While MLB started its season a couple days ago in Japan, the Chicago Dogs start their season in Rosemont in a couple months. Coach Stu Cliburn will be back for his fifth season.
The Pittsburgh Pirates selected him in the fourth round of the 1977 MLB Draft. After a few years in their organization without reaching the majors, Cliburn signed with the California Angels in 1982. He made his MLB debut by appearing in one game in 1984, but broke out with an excellent season in 1985, appearing in 44 games, posting a 2.09 ERA and finishing 5th in the American League Rookie of the Year voting. Unfortunately, he was back in the minors with Edmonton in 1986-87, before making an MLB return in 1988. He spent 1989 and 1990 in the minors before retiring as a player. One interesting sidenote is Stu got to be teammates with his brother Stan in Edmonton.
Stu is a classy guy. Several years back, I had the pleasure of interviewing Stu when he was a coach with the Minnesota Twins for Spring Training. That interview is at On the Beat With Stu Cliburn.
Last season, the Dogs finished 55-45 good for a tie of second place. The team looks to build on that to move into first this season.
The Dogs open their season Friday, May 9 against the Lake County Dockhounds. For more info, go to chicagodogs.com.
Stu Cliburn and me in Rosemont, IL-June 2024.
2 comments:
The Cliburns coached in New Britain, CT when they had a minor league team there and were very popular. Good guys.
Thanks for your info and for stopping by.
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