Who's my favourite Toronto baseball writer today? Richard Griffin! The latest in a series of palatable Star columns from a pen noticeably void of poison looks at the man I consider the Jays' unsung hero -- coach Brian Butterfield.
Since I never tire of repeating myself, let me assert (again) that the turning point in Toronto's 2002 season was the firing of Buck Martinez. Not just because Carlos Tosca was able to -- and inclined to -- stand up to Raul Mondesi's childish behaviour; J.P. also got the best possible candidate to replace Tosca in the 3B coaching box. Like Tosca, and hitting coach Mike Barnett, "Butter" didn't play big-league ball, but he's a dedicated student of the game, and a fantastic teacher.
Installed as the infield coach, he had an immediate, positive effect on Eric Hinske's defence. He helped Chris Woodward and Orlando Hudson make the adjustments to becoming regulars in the Show. Now he's running the Dunedin workouts, and by all accounts is a huge improvement over Garth Iorg, whose disorganized 2002 spring training regimen was ridiculed by veteran players and led to his dismissal. Don't just take my word on this; here are some "real" expert opinions, from an August column by Peter Gammons:
"Brian Butterfield must be the best coach in the world," says rookie second baseman Orlando Hudson. "Work, work, teach. This is great. It's all baseball teaching all the time, and we love it." One visiting clubhouse man says this Toronto team "is the biggest change in attitude I've ever seen."
Tosca and his coaches have created a learning atmosphere. Vernon Wells, who Butterfield believes will be in the Torii Hunter/Mike Cameron class of center fielders, has taken off. Cruz and Shannon Stewart have played better and better. But the highlight has been the young infield of rookie-of-the-year candidate Eric Hinske at third base, Chris Woodward at shortstop and Hudson at second.
"Hinske has Matt Williams feet at third," says Butterfield, who played a big role in the development of (Derek) Jeter in the Yankees organization. "Hudson is wonderful. What energy. He loves to win. He loves to work and play. He's a joy to be around. And Woodward's just a really good ballplayer. All he needed was a chance to play."
Butter's passion and loyalty to his players is returned; O-Dog's not the only one with such high praise. And if memory serves, Buck Showalter lost his job as Yankee manager by trying to protect his best coach from the misguided wrath of Steinbrenner. J.P. Ricciardi pounced on George's fumble when Butterfield was sacked as the manager of the AAA Columbus Clippers, and this acquisition ranks with Hinske and Politte among the Toronto GM's best moves.
https://www.battersbox.ca/article.php?story=20030226074246999