Ramp Champ #48: Tim Naehring

Tim Naehring is a SS/3B type who played for the Pawtucket Red Sox in 1989 and 1990. And then he returned in 1992 for eleven games, 1993 for 55 games, and then like four games in '94. And did you know that one of his legs is shorter than the other?

In 1989, a 22-year-old Naehring played in 79 games, mostly at short. He batted .275, hit three home runs, and stole a couple of bases.

In 1990, Naehring appeared in 82 games, again mostly as a shortstop. He hit 15 home runs and struck out 56 times. It would be the most home runs he'd hit in a season for the PawSox.

In '92, Naehring appeared in 11 Pawtucket games. He had ten hits - No doubles, no triples, just a bunch of singles and two home runs. Injuries, man.

1993 - Naehring hangs around with guys like John Valentin and Steve Lyons for 55 games. He batted .307 and walked more than he struck out.

And finally, Naehring made his final appearance in a PawSox uniform in 1994, appearing in 4 games and hitting two doubles. Although I suppose he could have worn his uniform in his leisure time, like at the First and Last Chance Cafe.

Two things:
1. "Mike Lieberthal scored the winning run when shortstop Tim Naehring apparently forgot how many outs there were in the bottom of the 12th inning, allowing the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons to defeat the Pawtucket Red Sox, 4-3, last night in the International League." - Philly Inquirer, AUG 1993.
2. ''The kid (Naehring) made a nice play and had two more hits today,'' Boggs said. ''I've liked the way he swings the bat. The Sox got him as an eighth-round draft pick. . . . I like that. I was in the seventh round. You don't have to be a first-round guy, heh?'' - source

And where might you find Tim Naehring's mural at McCoy Stadium? He's hard to find... Upper portion of the third base tower. Dude, no one goes up there. Some little kid died there back in 1980 after slipping on the wet cement... Some fans swear she's still wandering around, looking for her parents, holding a little PawSox pennant in her hand...

Mike Tamburro doesn't need to wonder, he's doing fine.

Mike Tamburro's going to the International League Hall of Fame.

Let's talk to it!

1. "If Mike Tamburro were to take a page from late night talk show David Letterman and compose a top 10 list based exclusively on all the achievements and accolades bestowed upon him over the years, chances are the exercise would tug at the heart of the team president of the Pawtucket Red Sox." - McGair

2. The Providence paper... ZZZZZ...

Well! Evidently no one else in Rhode Island wants to recognize this accomplishment. What the hell is wrong with people? Mike Tamburro will mop up fruit punch spills on the concourse for YOU. Mike Tamburro took the public's suggestions very seriously at the Hot Stove Party! For YOU.

Tremendous news. Congratulations.