Strangest Dodgers story of the year

OK, at least in the non-Vladimir Shpunt division. I’m thinking nothing will ever get stranger than the Rasputin-magic-cosmic-vibes story. Or more hilarious.

But for this one, we are talking on-the-field-weird. Shake-the-head-in-bewilderment odd.

And the winner is -- the non-debut debut of John Lindsey.

It was a puzzler. Lindsey, who had toiled exclusively in the minor leagues for 16 years, gets a September call-up by the Dodgers.

Then finally, he emerges from the dugout on Sept. 8 and is announced as a pinch-hitter. Enough to make you get a lump in the old cynical throat.

Only the Padres switched pitchers and Manager Joe Torre called Lindsey back, pinch-hitting Andre Ethier instead.

And that was Lindsey’s major-league debut. Officially appearing in a game he never played in.

Lindsey, 33, was typically good-natured about it. Through all his travails, he remained refreshingly upbeat.

It was a bizarre enough moment that it made one of ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark’s always entertaining season-review stories -- this one, naturally, about the strangest aspects to baseball’s 2010 season.

Lindsey did actually play for the first time the next day, flying out to center. He collected his first major-league hit on Sept. 12 at Houston.

Still, Lindsey’s long wait to make it to the majors would end without a storybook finish. The Pacific Coast League batting champion ended up with just the one hit in 12 at-bats (.083) before having his hand fractured by a pitch on Sept. 25.

At this moment, Lindsey -- who turns 34 next month -- remains on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster.

-- Steve Dilbeck

Comments

[Frank Amsden]

Maybe he'll go on to become a country doctor like "Moonlight" Graham. Seriously, I hope he gets another shot before dropping off the roster.

[KoufaxFan]

Stranger than that are Dodger fans continuing to give McCrap their money.

[Labeldude]

Strangest Dodger story of the year should be how Ned still has a job. For 2011 he had to fill 3 SP, 2B, C, LF, a couple RP and half a bench. Any wonder why we can't sign anyone of any consequence when you turn over half your roster, let alone that may regulars? Not to be outdone though, Ned's going to be looking at the 2012 season needing a SP, LF, SS, 3B, C, an entire bench, and quite probably RF and closer.
.
Frank and Ned. The only one that can match the enormity of these two boobs is Morganna.

[ElToro34]

I guess Labeldude was watching "The 40 Most Bizarre Moments in history" on MLB Network today too ... Morganna was in the Top 10, right??

Couldn't Selig do something about the current LA Dodgers ownership by citing the "best interest" of the team and its fans? Maybe the McJerks are the real reason the All-Star Game hasn't returned to Dodger Stadium since the 80s ...

[LindseyToLee]

Lindsey certainly a luvable sort, butt still more than a bit odd that he's still on the roster????

highlight of the year was signing of #1 pick hurler Lee, as w/soooooo much on the field that was truly "forgetable," the best event was Lee, even if he turns out to be a dud/flop (which i don't think will be the case).....
butt at least front office stepped-up big time to ink him, when virtually no one thought it'd happen

[Steve Wimer]

I hope Lindsey can make it this spring, as he is no spring chicken, and the farmer is sharpening the axe.

[Guess Again]

No, the strangest Dodger story of the year (and maybe the decade), is why 3 million + "fans" continue to fill the seats to witness their annual meltdowns.

[Jim McVeigh]

The strangest,oddest and weirdest story is how the Dodger fans, the gift that keeps on giving(3m+fans per year), continues to support this team and scrooge mccourt just keeps on regifting. This team is short two frontline pitchers and at least two,three if you count Mark Grace loney at first base, from playing in the World Series, also a quality bench if you want to win the Series. WE KNOW THAT franky and neddy DO NOT WANT TO DO THAT....... Why spoil a gold mine. frank buys low and sells high.....

[Jim McVeigh]

P.S. the other odd thing is why isn`t budddy boy acting and forcing this bum back to Boston.Even this drunk (selig) has to know pure hatred for an owner when he sees it......

[crzblue]

No, the strangest Dodger story of the year (and maybe the decade), is why 3 million + "fans" continue to fill the seats to witness their annual meltdowns.

Posted by: Guess Again | 12/27/2010 at 07:38 AM

For the love of the game! Dodgers and baseball is my addiction. I can bitch but I can't wait for Pitchers and Catchers to report, I can't wait for games at Spring Training, I can't wait for Opening Day. I can't wait to walk into Dodger Stadium, hear Nancy Bea playing the organ, say hi to all my fellow season ticket holders, workers at the stadium, see the players in their crispy uniform, I can't wait to hear Vin Scully say "Is Time for Dodger Baseball!", the umpires say "Play Ball", watch the game, enjoy the view from there and also bitch with my friends about the team but they are still my beloved bums.
Nothing wrong with a little bitching but when the stadium is between your work and your home, well is hard to avoid the addiction. And what better way to break the long commute than to enjoy a day at the park?

I have not paid yet for my season tickets because I hate that they went up but I know I will continue to feed my addiction.
"I Live for this", or I should say "I work for this"

[michael gose]

the lindsey story recalls a favorite Dodger trivia question: who is the Sports Hall of Famer who was thrown out of a Dodger game without ever appearing in a Dodger, or any other major league baseball game?

[Guess Again]

dear crzblue; you deserve it man! ( your crappy team I mean )

[crzblue]

Guess again,
Well, a least I have seen the Dodgers win World Series
Emma

[OldBrooklynFan]

That certainly was unusual and I wish young John Lindsey, who has the same name as a former New York City mayor, the best of luck in 2011.