Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg called into MLB Network's Hot Stove this morning with Matt Vasgersian and Harold Reynolds. After talking about the infamous Santa Claus booing incident at a 1968 Eagles game, Sandberg went on to praise his former teammate and current bench coach, Larry Bowa.
"First of all, I have had the pleasure and the entertainment of watching 162 games with Larry right by my side. He must have about six sets of eyes because he doesn't miss anything that happens on the field. That's where it is a luxury for me. To be able to just talk about the game from the first pitch on, and watch the game, we really have fun with that and can be on our toes as moves are needed to be made. He was full of information, and we were on the same page.
He did get a couple of elbows in the ribs when he got a little bit too fired up. I wanted to make sure he stayed in the game. He actually went through the whole season and did not get ejected. He's come a long way with a little bit of age."
Sandberg's last quote on Bowa is the most telling of their camaraderie:
"This guy is competitive as can be. The number one thing to say about Larry Bowa is he wants to win."
Matt Rappa (@mattrappa) is a contributor to Philliedelphia.com.
