Kent Tekulve on life in labor trenches, and importance of paying it forward
In this episode of "Stitch x Stitch'' we connect with Kent Tekulve, one of the most durable and efficient closers in Major League Baseball history. With his lanky frame, aviator glasses and submarine delivery, the man called "Teke'' was a true baseball original. He overcame long odds to amass 184 saves in 1,050 career appearances, achieving his signature moment when he recorded the final out in the Pirates' 1979 World Series win over the Orioles. Tekulve endeared himself to teammates and fans with his everyman persona and self-effacing humor, but he always rose to the occasion. He took an active role in Players Association leadership and was instrumental in helping the players navigate strikes, lockouts and numerous other tests to their unity and resolve. On the mound and in the bargaining room, he never backed down from a challenge.
“Stitch x Stitch’’ is part of a year-long recognition of the 60th anniversary of the union’s founding under executive director Marvin Miller. The weekly podcast is hosted by Jerry Crasnick, associate director of player, agent and media affairs at the MLBPA and a former baseball journalist for more than 30 years. Previous guests include the late Phil Garner, Reggie Smith, Dave Stewart and Rick Monday, the No. 1 pick in the first MLB amateur draft in 1965.
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