Mickey Mahler - Witticisms

Witticisms

Throughout his career, Mahler developed a rapport with the press, and was known for being a very funny man. In 1986, he famously told USA Today, "If I were commissioner, I'd send every major-league player down to Triple-A after three years to see how good they have it now," only to be sent down to Triple-A the following day, on July 29, 1986.

In 1986, after hitting Cleveland's Brett Butler with a pitch, Mahler told reporters, "The thing is, the signal here for the fastball is the signal for the curve in Texas and Oklahoma. When I got the sign, my mind said 'curve.' I took my grip, went into the stretch, kicked up the leg and, right in the middle of my motion, it dawned on me 'fastball.' I wound up trying to change my grip mid-motion."

In reflecting on his career as a journeyman, Mahler told the Toronto Star in 1986: "It's not a pleasant way to spend a career, but the memories will be incredible. I've played with Reggie Jackson and Rod Carew and Dale Murphy, I've learned from Tom House and (Johnny) Sain, the two best pitching coaches in the business. I've been around, seen the best. It's not so bad a life."

Mahler also told reporters in 1986: "This is the best job in the world and I'll do anything they say - chalk the field before the game, sweep the dugout."