May 6, 2025 • 19 mins
Former Mariners All Star Bret Boone joins Dave Softy Mahler to talk about taking the Rangers Hitting Coach job, how, when, and why it happened, the Texas offense that needs to get helped by his expertise, and what his goals are in the future in baseball.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Brett Boone, who had been doing our show every Thursday
on the radio program, is no longer with us, and
I mean no longer with us on the air. There's
a reason why. We'll explain that right now full disclosure.
Had a chance earlier today to catch up with Boonie,
because you know what he's.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
Doing right now.
Speaker 1 (00:18):
He's in the dugout at Fenway Park for the Texas
Rangers as their hitting coach, managing the Rangers offense currently
as we speak against Boston. So talked a lot about
why and how. But here's Brett Boone from earlier today,
his final visit in an official capacity on this radio station,
telling us how all of this came together.
Speaker 3 (00:41):
I can't tell you how many guys have called me
and kind of what is going on? You didn't tell us,
you were well, I didn't know this. You know. It
was an innocent day. You know, my Alba moters USC
and I'd been talking to their coach Stankowitz for all
year and he said, Boone, you got to come out
to a game and throw out the first pitch. And
it was getting to the end of the college season.
(01:02):
So I went up to Irvine and did the deal
and talked to the guys and they're playing UCLA, who
you know, that's our nemesis, and and I was getting
ready to throw out the first pitch and I get
a text from from Michael Young, the second base and
shortstop of the Rangers, who I played against for years,
and he said, Booney, don't bounce the pitch. And it
(01:23):
was kind of a shock. I hadn't talked to Michael
in a while, and I said, what are you doing here?
He said, I'm just watching the game, got my kids.
And I said, I'll yell at you before we leave.
And you know, I went down and talked to him
for a little bit and asked him what he was doing,
and he was with the Rangers, and you know, it
was all good. And I said, give Bruce a hug
for me, because Boach has always been one of my
(01:44):
favorite men in the game. I played for him for
one year in San Diego. And I got home and
my phones were in it's Bruce Boche and I'm thinking
this is kind of strange. I thought. I thought he
wanted to jump on my podcast again. He can't get enough.
We've had him on a bunch of times. And he
said no, and he said Booey, what do you think
about putting the UNI back on it. I was kind
of like, well, this is like the last thing I
(02:06):
expected today, and I was kind of shocked, and I'm like, well,
you know, when I hung up the phone, I told
him I call him back. Talking to my wife a
little bit, and I just thought, you know, I followed
the Texas Rangers quite a bit. They're in that division,
and I do a show up at Texas, so I'm
pretty familiar with him, and obviously Boach, I'm always keeping
(02:27):
an eye on him and I when it came to it,
I just thought, you know, this is if I could
pick to go back in the game and work under
a man, Boat would be at the top of that list,
and it was something that I kind of felt I
had to do. I called him back to the boat
for you. I got to do this, and it was
a whirlwind. That was about thirty six hours ago, and
(02:49):
next thing you know, I'm talking to Chris Young, who
I played against and have a lot of respect for.
And next thing you know, they're doing my contract and
I'm on to play into Boston. So that's how it's
kind of unfolded, and a lot of my pies, you know,
found out like you did yesterday. I Saffie, I'm sorry
I didn't let you. I didn't give you a heads up,
but you know, the media people, I can't trust you
(03:11):
guys to keep anything a secret. So yeah, I had to.
I had to kind of shut up, which you know
for me, that's tough to do, to shut up. So uh,
I kept it as quiet as I could. And then
yesterday they announced it. I had Wi Fi on the plane,
so so I got about a thousand messages and uh,
we're here in Boston. I just got to the ballpark actually,
(03:33):
and and uh, you know, I'm looking forward. It's it's
going to be. Uh it's going to be a challenge,
but but I'm excited about it. It's just a new chapter.
And you know, i'll meet some of the guys a
little bit this morning, but uh, I'm looking forward to it.
It's it's gonna be a lot of fun.
Speaker 1 (03:48):
Well, first of all, Brett boonees with us, and yeah,
I was disappointed to find out through social media. I
thought we were tighter than that, but I guess not.
Guess it just reminds me where I am on your
priority list.
Speaker 2 (03:59):
Power.
Speaker 1 (04:00):
But you do realize that taking this job involves work.
I mean, I know what you like to do. You
like to golf, You like to golf, you like to
hit the gym, you like to golf, you like to
do your podcast. And I don't know how many rounds
of golf you'll be getting in between now and September,
big boy. But this involves actual work, putting together game
plans and spreadshifts and all kinds of stuff.
Speaker 2 (04:20):
And you haven't done this in.
Speaker 1 (04:22):
Twenty years, or worked in twenty years, or traveled like
this in twenty years.
Speaker 2 (04:27):
I mean, are you sure this is something that you
want to do?
Speaker 1 (04:30):
Pout of that way, are you gonna wake up in
a week and ask yourself what the hell.
Speaker 2 (04:33):
Am I doing?
Speaker 3 (04:35):
Okay? I woke up yesterday morning and I knew, you know,
I had a lot of loose ends to shure up because,
like I said, I got kids going everywhere and I'm
thinking about the dog. My wife kind of looked at me, like, well,
what does this mean? I said, it means that I'll
be gone. If things go great, I'll see it in
six months. If they don't, I'll see it in five.
(04:55):
But you know, and I said, hey, you're gonna be
able to come up up and visit and visit on
the road, and my kids will be coming in and
out whenever they can with their schedules. But yeah, it's
it is, And I genuinely you know, I've gone through
it world one of emotions. But I woke up yesterday
(05:16):
and for a brief moment, I thought what the heck
am I doing? And I got on the plane and
I was talking to people I got here. Bruce was
greeted me last night when I when I got in
on the Uber at eleven at night, my skipper greeted me,
and I thought, I'm in the right place, you know,
for whatever reason. I'm putting this position right now for
a reason. And like I said, I couldn't I couldn't
(05:39):
imagine if I could pick a scenario where you got
to go back on the field and work with hitters.
I couldn't imagine a better situation for me than than
to be under Chris Young and Bruce Bochi as my skipper.
So that you know, it's not like it's I'm questioning
the people that I'm working under. That's it's it's per
(06:00):
in a perfect world's that's who I picked. So that
part is there, and when I got here last night,
I got a good night's sleep, surprising enough. I got
up today, I had a little lunch and like I said,
just got to the ballpark. And now it's going to
be a lot of You know, it's tough for me
because you know, I'm a loud mouthed and I speak
my mind. But I'm going to try to do the
best I can to just observe, get to know these guys,
(06:23):
get to know what makes them kick. Everybody's not the same.
You know, I got a lot to give to this game.
I've been through the trials and area. I've been at
the top of the mountain great years, but I've also
had some real tough years. So I can kind of
relate with these hitters every emotion they're experiencing. I've been
there and a lot of times, hitters, you know what
we need. We need hope when things aren't going good.
(06:46):
We need to be told and a it's got to
be all right. You're going to get through this because
I've been there. You know, I've been there where It's
just like I'm hiding in my hotel room. I don't
want to go to the ballpark and on the other
side of it, I've been at my hotel room. I
can't wait. Bus is too late. I want to get
there early because some picture is going to take a
beating tonight the way I feel. So I've been, I've
(07:08):
been through both sides, and uh, I just think I'm
meant to be here right now. And and uh it
wasn't something I had no agenda, it was nothing I
was seeking. Its just I was putting this position for
a reason. And and I'm going to go out and
try to help as many guys as I can.
Speaker 1 (07:24):
Well, I love it. Uh, we're all kidding aside. Happy
for you, may no doubt. Did you did you work
into your contract with the Rangers a clause that you
can still do the radio show on Thursdays with us?
Speaker 2 (07:35):
Or are you you're done, like like you can't do radio?
Speaker 3 (07:38):
Hey, I think I'm done. I don't think it would
I don't think it would be politically correct to comment
on our now, my you know it's weird. I keep saying,
you guys, you guys, now, it's uh right, So yeah, hey,
Mariners are playing good and they're they're a they're a
rival now, so I I kind of get it work.
Speaker 1 (07:58):
Here's the thing where you mentioned that you did radio
in Dallas, right, So I texted a buddy of mine, RJ. Shoppy,
and I said, hey, man, the Rangers just took our
Thursday baseball guest. And he responded and said, yeah, they
took mine too. Apparently you were doing the morning show
with my.
Speaker 3 (08:13):
Buddy Arjoe on Wednesday.
Speaker 1 (08:15):
Yeah, he's a friend of mine, so both of us.
So you got to replace you with somebody, So you
better come up with a big name man, Bill Kruger.
Speaker 2 (08:22):
Bill Kruger is doing Mondays with us now. By the way,
so SUSA, SUSA and Boone.
Speaker 1 (08:27):
Work with us. Both guys took off for major league jobs.
So Bill Krueger, we can expect him to be the
manager of the Marlins by June because he's on our
show now.
Speaker 3 (08:37):
Absolutely, Oh I've already been replaced.
Speaker 2 (08:40):
Yeah, come on, we gotta fast here, pal.
Speaker 3 (08:43):
I'll tell you what I'm like, Chop Liver. Now, I
thought I was like, I really added a huge dynamic.
You did.
Speaker 2 (08:50):
We had to move fast.
Speaker 3 (08:53):
Man, Billy, Billy, I don't know. I don't know if
I'm envious, if I'm if I'm hurt, I'll have to
I'll have to really digest that, this emotion I'm going
through being you know, it's one thing coming and having
this new job right out of nowhere, but to be
replaced this quick in Seattle, yeah my home time. That's right, man,
(09:16):
it just kind of feels a little bit. I'm a
little hurt.
Speaker 1 (09:18):
Well, listen, the Rangers fired their guy over the weekend
and they hired you by Sunday, so they move fast too.
But here's the thing, so this is just just real
quick before you go boone, because I know you got
to run. You're at Fenway Park for the series with Boston,
so this is a Rangers team that needs a lot
of help. And you saw the job that Edgar and
Sitzer have done here in Seattle, second to last and
(09:40):
run scored in baseball with guys like Sime and Garcia.
Speaker 2 (09:43):
Seeger not good enough?
Speaker 1 (09:45):
So I mean, how much do you come in here
and just say the same thing in a different way
and try to make it land differently or do you
just blow the whole thing up to Kingdom, come and
start implementing the boon rules whatever they are right away?
Speaker 3 (10:00):
Well, now I think you kind of come in with
kid gloves at first, and like I said, a lot
of observing and watching it. It's hitting. It's such a
unique thing. It's such an individual thing. Everything doesn't work
for every individual. We're all different in our ways and
we all have similarities. So it's finding the words for
(10:23):
a certain guy might not be the same words for
another guy. So I found that the best hitting coaches
I've had through the years have the uncanny ability at
the right time to say the right thing that these
guys are just looking for hope when things are going bad.
They want to be told, hey, it's going to be
all right. And the best guys I had through my
career had that ability to turn that when they know
(10:45):
I just got that look in my eye, like I've
got no clue what I'm doing, to find a way
to get something, to tweak something in my brain that goes,
you're right, that's what I need to do. It doesn't
mean I'm going to go up there and hit a
home run, but I've got a chance. And this game
is so mental, you know, we talk about the physical.
Everybody's got a different physical set, skill set, but our
(11:07):
most powerful tool always has been, always will be what's
going on in between our ears. And if we can
keep that as unclouded yep as possible, that that gives
us the best. Yeah, there's too much talent here. I've
watched this team. You don't go from two years ago
win in the World Series and the best offensive baseball
to one of the worst offense with a similar roster.
(11:29):
I mean a lot of these guys are on that
World championship team, so overnight, you just don't forget how
to hit. Just something that's going on, and you know,
I'm here to work with the analytical guys and kind
of to be honest with you, kind of be educated
on the modern day game. I think there's a healthy,
a healthy middle ground for all this new technology. I
(11:50):
think people, you know, guys my age, ex players, when
they have the attitude of oh, the guys, you know,
the way we did it was the way you do it,
and these guys today, I think that's a naive attitude
to have. I think it's negative and I don't think
it helps anybody. I think you have to embrace the
modern day technology and the way things do that and
be able to get on a level with these kids
(12:11):
that grew up in a different culture than we did.
They grew up in a culture of spin rates and
exit velocity, and that's their language. I think there's a
there's a fun you find a way to meet in
the middle. I want to learn about how you came
up in the game with these young players, how they think,
how they train, and I can learn from you. I
think if if you just dismiss the current game, I
(12:31):
think you're that's a detriment. I think you need to
embrace it and roll with the times and roll with
the changes. But I think I can learn from a
young player, and a young player can learn from me,
and I think that's when you get the ultimate. It's hey,
take some wisdom, take take some some some guidance from
a guy that's been through the trenches for a lot
of years. But also, hey, I want to know what
(12:52):
you're doing and what Hey, I wish I had that
when I was playing. That's a really good idea. I
think there's a happy medium in there and find in
that mix with modern day player and a little old
school that I bring. I think that's perfect perfect storm.
And uh, you know, I'm looking forward to working with
the analytical team here that and like I said, to
educate me on the modern day game. I can I
(13:13):
can always learn. You know, sometimes I come across I
think I know everything, but.
Speaker 2 (13:17):
But come across like that when I look in.
Speaker 3 (13:22):
The bear, I laugh at myself. And because I'm always learning.
So I got a lot to give to this game.
I can't wait to get started. Uh, and it starts today.
I think I know it's going to shock you. I
think I'm going to be kind of a reserved Brett
Boon to the day for day one, and I listen
more than I speak. But uh, you know me, after
(13:42):
a while, I'm gonna I'm gonna start, uh really chiming
in and and uh, I see what Edgar incites her
have done. And in Seattle, they've done a great job.
And you know, Edgar is one of my one of
my big mentors in my career and really helped me
the second half of my career become the hitter I was.
And it was all from a philosophy and a game
(14:03):
plan and really preparing for one hundred and sixty games.
He taught me a lot. He kind of changed my
whole career as a hitter. And when I became not
just a guy with fast hands to hey, I've got
a plan and I put it in place every day
for he taught me a lot, and I just want
to pad on as much as I can to this younger,
younger generation, and hopefully I can I can help some
(14:26):
kids here.
Speaker 1 (14:26):
Well, your name is already on the official roster on
MLB dot Com as the Rangers hitting coach, so this
is official.
Speaker 2 (14:33):
I got to ask her one more though.
Speaker 1 (14:34):
Honestly, before you go real quick, I remember about fifteen
years ago you had that weird thing up in Victoria
whatever the hell that was, managing that baseball team. So
you've had desires. I mean, going back fifteen years ago,
you did it because you wanted to be a manager.
Is is this a precursor to you maybe getting back
(14:55):
on that road did become a major league skipper like
your brother.
Speaker 3 (14:59):
I'll tell you what you know this My life has
been so crazy. I've been so blessed in so many ways.
But I've been through some trials and some trivilations. Man.
You know, I've been through a lot in my life.
I've learned a lot. I've been humbled quite a bit.
I got out of the game, and the thirty seven
year old guy that left the as a player thought
you know, I want to write off from the sunset
(15:19):
and I don't want anything to do with this game anymore. Well,
I woke up ten years later and thought, you know,
this has been my whole life. I grew up with
my dad and grandpa, and this has been my whole life.
And I got a lot to give to this game.
So he started getting on the media side and doing
the podcast and working with you guys in Seattle. But
I don't really have an agenda, I said, you know,
(15:40):
I want to get my platform back. I want to start,
you know. And I've been really in tune with with
all of Major League Baseball the last three or four years,
from an analytical side and from the media side. Now
I get this call, so it's not like, yeah, one
day with at the possibility, absolutely, but I really have
no agenda here. My job now is to is to
(16:00):
come in and you know, give my experiences to some
young players. Hopefully I can help a little bit. Uh.
But I really don't have a plan. It's not like
I have goals. This is what I want to do
when I'm fifty seven years old, and it's you know,
wherever it takes me. I've had a lot of cool
things happen in my life and a lot of experiences
good and bad. But I'm just I'm just kind of
(16:23):
rolling with it. You know. I truly believe that I'm
here for a reason, and it wasn't something I was seeking.
It was something that just kind of happened. And you know,
when I got here last night, I'll reiterate, it just
confirmed that I'm where I need to be right now,
and I've got nothing beyond this. I'm here to help
hitters and wherever my future is, so be it. But
(16:44):
but it's nothing that I'm even thinking about right now. Yeah,
you're getting some wins and beating the Mariners. Ass, That's
what I say.
Speaker 1 (16:53):
Hey, Hey, calm down, take it easy, let's not get
crazy Friday.
Speaker 3 (16:58):
I laugh. You put a tweet and I think people
are saying, oh, he's a trader. I said, No, I'm
just going to with one of one of my favorite
men that's been in my life baseball wives. And I'm
working for Bruce Bochi now and now I'm a Texas
Ranger and that's that's my focus and that's my that's
my allegiance. Hey, listen, I'm never going to forget the
(17:20):
city of Seattle. Some of my greatest years were there.
The people in Seattle were unbelievable to me. But I'm sorry, guys.
Right now, I'm a Ranger and that's my prayer.
Speaker 2 (17:29):
I get it.
Speaker 1 (17:30):
Well. Friday, June twenty seventh, Baby, you'll be back in
Seattle at t Mobile Park, so we will see you
then and all of us on the radio station for
your treachery. By the way, expect complimentary Diamond Club tickets
when you get to town, So make that happen, all right, Pal,
you got it?
Speaker 3 (17:47):
And Softy, hey, you know I love you a serious
note and that you've done for me over the years,
and I love doing Thursdays with you. And we're going
to keep this relationship and we will play some golf
in the future. And I wish you guys the best,
but I wish the Texas Rangers a little better.
Speaker 2 (18:06):
I get it, all.
Speaker 1 (18:06):
Right, Well, listen, go get him, man, and we will
keep in touch.
Speaker 2 (18:11):
But we're gonna miss having you on the show.
Speaker 1 (18:13):
But congratulations for the first time in twenty years having
a real job, So go get him.
Speaker 3 (18:17):
Tonight we'll tack down Kruger. To tell Krueger there's a
lot of pressure stepping into my spot, no question. It
ain't for minors.
Speaker 1 (18:25):
Hey, listen, he's a veteran for a reason. He can
handle the trials and tribulations. That's why he's in that spot. Now,
mondays at five. All right, dude, good luck, buddy, Congratulations,
we'll talk down the road.
Speaker 2 (18:37):
Man.
Speaker 3 (18:38):
I appreciate it.
Speaker 1 (18:38):
Man. There he is the new hitting coach of the
Texas Rangers, Brett Boone. And by the way, if you've
seen the score of the game in Boston, the Booney
effect is already taking taking him. What sort I'm looking
for here, It's already taking effect. It's already in effect,
an idiot. Rangers are up six to nothing in the
fourth inning on Boston. How about that there, loving booty
(19:00):
already Uh In Texas, We're gonna break more with Hugh
Millen coming up on ninety three three kJ A RFM.
Brett Boone, who had been doing our show every Thursday
on the radio program, is no longer with us, and
I mean no longer with us on the air. There's
a reason why. We'll explain that right now full disclosure.
Had a chance earlier today to catch up with Boonie,
because you know what he's.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
Doing right now.
Speaker 1 (00:18):
He's in the dugout at Fenway Park for the Texas
Rangers as their hitting coach, managing the Rangers offense currently
as we speak against Boston. So talked a lot about
why and how. But here's Brett Boone from earlier today,
his final visit in an official capacity on this radio station,
telling us how all of this came together.
Speaker 3 (00:41):
I can't tell you how many guys have called me
and kind of what is going on? You didn't tell us,
you were well, I didn't know this. You know. It
was an innocent day. You know, my Alba moters USC
and I'd been talking to their coach Stankowitz for all
year and he said, Boone, you got to come out
to a game and throw out the first pitch. And
it was getting to the end of the college season.
(01:02):
So I went up to Irvine and did the deal
and talked to the guys and they're playing UCLA, who
you know, that's our nemesis, and and I was getting
ready to throw out the first pitch and I get
a text from from Michael Young, the second base and
shortstop of the Rangers, who I played against for years,
and he said, Booney, don't bounce the pitch. And it
(01:23):
was kind of a shock. I hadn't talked to Michael
in a while, and I said, what are you doing here?
He said, I'm just watching the game, got my kids.
And I said, I'll yell at you before we leave.
And you know, I went down and talked to him
for a little bit and asked him what he was doing,
and he was with the Rangers, and you know, it
was all good. And I said, give Bruce a hug
for me, because Boach has always been one of my
(01:44):
favorite men in the game. I played for him for
one year in San Diego. And I got home and
my phones were in it's Bruce Boche and I'm thinking
this is kind of strange. I thought. I thought he
wanted to jump on my podcast again. He can't get enough.
We've had him on a bunch of times. And he
said no, and he said Booey, what do you think
about putting the UNI back on it. I was kind
of like, well, this is like the last thing I
(02:06):
expected today, and I was kind of shocked, and I'm like, well,
you know, when I hung up the phone, I told
him I call him back. Talking to my wife a
little bit, and I just thought, you know, I followed
the Texas Rangers quite a bit. They're in that division,
and I do a show up at Texas, so I'm
pretty familiar with him, and obviously Boach, I'm always keeping
(02:27):
an eye on him and I when it came to it,
I just thought, you know, this is if I could
pick to go back in the game and work under
a man, Boat would be at the top of that list,
and it was something that I kind of felt I
had to do. I called him back to the boat
for you. I got to do this, and it was
a whirlwind. That was about thirty six hours ago, and
(02:49):
next thing you know, I'm talking to Chris Young, who
I played against and have a lot of respect for.
And next thing you know, they're doing my contract and
I'm on to play into Boston. So that's how it's
kind of unfolded, and a lot of my pies, you know,
found out like you did yesterday. I Saffie, I'm sorry
I didn't let you. I didn't give you a heads up,
but you know, the media people, I can't trust you
(03:11):
guys to keep anything a secret. So yeah, I had to.
I had to kind of shut up, which you know
for me, that's tough to do, to shut up. So uh,
I kept it as quiet as I could. And then
yesterday they announced it. I had Wi Fi on the plane,
so so I got about a thousand messages and uh,
we're here in Boston. I just got to the ballpark actually,
(03:33):
and and uh, you know, I'm looking forward. It's it's
going to be. Uh it's going to be a challenge,
but but I'm excited about it. It's just a new chapter.
And you know, i'll meet some of the guys a
little bit this morning, but uh, I'm looking forward to it.
It's it's gonna be a lot of fun.
Speaker 1 (03:48):
Well, first of all, Brett boonees with us, and yeah,
I was disappointed to find out through social media. I
thought we were tighter than that, but I guess not.
Guess it just reminds me where I am on your
priority list.
Speaker 2 (03:59):
Power.
Speaker 1 (04:00):
But you do realize that taking this job involves work.
I mean, I know what you like to do. You
like to golf, You like to golf, you like to
hit the gym, you like to golf, you like to
do your podcast. And I don't know how many rounds
of golf you'll be getting in between now and September,
big boy. But this involves actual work, putting together game
plans and spreadshifts and all kinds of stuff.
Speaker 2 (04:20):
And you haven't done this in.
Speaker 1 (04:22):
Twenty years, or worked in twenty years, or traveled like
this in twenty years.
Speaker 2 (04:27):
I mean, are you sure this is something that you
want to do?
Speaker 1 (04:30):
Pout of that way, are you gonna wake up in
a week and ask yourself what the hell.
Speaker 2 (04:33):
Am I doing?
Speaker 3 (04:35):
Okay? I woke up yesterday morning and I knew, you know,
I had a lot of loose ends to shure up because,
like I said, I got kids going everywhere and I'm
thinking about the dog. My wife kind of looked at me, like, well,
what does this mean? I said, it means that I'll
be gone. If things go great, I'll see it in
six months. If they don't, I'll see it in five.
(04:55):
But you know, and I said, hey, you're gonna be
able to come up up and visit and visit on
the road, and my kids will be coming in and
out whenever they can with their schedules. But yeah, it's
it is, And I genuinely you know, I've gone through
it world one of emotions. But I woke up yesterday
(05:16):
and for a brief moment, I thought what the heck
am I doing? And I got on the plane and
I was talking to people I got here. Bruce was
greeted me last night when I when I got in
on the Uber at eleven at night, my skipper greeted me,
and I thought, I'm in the right place, you know,
for whatever reason. I'm putting this position right now for
a reason. And like I said, I couldn't I couldn't
(05:39):
imagine if I could pick a scenario where you got
to go back on the field and work with hitters.
I couldn't imagine a better situation for me than than
to be under Chris Young and Bruce Bochi as my skipper.
So that you know, it's not like it's I'm questioning
the people that I'm working under. That's it's it's per
(06:00):
in a perfect world's that's who I picked. So that
part is there, and when I got here last night,
I got a good night's sleep, surprising enough. I got
up today, I had a little lunch and like I said,
just got to the ballpark. And now it's going to
be a lot of You know, it's tough for me
because you know, I'm a loud mouthed and I speak
my mind. But I'm going to try to do the
best I can to just observe, get to know these guys,
(06:23):
get to know what makes them kick. Everybody's not the same.
You know, I got a lot to give to this game.
I've been through the trials and area. I've been at
the top of the mountain great years, but I've also
had some real tough years. So I can kind of
relate with these hitters every emotion they're experiencing. I've been
there and a lot of times, hitters, you know what
we need. We need hope when things aren't going good.
(06:46):
We need to be told and a it's got to
be all right. You're going to get through this because
I've been there. You know, I've been there where It's
just like I'm hiding in my hotel room. I don't
want to go to the ballpark and on the other
side of it, I've been at my hotel room. I
can't wait. Bus is too late. I want to get
there early because some picture is going to take a
beating tonight the way I feel. So I've been, I've
(07:08):
been through both sides, and uh, I just think I'm
meant to be here right now. And and uh it
wasn't something I had no agenda, it was nothing I
was seeking. Its just I was putting this position for
a reason. And and I'm going to go out and
try to help as many guys as I can.
Speaker 1 (07:24):
Well, I love it. Uh, we're all kidding aside. Happy
for you, may no doubt. Did you did you work
into your contract with the Rangers a clause that you
can still do the radio show on Thursdays with us?
Speaker 2 (07:35):
Or are you you're done, like like you can't do radio?
Speaker 3 (07:38):
Hey, I think I'm done. I don't think it would
I don't think it would be politically correct to comment
on our now, my you know it's weird. I keep saying,
you guys, you guys, now, it's uh right, So yeah, hey,
Mariners are playing good and they're they're a they're a
rival now, so I I kind of get it work.
Speaker 1 (07:58):
Here's the thing where you mentioned that you did radio
in Dallas, right, So I texted a buddy of mine, RJ. Shoppy,
and I said, hey, man, the Rangers just took our
Thursday baseball guest. And he responded and said, yeah, they
took mine too. Apparently you were doing the morning show
with my.
Speaker 3 (08:13):
Buddy Arjoe on Wednesday.
Speaker 1 (08:15):
Yeah, he's a friend of mine, so both of us.
So you got to replace you with somebody, So you
better come up with a big name man, Bill Kruger.
Speaker 2 (08:22):
Bill Kruger is doing Mondays with us now. By the way,
so SUSA, SUSA and Boone.
Speaker 1 (08:27):
Work with us. Both guys took off for major league jobs.
So Bill Krueger, we can expect him to be the
manager of the Marlins by June because he's on our
show now.
Speaker 3 (08:37):
Absolutely, Oh I've already been replaced.
Speaker 2 (08:40):
Yeah, come on, we gotta fast here, pal.
Speaker 3 (08:43):
I'll tell you what I'm like, Chop Liver. Now, I
thought I was like, I really added a huge dynamic.
You did.
Speaker 2 (08:50):
We had to move fast.
Speaker 3 (08:53):
Man, Billy, Billy, I don't know. I don't know if
I'm envious, if I'm if I'm hurt, I'll have to
I'll have to really digest that, this emotion I'm going
through being you know, it's one thing coming and having
this new job right out of nowhere, but to be
replaced this quick in Seattle, yeah my home time. That's right, man,
(09:16):
it just kind of feels a little bit. I'm a
little hurt.
Speaker 1 (09:18):
Well, listen, the Rangers fired their guy over the weekend
and they hired you by Sunday, so they move fast too.
But here's the thing, so this is just just real
quick before you go boone, because I know you got
to run. You're at Fenway Park for the series with Boston,
so this is a Rangers team that needs a lot
of help. And you saw the job that Edgar and
Sitzer have done here in Seattle, second to last and
(09:40):
run scored in baseball with guys like Sime and Garcia.
Speaker 2 (09:43):
Seeger not good enough?
Speaker 1 (09:45):
So I mean, how much do you come in here
and just say the same thing in a different way
and try to make it land differently or do you
just blow the whole thing up to Kingdom, come and
start implementing the boon rules whatever they are right away?
Speaker 3 (10:00):
Well, now I think you kind of come in with
kid gloves at first, and like I said, a lot
of observing and watching it. It's hitting. It's such a
unique thing. It's such an individual thing. Everything doesn't work
for every individual. We're all different in our ways and
we all have similarities. So it's finding the words for
(10:23):
a certain guy might not be the same words for
another guy. So I found that the best hitting coaches
I've had through the years have the uncanny ability at
the right time to say the right thing that these
guys are just looking for hope when things are going bad.
They want to be told, hey, it's going to be
all right. And the best guys I had through my
career had that ability to turn that when they know
(10:45):
I just got that look in my eye, like I've
got no clue what I'm doing, to find a way
to get something, to tweak something in my brain that goes,
you're right, that's what I need to do. It doesn't
mean I'm going to go up there and hit a
home run, but I've got a chance. And this game
is so mental, you know, we talk about the physical.
Everybody's got a different physical set, skill set, but our
(11:07):
most powerful tool always has been, always will be what's
going on in between our ears. And if we can
keep that as unclouded yep as possible, that that gives
us the best. Yeah, there's too much talent here. I've
watched this team. You don't go from two years ago
win in the World Series and the best offensive baseball
to one of the worst offense with a similar roster.
(11:29):
I mean a lot of these guys are on that
World championship team, so overnight, you just don't forget how
to hit. Just something that's going on, and you know,
I'm here to work with the analytical guys and kind
of to be honest with you, kind of be educated
on the modern day game. I think there's a healthy,
a healthy middle ground for all this new technology. I
(11:50):
think people, you know, guys my age, ex players, when
they have the attitude of oh, the guys, you know,
the way we did it was the way you do it,
and these guys today, I think that's a naive attitude
to have. I think it's negative and I don't think
it helps anybody. I think you have to embrace the
modern day technology and the way things do that and
be able to get on a level with these kids
(12:11):
that grew up in a different culture than we did.
They grew up in a culture of spin rates and
exit velocity, and that's their language. I think there's a
there's a fun you find a way to meet in
the middle. I want to learn about how you came
up in the game with these young players, how they think,
how they train, and I can learn from you. I
think if if you just dismiss the current game, I
(12:31):
think you're that's a detriment. I think you need to
embrace it and roll with the times and roll with
the changes. But I think I can learn from a
young player, and a young player can learn from me,
and I think that's when you get the ultimate. It's hey,
take some wisdom, take take some some some guidance from
a guy that's been through the trenches for a lot
of years. But also, hey, I want to know what
(12:52):
you're doing and what Hey, I wish I had that
when I was playing. That's a really good idea. I
think there's a happy medium in there and find in
that mix with modern day player and a little old
school that I bring. I think that's perfect perfect storm.
And uh, you know, I'm looking forward to working with
the analytical team here that and like I said, to
educate me on the modern day game. I can I
(13:13):
can always learn. You know, sometimes I come across I
think I know everything, but.
Speaker 2 (13:17):
But come across like that when I look in.
Speaker 3 (13:22):
The bear, I laugh at myself. And because I'm always learning.
So I got a lot to give to this game.
I can't wait to get started. Uh, and it starts today.
I think I know it's going to shock you. I
think I'm going to be kind of a reserved Brett
Boon to the day for day one, and I listen
more than I speak. But uh, you know me, after
(13:42):
a while, I'm gonna I'm gonna start, uh really chiming
in and and uh, I see what Edgar incites her
have done. And in Seattle, they've done a great job.
And you know, Edgar is one of my one of
my big mentors in my career and really helped me
the second half of my career become the hitter I was.
And it was all from a philosophy and a game
(14:03):
plan and really preparing for one hundred and sixty games.
He taught me a lot. He kind of changed my
whole career as a hitter. And when I became not
just a guy with fast hands to hey, I've got
a plan and I put it in place every day
for he taught me a lot, and I just want
to pad on as much as I can to this younger,
younger generation, and hopefully I can I can help some
(14:26):
kids here.
Speaker 1 (14:26):
Well, your name is already on the official roster on
MLB dot Com as the Rangers hitting coach, so this
is official.
Speaker 2 (14:33):
I got to ask her one more though.
Speaker 1 (14:34):
Honestly, before you go real quick, I remember about fifteen
years ago you had that weird thing up in Victoria
whatever the hell that was, managing that baseball team. So
you've had desires. I mean, going back fifteen years ago,
you did it because you wanted to be a manager.
Is is this a precursor to you maybe getting back
(14:55):
on that road did become a major league skipper like
your brother.
Speaker 3 (14:59):
I'll tell you what you know this My life has
been so crazy. I've been so blessed in so many ways.
But I've been through some trials and some trivilations. Man.
You know, I've been through a lot in my life.
I've learned a lot. I've been humbled quite a bit.
I got out of the game, and the thirty seven
year old guy that left the as a player thought
you know, I want to write off from the sunset
(15:19):
and I don't want anything to do with this game anymore. Well,
I woke up ten years later and thought, you know,
this has been my whole life. I grew up with
my dad and grandpa, and this has been my whole life.
And I got a lot to give to this game.
So he started getting on the media side and doing
the podcast and working with you guys in Seattle. But
I don't really have an agenda, I said, you know,
(15:40):
I want to get my platform back. I want to start,
you know. And I've been really in tune with with
all of Major League Baseball the last three or four years,
from an analytical side and from the media side. Now
I get this call, so it's not like, yeah, one
day with at the possibility, absolutely, but I really have
no agenda here. My job now is to is to
(16:00):
come in and you know, give my experiences to some
young players. Hopefully I can help a little bit. Uh.
But I really don't have a plan. It's not like
I have goals. This is what I want to do
when I'm fifty seven years old, and it's you know,
wherever it takes me. I've had a lot of cool
things happen in my life and a lot of experiences
good and bad. But I'm just I'm just kind of
(16:23):
rolling with it. You know. I truly believe that I'm
here for a reason, and it wasn't something I was seeking.
It was something that just kind of happened. And you know,
when I got here last night, I'll reiterate, it just
confirmed that I'm where I need to be right now,
and I've got nothing beyond this. I'm here to help
hitters and wherever my future is, so be it. But
(16:44):
but it's nothing that I'm even thinking about right now. Yeah,
you're getting some wins and beating the Mariners. Ass, That's
what I say.
Speaker 1 (16:53):
Hey, Hey, calm down, take it easy, let's not get
crazy Friday.
Speaker 3 (16:58):
I laugh. You put a tweet and I think people
are saying, oh, he's a trader. I said, No, I'm
just going to with one of one of my favorite
men that's been in my life baseball wives. And I'm
working for Bruce Bochi now and now I'm a Texas
Ranger and that's that's my focus and that's my that's
my allegiance. Hey, listen, I'm never going to forget the
(17:20):
city of Seattle. Some of my greatest years were there.
The people in Seattle were unbelievable to me. But I'm sorry, guys.
Right now, I'm a Ranger and that's my prayer.
Speaker 2 (17:29):
I get it.
Speaker 1 (17:30):
Well. Friday, June twenty seventh, Baby, you'll be back in
Seattle at t Mobile Park, so we will see you
then and all of us on the radio station for
your treachery. By the way, expect complimentary Diamond Club tickets
when you get to town, So make that happen, all right, Pal,
you got it?
Speaker 3 (17:47):
And Softy, hey, you know I love you a serious
note and that you've done for me over the years,
and I love doing Thursdays with you. And we're going
to keep this relationship and we will play some golf
in the future. And I wish you guys the best,
but I wish the Texas Rangers a little better.
Speaker 2 (18:06):
I get it, all.
Speaker 1 (18:06):
Right, Well, listen, go get him, man, and we will
keep in touch.
Speaker 2 (18:11):
But we're gonna miss having you on the show.
Speaker 1 (18:13):
But congratulations for the first time in twenty years having
a real job, So go get him.
Speaker 3 (18:17):
Tonight we'll tack down Kruger. To tell Krueger there's a
lot of pressure stepping into my spot, no question. It
ain't for minors.
Speaker 1 (18:25):
Hey, listen, he's a veteran for a reason. He can
handle the trials and tribulations. That's why he's in that spot. Now,
mondays at five. All right, dude, good luck, buddy, Congratulations,
we'll talk down the road.
Speaker 2 (18:37):
Man.
Speaker 3 (18:38):
I appreciate it.
Speaker 1 (18:38):
Man. There he is the new hitting coach of the
Texas Rangers, Brett Boone. And by the way, if you've
seen the score of the game in Boston, the Booney
effect is already taking taking him. What sort I'm looking
for here, It's already taking effect. It's already in effect,
an idiot. Rangers are up six to nothing in the
fourth inning on Boston. How about that there, loving booty
(19:00):
already Uh In Texas, We're gonna break more with Hugh
Millen coming up on ninety three three kJ A RFM.
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