Vol. II, Issue #2 - March 2014

** Interview with Jeff Montgomery **

(Wolfman Shapiro talks with ex-MLB player Jeff Montgomery about his experiences in baseball. Montgomery was elected to the Kansas City Royals Hall of Fame for his work as their closer for years.)

(Notes from the Wolfman: I met Mr. Montgomery on the social media network called Linkedin (at the about the same time as I was speaking, unknown to me, his business partner Brian McRae). I have to say for Mr. Montgomery, of all the ex-players I spoke to, he answered my emails and interview the same day. Right now he is TV announcer for the KC Royals and still remains a diehard Royals fan, very excited about all the new young players they have bringing them closer to a playoff birth.)

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Wolfman:  Today we have the great privilege to speak to one of the most consistent closers in baseball (rank #21 in the history of baseball with over 300 saves during his career) Jeff Montgomery, who played 12 years for the KC Royals from 1988 - 1999. 

Mr. Montgomery welcome to the "Ultimate Strat Baseball Newsletter".

When you were younger Mr. Montgomery, did you have a dream to become a baseball player or did you know one day you would be a major leaguer?

Jeff Montgomery:  I always wanted to be a Major League player but was quite naïve until I was drafted and started playing professionally. It was then that I learned how difficult the road to the Majors really was.

Wolfman:  What team(s) did you root for when you were very young and did you have any professional MLB ball players you admired?

Jeff Montgomery:  I grew up in Ohio during the Big Red Machine era and loved watching Pete Rose play the game the way he did.

Wolfman:  Did you play baseball in high school and college and what happened when the Cincinnati Reds drafted you. Did you always know you would be a pitcher?

Jeff Montgomery:  I played all through my younger years and then was blessed to be drafted by the Reds. I was in complete shock knowing that I had a chance to play in Riverfront Stadium someday.

Wolfman:  In 1988 you were traded to KC, how did you feel about this trade - did you have any idea eventually you would be the KC Closer?

Jeff Montgomery:  The trade to the Royals was the best thing that could have happened to me. The Royals pitching coach (Frank Funk) managed me in winter ball in Puerto Rico so I knew it would be a factor in getting an opportunity with the Royals. I didn't know it would come as a closer.

Wolfman:  In 1992, 1993 and 1996 you had the chance to play in the Allstar game; what can you tell us about this experience; how is it different than playing during the normal season?

Jeff Montgomery:  The All-Star experiences were just awesome. The first one was most incredible because I am now playing on a team with the best in the world and was a very proud moment. My second game in Baltimore was my next favorite because I love Camden Yards, plus I was more relaxed and comfortable the second time around.

Wolfman:  I ask this question of any ex-major leaguer which I have a chance to speak with: can you tell us what is it like to play in the major leagues? Is this an easy job to have, or is it very competitive and intense since you play 162 games in a season (although as a reliever you don't always appear in every game)? What did you like about being a major league baseball player?

Jeff Montgomery:  Playing MLB was about as good of a job as anyone could ask for. It was not easy but once you became established and knew what it took, it became much easier. The 162 game schedule was not as big of an issue as one would think because it was just the way it was and you couldn't control it. My favorite part was that I could make a tremendous living playing a game I loved. I also really like the fact that I brought a certain amount of pride and joy to my parents who were very beneficial to my development as a person and athlete.

Wolfman:  Can you share with our members what was it like for you in the day of the life as a major leaguer, on the days when you knew you would be or could be in the game that day?

Jeff Montgomery:  Every player sort of develops his own ritual or program based on what has worked for him. Many think players are superstitious but I think it's more a matter of consistency. For example, I always pitched better on the days I ran 3-4 miles early in the day. After a while I knew that was a key factor so I would not miss my daily run if possible for fear of not being as good as I could be. These routines are what keep players locked in at time so that meant there were sacrifices along the way but successful players know that is part of the game.

Wolfman:  How is the interaction with the other players who is on your team? Is it really necessary that everyone on the team works together to see success? Are there any well-known (perhaps who were elected to the Hall of Fame) or others players who were the top hitters/pitchers at that time who you met during your time with the Royals?

Jeff Montgomery:  Baseball is really a team game made up as individual events so the team working together is much less of a factor than most sports. You do need unselfish players to win because there are times when making sacrifices are key to winning games. George Brett was the player that stood out the most. He was a great teammate.

Wolfman:  What would you say was one of your most important games you were a part of, that you will never forget, where your contribution was a key factor that brought your team victory or a game situation that you are proud of?

Jeff Montgomery:  None come to mind but there were many.

Wolfman:  How did you feel to be with a team that only a few years before you joined, was the world champion but since 1985 has not made it back to the playoffs?

Jeff Montgomery:  It was difficult seeing the team take a downhill turn after the original owner of the team (Ewing Kauffman) passed away in 1993.  He was a big reason the team won in the Œ70s, Œ80s, and early Œ90s. The current team is headed back in the right direction and I'm hopeful to see winning baseball back in KC for a long time.

Wolfman:  What is important for our members to know about the key to be a success pitcher as you were able to achieve?  Is it about being in good physical and mental shape, knowing the batters you face, etc? Congratulations BTW on being voted to the KC Royals Hall of Fame.

Jeff Montgomery:  The most important factor is to know your strengths and get the most out of your abilities. Physical conditioning is key to long term success. I do believe Yogi's comment that baseball is 90% mental and 50% physical.

Wolfman:  Are you aware of the various table or computer games that have been created which give the fans and baseball fanatics a chance to be the manager of the actual professional players?

Jeff Montgomery:  I am aware of the games and I often get the cards in the mail to sign and return to fans.

Wolfman:  Finally, you are now a baseball analyst and linked to Fox TV for the Royals - how does this baseball job differ from being a player? What is it like; what are your duties?

Jeff Montgomery:  I think being a TV analyst is the second best job in the world. It allows me to stay connected to the game and the players. The biggest difference from being a player is that if you have a bad game as a TV analyst you can go home and fall asleep and forget about it and not worry about thousands of fans talking about how bad you were. As a player it is more difficult to forget about a bad game but important to do so before your next appearance.

Wolfman:  If any of our members might wish to speak to you, is there a way they could contact you?

Wolfman:  Mr. Montgomery thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to share your experiences as a Major League pitcher.  We use you continued success with your career as a baseball analyst and hope that one day in the near future (as I wish for my beloved Chicago Cubs) that the Royals will be back in the hunt.  All the best ....