Well, here’s an awesome history lesson to kick off your weekend.
Back in 1996, a 37-year-old Terry Francona began his Major League coaching career, when he was tapped to become the Detroit Tigers third base coach under manager (and former teammate) Buddy Bell.
And on that 1996 Detroit Tigers team was one Cecil Fielder (this was actually his last year with the Tigers, before moving onto New York). Cecil Fielder, of course, is the father of future Major Leaguer (and six-time All-Star) Prince Fielder.
Given that Fielder, just 12 at the time, was destined for Major League greatness, I suppose it should come as no surprise to see him absolutely crank homers off Francona in batting practice, and yet … wow.
Take a look for yourself:
That kid is 12 YEARS OLD.
You shouldn’t have that kind of power at that age, LET ALONE from both sides of the plate (can you imagine if he continued to switch hit throughout his career).
A few years ago, this video resurfaced and Francona sat down with a Fox Sports reporter to reminisce on Fielder’s immense talent at such a young age:
“When you’re 12 … you shouldn’t be able to do that.”
Agreed.