Dale grew up in Pinole and I know him — though it would be a stretch to say he’s a “friend.” He was always a good guy and pretty humble. Worked hard and loved baseball. Dale was not the type who was going to go to college, get a degree, and sit in an office somewhere for the next 45 years (geez I just depressed myself). He was a damned good ballplayer who was developing into a star shortstop for the Brewers. Then he was taken out on a double play and broke his leg badly. Missed the rest of the season. Worst of all, when he started spring training the next year they found that the leg had not healed properly and had to re-break it and set it. Missed another year and lost a step (or two) and was never the same player. Made a decent career as a utility infielder.

After he retired from playing, I was surprised to see he got a job as a minor league manager. I think he started with the Pirates, and grew up in their system. Had a couple good years managing the AA team at Altoona and led them to the playoffs (do THAT with nothing more than a bunch of Pirates “prospects”!). When Terry Francona got the gig managing the BoSux, he took his buddy Dale Sveum along as the 3rd base coach. Boston was really hard on Dale and he was blamed for getting some runners thrown out in key situations. Ned Yost gave him a chance to coach 3rd base for the Brewers, and Dale took it. That has worked out much better for him.

Oh, and he used to have a mustache that would qualify.

He doesn’t have to do anything except play the people who might help us next year, and he can’t even do that right.

But it’s not likely to make them any better so I don’t see the point in it, other than to show their fans that they are indeed panicking and doing stupid things because of it.