Al Newman
Encyclopedia
Albert Dwayne Newman (born June 30, 1960 in Kansas City, Missouri
) is a former infielder
in Major League Baseball
who played for the Montreal Expos
(1985–1986), Minnesota Twins
(1987–1991) and Texas Rangers
(1992). Newman was a switch-hitter and threw right-handed.
where he played for the renowned coach Jim Dietz, majored in Accounting and also played football
at the position of running back. In 1980, 1981, and 1982, he played in the National Baseball Congress
Tournament in Wichita, KS. Newman left college with two All-Conference seasons.
Drafted in the third round of the 1979 Major League Baseball Draft
by the California Angels, Newman turned down their offer and returned to college. Again in 1980, Newman was drafted in the third round and declined contract offers, this time by the Texas Rangers. In the June secondary phase of the 1980 draft, he was selected in the 2nd round by the New York Mets
. However, the Mets' offers were not enough so Newman chose to remain with his college team. A year later, on June 8, 1981, Newman was drafted in the first round (12th overall) by the Montreal Expos, with whom he would sign his first Major League Baseball contract.
, Montreal's AA-level team, and was a South Atlantic League
All-Star second baseman during the 1982 season. In 1983, Newman started the season again at Memphis before being promoted to Montreal's AAA-level team, the Wichita Aeros
. On December 7, 1983, Newman changed organizations for the first time as he was included in a large, 3-team deal that would see the Expos trade Newman to the San Diego Padres
and starting pitcher Scott Sanderson
to the Chicago Cubs. To round out the trade, the Padres sent Gary Lucas
to the Expos while the Cubs sent Carmelo Martinez
, Craig Lefferts
, and Fritzie Connally to the Padres.
Newman would start the 1984 season back at the AA level, playing for the Beaumont, TX Golden Gators
in the Texas League, before being traded back to the Expos on July 20, 1984, this time for starting pitcher Greg Harris
. Newman would spend the rest of the 1984 season and much of 1985 season with the Expos new AAA team, the Indianapolis Indians
.
, Newman also played shortstop
, third base
and left field at some point in his career. He made his major league debut on 14 June 1985 when he was brought in as a pinch runner and scored a run. Newman was used sparingly by the Expos, playing in 32 games in 1985 and 95 games in 1986. On 6 July 1986, Newman hit his only Major League home run (off Atlanta's
Zane Smith); coincidentally in the same game that the Braves Bob Horner hit four home runs in one game. Newman would end his career with a staggering 4.000 slugging percentage against Smith as this homerun was hit in his only at bat versus the pitcher.
Prior to the beginning of the 1987 season, Newman was traded to the Minnesota Twins for career minor league pitcher Mike Shade. Upon first arriving in Minnesota, after the 1987 trade, and seeing Kirby Puckett take batting practice, Newman was quoted as saying of Puckett, "He's the eighth wonder of the world!" Newman would see much more playing time with the Twins, proving to be a valuable utility player
and pinch runner, but would have trouble hitting for average as his 1987 0-31 hitless streak would attest to. Newman was a member of two World Championship
teams in 1987
and 1991
and had 2 hits, including a triple, and 1 walk and 1 RBI in 8 World Series plate appearances. His most productive season came in 1989 with the Twins, when he posted career-highs in stolen base
s (25), hits
(113), doubles
(18), runs batted in (38), runs
(62) and batting average
(.253).
During the 1989 season, Newman was interviewed along with teammate Gary Gaetti
about playing the "hot corner" (third base) for the Minnesota Twins. Newman recounted an experience playing the position when future Hall of Famer (and future Twin
) Dave Winfield
came to the plate, "Dave Winfield
hit one right at me last year. I had no chance to move. I looked and the ball was in my glove. I made like I knew what I was doing." In 1990, Al Newman was a part of setting a major league record as the Minnesota Twins
turned 2 triple plays in one game against the Boston Red Sox
, making the final throw in both. Also during the 1990 season, teammate and future Hall of Famer, Kirby Puckett
, was moved around the field from his normal centerfield position to play right field, third base, shortstop, and second base in a single game. Newman jokingly remarked to the press following the game, "I'm glad Puck's one of us utility guys now. Maybe he'll raise the salary structure a little."
Only weeks after the 1991 World Series victory, Newman was granted free agency by the Twins and was not resigned. After weighing his options, Newman signed with the Cincinnati Reds on 2 February 1992 but was released on April 1 during the final roster cutdowns. However, Newman was signed just two days later by the Texas Rangers in what would turn out to be his final major league season. In 246 at-bats in 1992, Newman amassed 54 hits, 25 runs, 9 stolen bases, and 34 walks.
In an eight-season career, Newman was a .226 hitter with one home run
and 156 RBI in 854 games. As his career hitting statistics would indicate, Newman did not exactly excel at the plate and displayed little power. Newman would finish with the third-most career at-bats of any player with only one homerun since World War II
. He would also retire having never collected a hit off several pitchers, including Kevin Appier
against whom he was 0-13.
In 1992 to commemorate the Twins World Series victory, the team issued a set of playing cards on which Newman was featured on the "3 of Clubs".
of the Eastern League for the 1996 and 1997 seasons. In 1996, his team finished last at 61-81, but showed improvement in 1997, posting a 70-72 record and finishing third to last. In the 1997 Arizona Fall League, Newman managed the Sun City Solar Sox finishing second in their division with a 22-23 record. in 1998, he was the bench coach for the Twins' AAA affiliate, the Salt Lake City Buzz. From 1999-2001, Newman was the manager of the Twins' rookie league Gulf Coast League Twins
. After a 33-32 record in 2000, Newman added former 1991 World Series teammate Jarvis Brown
to his coaching staff.
In 2002, following Twins manager Tom Kelly's
retirement, Newman accepted the job of third base coach (formerly occupied by Ron Gardenhire
, who was named the new manager). Newman would be the Twins thirdbase coach from 2002 to 2005. In April 2003, Kirby Puckett
had fallen out of favor with the public after a Sports Illustrated
article chronicled a personal life much different from his public persona. Newman sympathized with his long-time friend, saying, "I'm scared to death for him. I'm scared because of his health and about his frame of mind. He's a baseball man and the game that gave him everything -- the game that got him out of the Chicago ghetto -- is gone from him now. The people who loved him don't love him anymore. He's on an island by himself and he's trying to figure out how to get home." During the 2003 season, Newman said of pitcher Jamie Moyer
"He's like a fine wine, he gets better with age. No, actually, he just gets slower."
On September 10, 2003, during warm-ups in Chicago during a tight pennant race, Newman took a turn in the batter's box during warm-ups to take some fun hits. Shortly after completion, Newman collapsed on the field and was immediately rushed to the hospital. After several tests, it was determined he had suffered a brain hemorrhage. His wife Deborah and Twins general manager Terry Ryan remained at the hospital with him throughout the stay where he remained unconscious until September 26. During that time, Gardenhire struggled to keep his team focused while all dealt with their feelings for Newman. Minnesota Twins center fielder Torii Hunter
said of Newman, "For me, I think it hurt me more than anybody to see him go down like that, because this is the guy who pretty much taught me the game, and how to play the game hard." While Newman was away from the team, his jersey, number 62, was hung in the dugout for each game as a salute. On October 4, 2003, after being released from the hospital, Newman threw out the first pitch prior to Game 3 of the Twins American League Divisional Series versus the New York Yankees
. Gardenhire waved Newman's jersey to fans and was visibly emotional to have him back on the field with him after his long hospital stay.
By March 4, 2004, Newman had returned to the Twins including being on the field a Grapefruit League pre-season game versus the Cincinnati Reds
. During Newman's first weeks in return to the Twins, he experienced issues with high blood pressure and was prescribed medication and relaxation.
In 2006, Newman left the Twins and became an advance scout
with the Arizona Diamondbacks
. On March 12, 2006, Newman, along with former Twins players Kent Hrbek
, Torii Hunter
, Dave Winfield
, and Harmon Killebrew
, former manager Tom Kelly
, former general manager Andy MacPhail
, and longtime Oriole Cal Ripken, Jr.
, spoke at Kirby Puckett
's funeral. Newman and Puckett played together throughout Newman's career with the Twins and were good friends and known as pranksters around the clubhouse.
On July 27, 2008, Newman began broadcasting "The Al Newman Show" on radio WWTC AM1280 "The Patriot" in Minneapolis, MN. The short-lived program was a weekly family-friendly show about sports.
Al Newman has long been involved in the youth baseball player development. As noted above, throughout his coaching career, and also by holding off-season clinics for youth sports.
In 2010, Newman participated in the opening ceremonies for the Target Field
, the new home of the Twins, alongside many other former Twins such as Jim Kaat
, Bert Blyleven
, and Jack Morris
.
Today, Newman lives in Savage, Minnesota
and acts as special events coordinator for the AFLAC
Kids Program, a program focused on helping kids with cancer and other serious blood disorders.
Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City, Missouri is the largest city in the U.S. state of Missouri and is the anchor city of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, the second largest metropolitan area in Missouri. It encompasses in parts of Jackson, Clay, Cass, and Platte counties...
) is a former infielder
Infielder
An infielder is a baseball player stationed at one of four defensive "infield" positions on the baseball field.-Standard arrangement of positions:In a game of baseball, two teams of nine players take turns playing offensive and defensive roles...
in Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
who played for the Montreal Expos
Montreal Expos
The Montreal Expos were a Major League Baseball team located in Montreal, Quebec from 1969 through 2004, holding the first MLB franchise awarded outside the United States. After the 2004 season, MLB moved the Expos to Washington, D.C. and renamed them the Nationals.Named after the Expo 67 World's...
(1985–1986), Minnesota Twins
Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the...
(1987–1991) and Texas Rangers
Texas Rangers (baseball)
The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
(1992). Newman was a switch-hitter and threw right-handed.
San Diego State (1979-1982)
Newman attended San Diego State UniversitySan Diego State University
San Diego State University , founded in 1897 as San Diego Normal School, is the largest and oldest higher education facility in the greater San Diego area , and is part of the California State University system...
where he played for the renowned coach Jim Dietz, majored in Accounting and also played football
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
at the position of running back. In 1980, 1981, and 1982, he played in the National Baseball Congress
National Baseball Congress
The National Baseball Congress of Wichita, Kansas is an organization of 15 amateur and semi-professional baseball leagues operating in the United States and Canada...
Tournament in Wichita, KS. Newman left college with two All-Conference seasons.
Drafted in the third round of the 1979 Major League Baseball Draft
1979 Major League Baseball Draft
The 1979 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft was held on June 5-7, 1979, via conference call.-First round selections:The following are the first round picks in the 1979 Major League Baseball draft.* Did not sign- Background :...
by the California Angels, Newman turned down their offer and returned to college. Again in 1980, Newman was drafted in the third round and declined contract offers, this time by the Texas Rangers. In the June secondary phase of the 1980 draft, he was selected in the 2nd round by the New York Mets
New York Mets
The New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
. However, the Mets' offers were not enough so Newman chose to remain with his college team. A year later, on June 8, 1981, Newman was drafted in the first round (12th overall) by the Montreal Expos, with whom he would sign his first Major League Baseball contract.
Minor Leagues (1980-1985)
Newman would spend much of the next four years in the minor leagues. Newman debuted in organized baseball for the Memphis ChicksMemphis Chicks
The Memphis Chicks were an American minor league baseball team based in Memphis, Tennessee. The Chicks were charter members of the Southern Association from 1901 until November 18, 1960, when the club folded and was transferred to Macon, Georgia for 1961.The Chicks suffered a...
, Montreal's AA-level team, and was a South Atlantic League
South Atlantic League
The South Atlantic League is a minor league baseball league based chiefly in the Southeastern United States, with the exception of three teams in the Mid-Atlantic States...
All-Star second baseman during the 1982 season. In 1983, Newman started the season again at Memphis before being promoted to Montreal's AAA-level team, the Wichita Aeros
Wichita Aeros
The Wichita Aeros was a minor league baseball franchise based in Wichita, Kansas, that played in the AAA American Association from 1970 through 1984....
. On December 7, 1983, Newman changed organizations for the first time as he was included in a large, 3-team deal that would see the Expos trade Newman to the San Diego Padres
San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
and starting pitcher Scott Sanderson
Scott Sanderson
Scott Douglas Sanderson is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for seven teams from 1978 to 1996.-Baseball career:...
to the Chicago Cubs. To round out the trade, the Padres sent Gary Lucas
Gary Lucas
Gary Lucas is an American guitarist, a Grammy-nominated songwriter, a soundtrack composer for film and television, and an international recording artist with over a dozen solo albums to date. He has been described as "one of the best and most original guitarists in America" ; a "legendary leftfield...
to the Expos while the Cubs sent Carmelo Martinez
Carmelo Martinez
Carmelo Martínez Salgado is a former professional baseball player. He played all or part of nine seasons in Major League Baseball, primarily as a first baseman and outfielder, from 1983 to 1991. He also played one season in Japan for the Orix BlueWave in...
, Craig Lefferts
Craig Lefferts
Craig Lindsay Lefferts was a relief pitcher for the Chicago Cubs , San Diego Padres , San Francisco Giants , Baltimore Orioles , Texas Rangers and California Angels...
, and Fritzie Connally to the Padres.
Newman would start the 1984 season back at the AA level, playing for the Beaumont, TX Golden Gators
Beaumont Golden Gators
The Beaumont Golden Gators were a minor league baseball team in the double A Texas League from 1983 to 1986. Owned by insurance man Ted Moor, the team was an affiliate of the San Diego Padres for their entire tenure...
in the Texas League, before being traded back to the Expos on July 20, 1984, this time for starting pitcher Greg Harris
Greg A. Harris
Greg Allen Harris is a former pitcher in Major League Baseball for the New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds, Montreal Expos, San Diego Padres, Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees from 1981 to 1995. Harris pitched in 703 games in his career, starting 98...
. Newman would spend the rest of the 1984 season and much of 1985 season with the Expos new AAA team, the Indianapolis Indians
Indianapolis Indians
The Indianapolis Indians are a minor league baseball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. The team, which plays in the International League, is the Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates major-league club. The Indians play at Victory Field, located in downtown Indianapolis...
.
Major Leagues (1985-1992)
Primarily a second basemanSecond baseman
Second base, or 2B, is the second of four stations on a baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a base runner in order to score a run for that player's team. A second baseman is the baseball player guarding second base...
, Newman also played shortstop
Shortstop
Shortstop, abbreviated SS, is the baseball fielding position between second and third base. Shortstop is often regarded as the most dynamic defensive position in baseball, because there are more right-handed hitters in baseball than left-handed hitters, and most hitters have a tendency to pull the...
, third base
Third Base
is a 1978 Japanese film directed by Yōichi Higashi.-External links:...
and left field at some point in his career. He made his major league debut on 14 June 1985 when he was brought in as a pinch runner and scored a run. Newman was used sparingly by the Expos, playing in 32 games in 1985 and 95 games in 1986. On 6 July 1986, Newman hit his only Major League home run (off Atlanta's
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
Zane Smith); coincidentally in the same game that the Braves Bob Horner hit four home runs in one game. Newman would end his career with a staggering 4.000 slugging percentage against Smith as this homerun was hit in his only at bat versus the pitcher.
Prior to the beginning of the 1987 season, Newman was traded to the Minnesota Twins for career minor league pitcher Mike Shade. Upon first arriving in Minnesota, after the 1987 trade, and seeing Kirby Puckett take batting practice, Newman was quoted as saying of Puckett, "He's the eighth wonder of the world!" Newman would see much more playing time with the Twins, proving to be a valuable utility player
Utility player
In sport, a utility player is one who can play several positions competently, a sort of jack of all trades. Sports in which the term is often used include association football , baseball, rugby, rugby league, water polo and softball....
and pinch runner, but would have trouble hitting for average as his 1987 0-31 hitless streak would attest to. Newman was a member of two World Championship
World Series
The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball, played between the American League and National League champions since 1903. The winner of the World Series championship is determined through a best-of-seven playoff and awarded the Commissioner's Trophy...
teams in 1987
1987 World Series
The 1987 World Series pitted the Minnesota Twins versus the St. Louis Cardinals.Minnesota was victorious in a World Series that was the first in which the home team won every game...
and 1991
1991 World Series
The 1991 World Series pitted the Minnesota Twins of the American League against the Atlanta Braves of the National League. The series was played from Saturday, October 19 to Sunday, October 27....
and had 2 hits, including a triple, and 1 walk and 1 RBI in 8 World Series plate appearances. His most productive season came in 1989 with the Twins, when he posted career-highs in stolen base
Stolen base
In baseball, a stolen base occurs when a baserunner successfully advances to the next base while the pitcher is delivering the ball to home plate...
s (25), hits
Hit (baseball)
In baseball statistics, a hit , also called a base hit, is credited to a batter when the batter safely reaches first base after hitting the ball into fair territory, without the benefit of an error or a fielder's choice....
(113), doubles
Double (baseball)
In baseball, a double is the act of a batter striking the pitched ball and safely reaching second base without being called out by the umpire, without the benefit of a fielder's misplay or another runner being put out on a fielder's choice....
(18), runs batted in (38), runs
Run (baseball)
In baseball, a run is scored when a player advances around first, second and third base and returns safely to home plate, touching the bases in that order, before three outs are recorded and all obligations to reach base safely on batted balls are met or assured...
(62) and batting average
Batting average
Batting average is a statistic in both cricket and baseball that measures the performance of cricket batsmen and baseball hitters. The two statistics are related in that baseball averages are directly descended from the concept of cricket averages.- Cricket :...
(.253).
During the 1989 season, Newman was interviewed along with teammate Gary Gaetti
Gary Gaetti
Gary Joseph Gaetti , nicknamed "G-Man", "Rat", or "Zorn" is an American former third baseman in Major League Baseball for the Minnesota Twins , California Angels , Kansas City Royals , St...
about playing the "hot corner" (third base) for the Minnesota Twins. Newman recounted an experience playing the position when future Hall of Famer (and future Twin
Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the...
) Dave Winfield
Dave Winfield
David Mark Winfield is an American former Major League Baseball outfielder. He is currently Executive Vice President/Senior Advisor of the San Diego Padres and an analyst for the ESPN program Baseball Tonight...
came to the plate, "Dave Winfield
Dave Winfield
David Mark Winfield is an American former Major League Baseball outfielder. He is currently Executive Vice President/Senior Advisor of the San Diego Padres and an analyst for the ESPN program Baseball Tonight...
hit one right at me last year. I had no chance to move. I looked and the ball was in my glove. I made like I knew what I was doing." In 1990, Al Newman was a part of setting a major league record as the Minnesota Twins
Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the...
turned 2 triple plays in one game against the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
, making the final throw in both. Also during the 1990 season, teammate and future Hall of Famer, Kirby Puckett
Kirby Puckett
Kirby Puckett was a Major League Baseball center fielder. He played his entire 12-year baseball career with the Minnesota Twins and he is the Twins franchise's all-time leader in career hits, runs, doubles, and total bases...
, was moved around the field from his normal centerfield position to play right field, third base, shortstop, and second base in a single game. Newman jokingly remarked to the press following the game, "I'm glad Puck's one of us utility guys now. Maybe he'll raise the salary structure a little."
Only weeks after the 1991 World Series victory, Newman was granted free agency by the Twins and was not resigned. After weighing his options, Newman signed with the Cincinnati Reds on 2 February 1992 but was released on April 1 during the final roster cutdowns. However, Newman was signed just two days later by the Texas Rangers in what would turn out to be his final major league season. In 246 at-bats in 1992, Newman amassed 54 hits, 25 runs, 9 stolen bases, and 34 walks.
In an eight-season career, Newman was a .226 hitter with one home run
Home run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
and 156 RBI in 854 games. As his career hitting statistics would indicate, Newman did not exactly excel at the plate and displayed little power. Newman would finish with the third-most career at-bats of any player with only one homerun since World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. He would also retire having never collected a hit off several pitchers, including Kevin Appier
Kevin Appier
Robert Kevin Appier is a former right-handed Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the Kansas City Royals, Oakland Athletics, New York Mets, and Anaheim Angels.-Kansas City Royals:...
against whom he was 0-13.
In 1992 to commemorate the Twins World Series victory, the team issued a set of playing cards on which Newman was featured on the "3 of Clubs".
Coach, Manager, and Scout (1992-1996)
Following his playing career, Newman managed the Twins AA team, the New Britain Rock CatsNew Britain Rock Cats
The New Britain Rock Cats are the Double-A minor league baseball affiliate of the Minnesota Twins Major League Baseball club. They compete in the Eastern League and play their home games at New Britain Stadium in New Britain, Connecticut.-History:...
of the Eastern League for the 1996 and 1997 seasons. In 1996, his team finished last at 61-81, but showed improvement in 1997, posting a 70-72 record and finishing third to last. In the 1997 Arizona Fall League, Newman managed the Sun City Solar Sox finishing second in their division with a 22-23 record. in 1998, he was the bench coach for the Twins' AAA affiliate, the Salt Lake City Buzz. From 1999-2001, Newman was the manager of the Twins' rookie league Gulf Coast League Twins
Gulf Coast League Twins
The Gulf Coast League Twins are the Rookie "A" Level Minor League Baseball affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. The team plays in Fort Myers, Florida, at the Lee County Sports Complex....
. After a 33-32 record in 2000, Newman added former 1991 World Series teammate Jarvis Brown
Jarvis Brown
Jarvis Ardel Brown was a Major League Baseball outfielder who played for the Minnesota Twins, San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves, and Baltimore Orioles. He won the World Series with the Twins.-Career:...
to his coaching staff.
In 2002, following Twins manager Tom Kelly's
Tom Kelly (baseball)
Jay Thomas Kelly , is the former manager of the Minnesota Twins baseball team from to . Currently, he serves as a Special Assistant to the General Manager for the Twins....
retirement, Newman accepted the job of third base coach (formerly occupied by Ron Gardenhire
Ron Gardenhire
Ronald Clyde "Gardy" Gardenhire is a former Major League Baseball shortstop and current manager of the Minnesota Twins.He is six feet tall and weighed 175 pounds during most of his baseball career....
, who was named the new manager). Newman would be the Twins thirdbase coach from 2002 to 2005. In April 2003, Kirby Puckett
Kirby Puckett
Kirby Puckett was a Major League Baseball center fielder. He played his entire 12-year baseball career with the Minnesota Twins and he is the Twins franchise's all-time leader in career hits, runs, doubles, and total bases...
had fallen out of favor with the public after a Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated is an American sports media company owned by media conglomerate Time Warner. Its self titled magazine has over 3.5 million subscribers and is read by 23 million adults each week, including over 18 million men. It was the first magazine with circulation over one million to win the...
article chronicled a personal life much different from his public persona. Newman sympathized with his long-time friend, saying, "I'm scared to death for him. I'm scared because of his health and about his frame of mind. He's a baseball man and the game that gave him everything -- the game that got him out of the Chicago ghetto -- is gone from him now. The people who loved him don't love him anymore. He's on an island by himself and he's trying to figure out how to get home." During the 2003 season, Newman said of pitcher Jamie Moyer
Jamie Moyer
Jamie Moyer is an American professional left handed baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. At the time of his last game to date , he was the oldest player in the major leagues and had the most wins, losses, and strikeouts of any active Major League pitcher...
"He's like a fine wine, he gets better with age. No, actually, he just gets slower."
On September 10, 2003, during warm-ups in Chicago during a tight pennant race, Newman took a turn in the batter's box during warm-ups to take some fun hits. Shortly after completion, Newman collapsed on the field and was immediately rushed to the hospital. After several tests, it was determined he had suffered a brain hemorrhage. His wife Deborah and Twins general manager Terry Ryan remained at the hospital with him throughout the stay where he remained unconscious until September 26. During that time, Gardenhire struggled to keep his team focused while all dealt with their feelings for Newman. Minnesota Twins center fielder Torii Hunter
Torii Hunter
Torii Kedar Hunter is a Major League Baseball right fielder for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.Hunter has taken away many home runs throughout his 13-year major league career by "climbing the fence" in the outfield. He has won nine consecutive Gold Glove Awards as an outfielder.Hunter resides...
said of Newman, "For me, I think it hurt me more than anybody to see him go down like that, because this is the guy who pretty much taught me the game, and how to play the game hard." While Newman was away from the team, his jersey, number 62, was hung in the dugout for each game as a salute. On October 4, 2003, after being released from the hospital, Newman threw out the first pitch prior to Game 3 of the Twins American League Divisional Series versus the New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
. Gardenhire waved Newman's jersey to fans and was visibly emotional to have him back on the field with him after his long hospital stay.
By March 4, 2004, Newman had returned to the Twins including being on the field a Grapefruit League pre-season game versus the Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
. During Newman's first weeks in return to the Twins, he experienced issues with high blood pressure and was prescribed medication and relaxation.
In 2006, Newman left the Twins and became an advance scout
Scout (sport)
In professional sports, scouts are trained talent evaluators who travel extensively for the purposes of watching athletes play their chosen sports and determining whether their set of skills and talents represent what is needed by the scout's organization...
with the Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix. They play in the West Division of Major League Baseball's National League. From 1998 to the present, they have played in Chase Field...
. On March 12, 2006, Newman, along with former Twins players Kent Hrbek
Kent Hrbek
Frequently injured , Hrbek retired after the players strike in 1994, citing his nagging injury problems and desire to spend more time with his wife and daughter at their home in Bloomington, MN...
, Torii Hunter
Torii Hunter
Torii Kedar Hunter is a Major League Baseball right fielder for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.Hunter has taken away many home runs throughout his 13-year major league career by "climbing the fence" in the outfield. He has won nine consecutive Gold Glove Awards as an outfielder.Hunter resides...
, Dave Winfield
Dave Winfield
David Mark Winfield is an American former Major League Baseball outfielder. He is currently Executive Vice President/Senior Advisor of the San Diego Padres and an analyst for the ESPN program Baseball Tonight...
, and Harmon Killebrew
Harmon Killebrew
Harmon Clayton Killebrew , nicknamed "Killer" and "Hammerin' Harmon", was an American professional baseball first baseman, third baseman, and left fielder. During his 22-year career in Major League Baseball , he played for the Washington Senators, a team which later became the Minnesota Twins, and...
, former manager Tom Kelly
Tom Kelly (baseball)
Jay Thomas Kelly , is the former manager of the Minnesota Twins baseball team from to . Currently, he serves as a Special Assistant to the General Manager for the Twins....
, former general manager Andy MacPhail
Andy MacPhail
Andy MacPhail is the former president of baseball operations for the Baltimore Orioles. He was the president/CEO of the National League Chicago Cubs from September 9, 1994 until October 1, 2006...
, and longtime Oriole Cal Ripken, Jr.
Cal Ripken, Jr.
Calvin Edwin "Cal" Ripken, Jr. , nicknamed "Iron Man", is a former Major League Baseball shortstop and third baseman. He played his entire 21-year baseball career for the Baltimore Orioles ....
, spoke at Kirby Puckett
Kirby Puckett
Kirby Puckett was a Major League Baseball center fielder. He played his entire 12-year baseball career with the Minnesota Twins and he is the Twins franchise's all-time leader in career hits, runs, doubles, and total bases...
's funeral. Newman and Puckett played together throughout Newman's career with the Twins and were good friends and known as pranksters around the clubhouse.
After Baseball
On January 22, 2008, Newman announced the creation of "Newmie Rewards LLC", a business created to aid in fund raising for athletic teams.On July 27, 2008, Newman began broadcasting "The Al Newman Show" on radio WWTC AM1280 "The Patriot" in Minneapolis, MN. The short-lived program was a weekly family-friendly show about sports.
Al Newman has long been involved in the youth baseball player development. As noted above, throughout his coaching career, and also by holding off-season clinics for youth sports.
In 2010, Newman participated in the opening ceremonies for the Target Field
Target Field
Target Field is a baseball park located in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is the home ballpark of the Minnesota Twins, the city's Major League Baseball franchise. It is the franchise's sixth ballpark and third in Minnesota. The Twins moved to Target Field for the 2010 Major League Baseball...
, the new home of the Twins, alongside many other former Twins such as Jim Kaat
Jim Kaat
James Lee "Jim" Kaat , nicknamed "Kitty", is a former pitcher in Major League Baseball for the Washington Senators/Minnesota Twins , Chicago White Sox , Philadelphia Phillies , New York Yankees , and St...
, Bert Blyleven
Bert Blyleven
Bert Blyleven is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played from to , and was best known for his curveball. Blyleven was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2011...
, and Jack Morris
Jack Morris
John Scott "Jack" Morris is a former Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher. He played in 18 big league seasons between 1977 and 1994, mainly for the Detroit Tigers, and won 254 games throughout his career...
.
Today, Newman lives in Savage, Minnesota
Savage, Minnesota
Savage is a suburban city south-southwest of downtown Minneapolis in Scott County in the U.S. state of Minnesota. The city is situated on the south bank of the Minnesota River in a region commonly referred to as South of the River, comprising the southern portion of Minneapolis-St. Paul, the...
and acts as special events coordinator for the AFLAC
Aflac
Aflac Incorporated is the largest provider of supplemental insurance in the United States, founded in 1955 and based in Columbus, Georgia. In the United States, Aflac underwrites a wide range of insurance policies, but is perhaps more known for its payroll deduction insurance coverage, which pays...
Kids Program, a program focused on helping kids with cancer and other serious blood disorders.
External links
- Retrosheet - major league career