Feb. 10, 1965 - Jesse Owens (right with Casey Stengel), who won four gold medals as a sprinter and broad jumper in the 1936 Olympics and who has had a lifetime of professional barnstorming experiences since, joined the staff of the New York Mets today as a special instructor in spring training.
Owens, 51 years old, hopes to show the least successful collection of baseball players in the major leagues some ways to get more effective performances out of their natural talents. For two weeks in St. Petersburg, Fla., Owens will run a combined conditioning-and-technique program. He will begin Feb. 26.
Owens believes that by teaching such things as proper body position, balance, arm movement and stride, along with top physical condition, he can improve a batter’s running time to first base and a fielder’s range.
“I’m highly honored to be asked,” Owens said today. “I’ve always felt, regardless of the sport, that speed was an important element.
“Saving a couple of inches per step can make the difference of a yard or so in the distance between home and first, and that can be the differences between an out and a hit — and a run.”
Since most Met batters get thrown out by three steps rather than one, this in itself may not turn the Mets into pennant contenders overnight. On the other hand, if any fans can be satisfied by having their heroes thrown out on closer plays, Met fans are the ones.
“We’re not going to make any Bob Hayes of the Mets,” Owens said. “Hayes is the fastest man I’ve ever seen running the wrong way. Even though he ran in a football manner, he had desire. He wasn’t lazy. It made all the difference in the world.”
Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s
Comments