|
Forrest "Spook" Jacobs is back stealing again;
this time it's not bases, but the spotlight from two prominent
former Major Leaguers. 9-time All-Star Minnie Minoso and
19 year veteran Tony Taylor, as well as former Pirate Cholly
Naranjo spoke the highest praises of "Spook" Jacobs
at the recent Philadelphia Athletics Historical Society
tribute to these former stars of the Cuban League. While
Jacobs only played parts of three seasons from 1954-1956
with the A's and Pirates, his play south of the border left
an indelible impression on those that watched him.
Taylor fondly remembers Jacobs from Cuba. "[Jacobs]
was a guy I've known for many years from when I was a young
man in Cuba. He played baseball in Cuba many years there.
I remember watching him and I used to say, 'Someday I wish
I could play baseball like that man.' I remember him playing
in Cuba as a good hitter, a good second baseman with a lot
of speed. But one thing I liked about him, he hustled. He
played baseball how they supposed to play baseball. I enjoyed
watching him play. When I signed into professional baseball,
I was a reserve in Havana. I got traded to the same team
he played where he was playing second base, and I finally
got to practice with him at second base."
Another guest who cited Jacobs as his reason for attending
the event was Minoso. "It's beautiful to be here. I
didn't come here for money, not for anything. I have a good
friend, Spook Jacobs, the second baseman. I remember him
very well, because I used to hate the way he hit us! He
used to be a crazy hitter in Cuba. I used to hit 260, 280,
he used to hit 300 easy! [It amazed me] he wasn't in the
big leagues. I used to say, 'Geez this guy is a hell of
a hitter How does nobody take him in the big leagues?' Finally
he made it. He's a good person. That's the reason I am here."
Naranjo had the opportunity to host Jacobs while he was
in Florida for the recent Cuban Sports Hall of Fame induction
ceremonies. Naranjo recounted how he reunited with Jacobs.
"I had a call from some time back that Spook Jacobs
was coming to Miami because he was being nominated into
the Cuban Sports Hall of Fame. Bobby Bragan called me and
let me know he was coming to Florida, for me to give him
a call. Bob, Spook and I met for the first time 1952. Spook
went to play second base for us, Bobby was our manger and
it was my first year in winter ball in Cuba. I told Spook
he was welcome to stay with me for this occasion. Spook
was kind enough to visit. In response to that, Spook called
to invite me to come to Philadelphia, and here I am."
For these players, this event was an opportunity to reconnect
with men whom they shared a special bond from playing in
Cuba together over 50 years ago. Jacobs was delighted to
spend precious time the other three players over the reunion
weekend. "I was very happy they could come up from
Florida and Chicago for me. I was excited to see Minnie.
We played against each other in Havana for 6 winters. We
battled back and forth, good naturedly of course. Being
in Havana, most of the American players stayed with each
other and didn't associate with the Cuban players, not because
we didn't want to, but that is where we were supposed to
stay. The only time we got to talk with the Cuban players
was either during the ballgame or at the ballpark. I thought
it was a shame that we didn't associate with the Cuban players
while we were there. It was very nice to be able to spend
time with the Cuban players here today."
Minoso spoke further on his recent encounter in Miami with
Jacobs for the Cuban Sports Hall of Fame induction. "We
met again in Miami for the Cuban Sports Hall of Fame Banquet.
It was the first time through all of those years that we
were together. We ate dinner together with Naranjo. We played
dominoes and I cooked chicken and rice. It was great to
have the opportunity to talk so long with Jacobs. He has
a great family, his wife and his son."
The event, which was sponsored by the Philadelphia Athletics
Historical Society served to not only celebrate the merits
of their efforts in Cuba over a half-century ago, but to
raise funds for the volunteer organization. The Historical
Society is a tremendous resource for the fan and researcher
alike, with a wonderful museum in Hatboro that showcases
the history of the Philadelphia Athletics as well as baseball
from that time period. The members of the society went through
great efforts to organize the event and should be commended
for a job well done. The atmosphere was friendly and inviting.
One could gain a sense that they were surrounded by many
others who shared the same love for the national pastime.
Naranjo summed up his feelings for the event, that were
also shared by the other three former Major Leaguers in
attendance. "I've been away so long, it's like coming
back again to the old times when people really know about
you, and you find out that you are still welcome."
SCENES FROM APRIL
25, 2009
at the DAYS
INN
Bobby Shantz, Minnie Mnoso &
Tony Taylor
John Addison, Bobby Shantz, Cholly Naranjo, Jo-Anne
Zapata (Days Inn General Mgr) Spook Jacobs & Tony
Taylor
|
