Episode XXXIX: 6x MLB All-Star/World Series champ Willie Randolph - a podcast by wheretheyat

The 39th edition of Whe're They At features 6-time Major League Baseball All-Star and 6-time World Series champion, Willie Randolph. He was born in South Carolina but raised in the tough area of Brownsville, Brooklyn, New York City. After starring at Tilden High School, he made his major league debut at age 21 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The next year, he was traded to the New York Yankees, starting at 2nd Baseman and winning two World Series titles with them in the late 1970's. After 18 decorated years as a player, he went to become the 3rd base coach for the Yankees winning 4 more titles in late-1990's and the year 2000. He managed the New York Mets to relevance from 2005-08 and is now part of the coaching staff for the USA Baseball team looking to win Gold in the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. Host Nabaté Isles had the honor to speak with Willie on a multitude of topics including:                  

02:10-On the process of writing his autobiography, 'The Yankee Way: Playing, Coaching, and My Life in Baseball' (released in 2014).                     
 
04:47-How are he and his family staying safe during this pandemic?                      
 
06:22-His take on Major League Baseball seeking more racial inclusion and diversity.                
 
07:47-Remembers the late, iconic Henry 'Hank' Aaron.                    
 
13:54-Discusses the declining amount of Black American players in Major League Baseball.               
17:33-His suggestion on how there can be more Black leadership in MLB clubhouses and front offices.                    
 
20:31-On his involvement with the coaching staff of Team USA for the World Baseball Classic and the upcoming Olympics.                    
 
22:08-Reflects on the late, former American League Most Valuable Player, Dick Allen.                    
25:02-The rhythm of music influenced him as an athlete.                 
 
25:57-Reminisces on his noble parents and his approach to discipline as he was growing up in Brownsville, Brooklyn (NYC).                          
 
30:46-On his baseball mentor in Brooklyn, Galileo 'Gally' Gonzalez.                  
 
31:55-Willie went to Tilden High School with Reverend Al Sharpton.                  
 
32:57-Remembers other eventual professional athletes from Tilden H.S.              
 
34:07-Tells a tense story that took place when he and wife Gretchen were driving to Pittsburgh from West Virginia to make his Major League debut in 1975.                      
 
38:36-On his first mentor in Major League Baseball, the late, Hall of Famer Willie 'Pops' Stargell.                  
 
39:37-Joining the memorable cast of characters of the New York Yankees of the late-1970's, led by the unique Billy Martin.                   
 
47:22-The reason why he enjoys managing and coaching.                  
 
48:24-On not winning a Gold Glove during his career.                    
 
50:56-What happened to the Yankees of the 1980's with all of that talent?                 
 
54:34-Didn't get the opportunity to win a World Series title with his second team (w/1990 Oakland A's).                  
 
57:17-On the influence the late Yankees GM Gene Michael and former Yanks manager Buck Showalter had on the imminent dynasty AND Willie's eventual coaching/managing career.                   
1:00:32-On his years as part of Joe Torre's coaching staff, winning four World Series titles.                  
1:01:17-Reflects on vouching for a budding legend, Derek Jeter to start at Shortstop going into the 1996 season.                        
 
1:02:52-Willie's music jam sessions with other Yankees as he was playing the drums.                   
1:05:58-Reflects on the ups and downs while managing the New York Mets.                                    
1:14:00-Names the players that he enjoyed coaching and managing.                    
 
1:16:51-How can the current Yankees finally get back to their 1st World Series since 2009?                  
1:22:10-There are certain elements missing in today's game.                 
 
1:24:46-HIT AND RUN
 
1:39:49-The current status of his Willie Randolph Foundation.                    
 


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Musical selections are from Nabaté Isles' album, 'Eclectic Excursions', available on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon, Tidal, etc. Check out his website as well: www.nabateisles.com as well as https://nsiuniversal.bandcamp.com/

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