A Jovial John Brings Bridgeport Knowledge and Understanding

By Justin Felisko on May 29, 2009

Bridgeport, CT – With a record of 11-21, the Bridgeport Bluefish have certainly seen better waters in their 11 seasons of Atlantic League baseball.  But there is optimism for Bluefish fans as this year’s pitching staff’s ERA is about a run and a half lower than last year’s.  Part of that increase in success on the mound comes from an old sage deep within the Ballpark at Harbor Yard.

He can be seen sometimes wearing his navy Bluefish jacket leaning against the fence inside the dugout on game day.  He can also be seen flashing a jovial smile talking to players about old time baseball.  If he’s not on the field, you may just be able to find him inside his office.  With all kinds of tools, golf clubs, shafts, club heads, and a rainbow of polos inside, it can easily be mistaken for a GolfSmith.   With 26 years of Major League experience and 288 career wins, Tommy John has brought a “hands on” approach to this year’s staff in hopes of bringing the Bridgeport Bluefish to the next level.

“Tommy has talked about arm angles, release points and the whole philosophy of pitching this year,” said relief pitcher Matt Pike.  “With his hands on approach you can see it in the numbers that we have a pretty decent staff.”

This year’s pitching staff has been the backbone of the Bluefish.  With an ERA of 4.41, Bridgeport sits fifth in the league.  This is a vast improvement from last season’s ERA of 6.03 and 2007′s 5.23.

“The last two years we have had team ERAs of about six.  That’s horrible,” said John.  “My whole thing is that you have to be able to throw strikes.  If you can’t throw strikes you can’t pitch in this league, college ball or any place.”

John is looking for his first winning season with the ‘Fish since joining the team in 2007.  After going 35-28 and finishing one game back of the division crown in the first half of 2007, the ‘Fish have yet to finish a half above .500.  Overall, John has a career record of 144-159.

John knows that for any team to have success, it begins with pitching.

“Everything goes with pitching.  We’re going to score runs but our pitching and defense has to be able to carry us,” said John.

Regardless of the coaching record, his impact in the clubhouse is what makes John so respected by his players.  Whether it is telling his entertaining stories or giving a helping hand, John has certainly left his mark in Bridgeport.

Pike’s brother was in town during a game and Matt asked John if it was possible for his brother to sit in the dugout and wear a uniform with the team.  John replied, “Sure, he can even coach first base.”

“My brother is a pilot and says that one of the greatest things in his life was to wear a uniform and coach first base; Tommy made that possible,” said Pike.  “When a manager goes out of his way for a player to get his family involved and does things to create special memories for them, it’s something you will always remember and forever be grateful for.”

For John, some of his best memories in Bridgeport have come from interacting with the vast variety of guys and personalities that he has met.  “You get to find out what they like to do and what they’ve done in the minor or Major Leagues,” said John.  “Managing is just making the guys feel comfortable so that they can play at their best.”

When he isn’t telling one of his many entertaining stories from his golfing adventures or Major League days, John is always offering a sense of understanding and an openness to player’s who are trying to make their way back into affiliated ball.

“He understands what we’re doing here and he allows us to do what we need to do to get better and move on to the next level,” said Adam Greenberg.  “I think what’s most important to him is to see his guys individually do well enough to get noticed by a Major League organization, and of course for the team to do well.  He genuinely wants that for all of us.”

It is fitting that John wants to help his player’s make a comeback as the 66-year-old is best known for coming back from the injury that was supposed to end his career.  After missing the entire 1975 season, John rebounded from surgery, now known as Tommy John surgery, on his permanently damaged ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching arm.  In 1976, John was named the National League Comeback Player of the Year and the game’s most victorious pitcher not in the Hall of Fame went on to win 164 of his 288 career victories after the surgery.

John pitched his most memorable game in the 1977 National League Championship series.  In game four, John out dueled Philadelphia Phillies’ Hall of Famer Steve Carlton in a torrential downpour at Veteran Stadium to lead the Dodgers to a 4-1 victory and the National League Pennant.

“I went nine innings and why we even played is beyond me,” said John.  “Both teams had to play in it and I was better than Steve Carlton.”

With Tommy John at the helm, the Bridgeport Bluefish will look to build off of a good pitching core to make a steady climb up the Atlantic League standings the rest of the season and possibly return to the postseason for the first time in three years.

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