Jimmy Scott's High & Tight: The Jack Perconte Interview

You don't just wake up one day and decide to write a book or two.  Well, I guess maybe some people have done that and more power to 'em.  But that doesn't mean the book is going to be any good.  If you're a former Major League Baseball player, or more specifically, a former Major League 2nd baseman, you can do it if you want to write about the stuff you know about, specifically for Jack Perconte, hitting and coaching.  In the Jimmy Scott's High & Tight Interview with Jack Perconte, you're going to learn about why he's written his two books, The Making of a Hitter and Raising An Athlete.  You're going to hear why he was so good in the minors and not always so good in the Majors.  And you're going to hear a few stories along the way you'll probably want to share with your buddies at the water cooler, gym, bowling alley or beauty salon.  

PART I

We talk about Jack's career and a lot about confidence, specifically, his lack of confidence while he played in the Majors.  In 1977, 1979, 1980, 1981, and 1983, Jack hit .320 or better at the minor league level.  Yet in the Majors, his average "averaged" out to just .240.  Why?  Confidence.  Jack explains it all.

PART II  17:00

Every career ends and it doesn't matter how good or bad you are.  It's inevitable.  Jack shares his feelings about his semi-surprise release by the Mariners just before opening day in 1986 and how after a AAA season back in the Dodgers system in 1987 he knew the "writing was on the wall."  He also talks about his desire to coach with a big league affiliate and the difficulties of getting back into the game.

PART III  29:20

So how do you go from former player to baseball academy instructor to author?  Jack talks about his personal evolution.  He also shares a story about his one off season in Mexico and his roommate, former Indians Rookie of the Year Joe Charboneau.

PART IV  38:40

Jack talks about how parents have changed over the years when it comes to their kids and organized sports, as well as talking about his son Michael, a pitcher in the Chicago Cubs farm system.  Does Michael have the confidence Jack lacked?

Jack's just another in a long list of former MLB players who you may not remember on the field, but will remember after hearing what he has to say.  It's guys like Jack who have helped make baseball such a great game.  So sit back, listen and learn.

THE MUSIC

Bruce Springsteen - Darkness on the Edge of Town

Bob Dylan - One More Cup of Coffee (Valley Below)

Al Stewart - Time Passages

The Police - Demolition Man

The Eagles - Long Road Out of Eden

Selections from Peter Gabriel's Passion