Seattle Inherits Speed By Bagging Coleman
A night before he was traded, Vince Coleman talked to his wife about three teams he’d heard mentioned.
“I hope it’s Seattle,” Coleman said.
It was. In the first pennant race in franchise history - a run for the American League wildcard spot - the Mariners acquired the 33-year-old leadoff hitter from the Kansas City Royals for a player to be named later.
“I’ve been to the World Series twice, I’ve played on good teams, but I’ve never played on a team with more legitimate power hitters,” Coleman said of the Mariners. “If I get to first base, I’m in scoring position. And they play their home games on AstroTurf. I was born and raised on turf; I’m three or four steps faster on it. I’m back in my world again. I think I can dominate a game.”
Coleman has made a career of his speed and base-running ability, parlaying a .265 career average into 724 stolen bases - seventh on baseball’s all-time list.
“When you’re in the position we’re in and you get the chance to pick up a player who has been through the baseball wars before, you’ve got to do it,” manager Lou Piniella said. “Coleman has been in the postseason and the games you play to get there.”
“A playoff atmosphere gives your body electricity,” Coleman said. “You know every day, every pitch, every game is important - it could be the factor that wins it all. Every player leaves spring hoping to be in this situation.
“Actually, I left spring training without a job. The last four days, that’s been my All-Star break. I’ll be with the Mariners (tonight) and it’s got to be easier. The last game I played, I faced (Seattle ace) Randy Johnson.”
With the Royals this year, Coleman batted .287 with 26 stolen bases in 75 games, but was designated for assignment last weekend when Kansas City initiated a youth movement. Piniella admitted he deked the press about Coleman.
“We were in Kansas City, and their general manager can read,” Piniella said. “If I say I’m really interested, the asking price would go up.”
A leadoff hitter throughout his 11-year career, Coleman will fill that role as the Mariners left fielder.
“He puts pressure on a pitcher once he’s on base,” said Seattle pitcher Andy Benes. “If you don’t pay attention to him and get to the plate quick, he’s on second base. Then he’s on third base. He’s an impact player.”
The Mariners will pay only a pro-rated share of his $325,000 salary this season based on the 43 games he’ll be eligible to play for Seattle.
Two years ago, while playing for the New York Mets, Coleman tossed a lit firecracker into a crowd at Los Angeles. Felony charges were dropped, but Coleman received three years probation for the prank, which injured three fans.