Larry Andersen had a fine 17 year career pitching in the major leagues including 6 memorable years for the Phillies. He was one of the main contributors in the bullpen for the beloved 1993 National League Championship team that captured Phillies fans hearts while featuring the likes of John Kruk, Darren Daulton, Jim Eisenreich and Curt Schilling.
But Larry is best known for being one of the genuine nice guys in baseball and one of it’s funniest men . Larry was always a lover of practical jokes.
When his playing career was over Larry progressed through pitching coach and then announcer career paths-- but his sense of humor remained. During a minor league game someone fitting Larry’s description was seen remotely activating the sprinkler system when the visiting coaches and players met for a conference at the mound sending everyone scrambling for cover at a Reading Phillies game when Larry was pitching coach.
But Larry is best known for being one of the genuine nice guys in baseball and one of it’s funniest men . Larry was always a lover of practical jokes.
When his playing career was over Larry progressed through pitching coach and then announcer career paths-- but his sense of humor remained. During a minor league game someone fitting Larry’s description was seen remotely activating the sprinkler system when the visiting coaches and players met for a conference at the mound sending everyone scrambling for cover at a Reading Phillies game when Larry was pitching coach.
Larry is currently one of the Phillies most popular broadcasters. When Larry started his broadcasting career he would start each broadcast with his popular “Shallow Thoughts” philosophical reflections.
Some samples of Larry’s shallow thoughts include:
“If I’m one for one and I’m batting a thousand does that mean if I bat two for two that I’m batting two thousand?”
or
“Why do we park on a driveway and drive on a parkway?”
or
"Why do we sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when we're already there?"
and of course the classic:
“You are only young once but you can be immature forever.”
and of course the classic:
“You are only young once but you can be immature forever.”
Elsewhere in this blog we interviewed Shane Victorino, who pointed out how running and his speed discovered while running track in Hawaii eventually led to a major league baseball career. Larry’s career was a little different.
In the spirit of equal time we recently interviewed Larry, a militant self proclaimed non runner for his feelings on running:
When was the last time you ran?
Larry: 2 days ago actually. After eating chili I had to run to the bathroom.
Did running help your pitching?
Larry: No, but my pitching helped the outfielders running.
What is your favorite post run beverage routine?
Larry: An adult beverage of any kind.
What is the longest distance you have ever run?
Larry: 6 miles, I was being chased by the police.
What is your favorite running route?
Larry: Circles, it helps my sanity or lack thereof.
How long have you been a practicing non runner?
Larry: Since I learned how to walk.
Do you have any running superstitions:
Larry: Yes, don’t do it!
Are there any things that would ever cause you to run?
Larry: Yes, see my answer about long runs.
At what distance are you faster than Shane Victorino?
Larry: Beer can from hand to mouth.
Which of your 93 Phillies teammates could you have beaten in a race?
Larry: Only John Kruk when he was out sick with cancer (from which he later fully recovered).
Is it wrong to wear an Ipod when you run?
Larry: For me it is, I hate music.
And finally, what is your favorite meal while in training?
Larry: Surf and turf! It’s a Big Mac and Filet of Fish Sandwich together.
Courtesy of Runners Gazette Magazine http://www.runnersgazette.com/ Written by Jack Heath
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