Stu Cliburn and the Chicago Dogs

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.

On The Beat With Minnesota Twins Coach Stew Cliburn

At Spring Training 2017, my brother-in-law Scott Parker joined Johngy's Beat as Photographer-Videographer.  As with my other friends, it was just fun to be on the field with Scott.

We arrived a bit late to do much in the way of interviewing, but we got to see the players (like Joe Mauer) up close and walk around as part of the media.

We did get a quick interview with Minnesota Twins Coach Stew Cliburn.  Stew is also the Manager for the Rochester Red Wings, the AAA affiliate of the Twins.

Stew pitched for the California Angels in 1984, '85 and '88.  He went 13-5 with 6 saves during his MLB career.  He appeared on a few baseball cards with the Angels and several more with various minor league teams playing and coaching.
His twin brother catcher Stan hit .179 over 60 plate appearances for the 1980 Angels.  The brothers had a unique bobblehead featuring both of them with the Rochester Red Wings.

Stew once said that he knew he was a major leaguer when he saw himself on a baseball card.  I always thought that had to be the coolest thing.  It's great to hear a former player say that.

Thank you to Coach Cliburn, the Minnesota Twins organization for their hospitality.  Thank you to Scott for his fine video work.