Fans were invited to call in, Schmidt recalled, and he asked his mother-in-law to call WIP, a local station, to defend him against a disgruntled caller. “‘Call this number, call in and say, ‘That’s not true,’” Schmidt remembered saying. “I didn’t want to call in, obviously, so I had my mother-in-law call.”
Although he does not remember what specifically the person on air was saying, he laughed at the thought of his mother-in-law defending him, per his request. “It only takes one person out of that crowd of 30 people there, it only takes one to call WIP and tell them what an [expletive] Schmidt is,” he told Morosi.
“The Road to Cooperstown,” which airs weekly, focuses on the challenges and obstacles some of the game’s greatest players overcame on their way to achieving baseball’s highest honor. Schmidt’s episode is part of the second season of the podcast series, which also includes conversations with Larry Walker, Ted Simmons, Edgar Martinez, Chipper Jones, Randy Johnson, Lee Smith, Fred McGriff and Robin Yount.
Drafted by the Phillies as the 30th overall pick of the 1971 Draft, Schmidt did not know how the city located approximately 250 miles away from Cooperstown would outline his career. While it is no secret that Schmidt’s relationship with Philly fans was “negative,” during his Hall of Fame induction speech in 1995 he embraced his challenging time in the city.
“If I had it to do all over again, I’d do it in Philly,” Schmidt said. “The only thing I would change would be me. I’d be less sensitive; I’d be more outgoing; I’d be more appreciative of what you expected of me.”
Since his interaction with the crowd was limited — back then there were stricter rules about players throwing baseballs into the stands between innings — he harbored some regret that he could not have that connection with fans.
Beyond that other factors prevented him from developing that fan-player relationship: nights where he could not sleep because he had a bad game when he was in his garage hitting off the tee to refine swings or when he was getting to the park five hours before the first pitch.
“What goes into that happens a lot before the fans are even in the stands,” Schmidt said.
After playing 18 seasons Schmidt finished with 548 home runs 1 595 RBIs and a .267 average. For the 1980 World Series champion and 10-time Gold Glove winner tough fanbase helped him become player destined be.
“I spent all my time trying best could front Philly fans” said “Philly helped drive degree … if there lot negative reaction coming out stands failed struck bases loaded maybe wouldn’t driven much.”
Growing up parents who both played sports athletic career started earnest college trying Ohio University basketball team being removed roster due knee surgeries switched baseball.
“They said ‘What position play?’… don’t know ’” told Morosi.
That started playing shortstop freshman joining varsity lineup training gymnasium during winter.
Starting off few home runs freshman Bobcats legend leading school first College World Series
“I think relentless search perfect stroke ” Morosi. search never end success tremendously hard myself.”
Later podcast recalled teammates helped shape career joined met Dick Allen fundamental mentor journey.
Allen who posthumously inducted weekend friend confidant given first-hand view African American players deal racism perspective.
“His big mistake becoming best player team ” Morosi rough go
Teammates became friends mentors many accolades lifetime lesson more outgoing shaped person
“A lot times recognized almost opposite guy played ” said
Listen episodes podcast National Baseball Hall Fame Museum SiriusXM
