Lloyd Moseby. In kindness, team management allowed him to work out his own trade to the Oakland A’s instead of allowing him to wither away on the pines.

Mark Yurkin