Remembering a big bat and bigger glove
Graig Nettles’ bat got him to the big leagues. His glove, with a series of near miraculous stops, turned the tide of the 1978 Fall Classic and helped the Yankees win their second straight World Championship.
“I was a good offensive player, I hit 390 career home runs,” said Nettles, who manned the Bronx Bombers’ hot corner from 1973-83. “When I retired I was 24th on the all-time list. Now I’m 63rd because of the way the game has changed so much. But when everything’s said and done, for people to remember me more for my defense than my offense, I’m really proud of that.”
Sports Collector’s Digest caught up with the six-time All Star and 1981 ALCS Most Valuable Player during an autograph session in Queensbury, N.Y., where he appeared for the grand opening of a new Ollie’s Bargain Outlet store.
Hundreds of fans brought a wide assortment of memorabilia to be signed, including action photos of Nettles along with bats and balls; even a seat back from old Yankee Stadium.
Nettles has a simple rule when it comes to
