An incredible piece of writing, based on an incredible relationship. I'm glad to have come across it, at the same time that I'm deeply sorry for your loss.
That was probably the source of a passage I had read in a book sometime in the 1980s that "Rod Carew, along with Elliott Maddox and Lenny Randle, are converts to Judaism." In reality, Maddox is the only one who converted. Dave Parker wore a hexagram, too, attributing it to "my name is David and I'm a star!"
Really good story, Dan, thanks for posting it. You identified Lenny Randle as the most interesting man in baseball, and then described how your paths crossed, first watching him play for the Cubs in 1980, and then meeting him at a Dodgers game 35 years later.
Did Lenny Randle really replace Thurman Munson on the Yankees' roster in 1979? That's something I never knew before.
Super sorry to hear it Dan. I didn’t really have this full picture before…I had only seen the YouTube clip of him blasting the pitcher.
Joe Posnanski says something like “one of your favorite players is always your dad’s favorite player”, and so tangentially this story has made me determined to go get his cards at my local card shop. When I see them they’ll remind me of this column and the character and his music and his spirit. I have all the Dock and Bird cards already ;)
Really cool post. I remember Lenny from MY card collection and as one of the few bright spots on an awful late 70s Mets team growing up, but had no idea of the rest of his story. Thanks for sharing it.
You got the Penguin on the phone man! I remember every one of those players from that era, had all the cards too. My little brother & me would crack each other up making fun of Rick & Paul Reuschel, they always seemed to take bad photos with those lumpy bodies and eye glasses! I did not know Lenny's story, fascinating stuff, will read more.
I got to know Big Daddy Reuschel a bit when I went to Cubs fantasy camp in 2010 and 2012. Really great guy! Now I’ve got to try and find that Penguin interview…
Excellent tribute, Dan, condolences on your loss.
Thank you, Mark.
Wonderful write-up, Dan. Quite enjoyable.
Thanks, man!
An incredible piece of writing, based on an incredible relationship. I'm glad to have come across it, at the same time that I'm deeply sorry for your loss.
Thank you, Mark.
Fantastic piece, Dan! THIS is the content I’m here for!!
Thank you, Jeffrey!
Thank you for this. I regrettably missed my trip to Italy with Lenny, too! He is missed.
Thank you, Kristine. I don’t have too many regrets, but that’s a big one!
Lenny sounds like a great guy. Sorry to hear of his passing. I see he was wearing a Star of David necklace in your photo. Had he converted?
Hahaha - no, I think Lenny just loved and felt a kinship with everyone. There might be more of a story behind that necklace, but I didn’t ask.
What a guy...I doubt anyone else could have captured his totality so well
That was probably the source of a passage I had read in a book sometime in the 1980s that "Rod Carew, along with Elliott Maddox and Lenny Randle, are converts to Judaism." In reality, Maddox is the only one who converted. Dave Parker wore a hexagram, too, attributing it to "my name is David and I'm a star!"
Really good story, Dan, thanks for posting it. You identified Lenny Randle as the most interesting man in baseball, and then described how your paths crossed, first watching him play for the Cubs in 1980, and then meeting him at a Dodgers game 35 years later.
Did Lenny Randle really replace Thurman Munson on the Yankees' roster in 1979? That's something I never knew before.
Yep - strange but true!
Dan, I am so sorry for your friend, Lenny’s passing. Thank you so much for sharing your story. It was a delightful read!
Thanks, brother!
Super sorry to hear it Dan. I didn’t really have this full picture before…I had only seen the YouTube clip of him blasting the pitcher.
Joe Posnanski says something like “one of your favorite players is always your dad’s favorite player”, and so tangentially this story has made me determined to go get his cards at my local card shop. When I see them they’ll remind me of this column and the character and his music and his spirit. I have all the Dock and Bird cards already ;)
Lenny had some great cards, too - his 1978 Topps (where it looks like he’s screaming because his hand has been severed) is my personal fave!
A classic. My friends and I loved that card and always wondered if anyone else ever had the same thought. Now I know!
Really cool post. I remember Lenny from MY card collection and as one of the few bright spots on an awful late 70s Mets team growing up, but had no idea of the rest of his story. Thanks for sharing it.
A wonderful and full-throated tribute to a remarkably talented and positive human being. He would have enjoyed reading it.
Excellent read, Dan. Sorry to hear of Randle's passing, but grateful that you can share his story here.
You got the Penguin on the phone man! I remember every one of those players from that era, had all the cards too. My little brother & me would crack each other up making fun of Rick & Paul Reuschel, they always seemed to take bad photos with those lumpy bodies and eye glasses! I did not know Lenny's story, fascinating stuff, will read more.
I got to know Big Daddy Reuschel a bit when I went to Cubs fantasy camp in 2010 and 2012. Really great guy! Now I’ve got to try and find that Penguin interview…