When I think of the #10, I have admit to that Bo Derek pops into my mind, but this countdown is for athletes! Pat Haden could have been my #10 pick since that is the jersey he wore at USC, but I had another #10 in mind, so Haden went at #11. This player is yet another Dodger who had a stellar career. He went by the perfect nickname of the “Penguin.” He grew up in Tacoma and played college ball at Washington State University.
Ronald Charles Cey played third base for the Dodgers from 1971 to 1982. He went on to play with the Cubs and Athletics and ended his career in 1987. He finished with 316 HR’s and 1139 RBI’s. When the Dodgers won the World Series in 1981, Cey had played great and he won the MVP along with two other players: Pedro Guerrero and Steve Yeager.
My story about Cey happened one day when Glenn and I were at a Dodger game. With runners on base, Cey squared at the plate and bunted a baseball along the third base line. The throw went over the first baseman’s head and down the right field line. Cey, whose nicknamed came from his slow, waddling gallop, displayed it clearly as he rounded first base and took off for second. The throw coming in from the outfield was thrown away again, and Cey continued to third. When yet another error occurred, Cey rounded third and made it all the way to the plate. By the end, the crowd at Dodger stadium was actually laughing out loud because it was hilarious watching Cey go full speed around the bases to score. His running style was certainly unique to Cey, and it was funny to watch. I have been to hundreds of Dodger games, yet that one at bat still sticks out in my memory. Cey still works for the Dodgers and speaks for the organization.
The single digits awaits us now! The light at the end of the tunnel is getting pretty bright!!
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