September 12, 2022This article originally appeared in the March 14, 1994 issue of SPORTS ILLUSTRATED.He called the first base umpire "the ref." In the field, he played a single into a double and an out into a single. Though he moves well on the base paths, his best time to first base, 4.35 seconds, is slower than average. At bat he brings to mind a taller, righthanded Rich Gedman—the Walt Hriniak disciple who can no longer hit the ball out of the infield.At least he has provided baseball people with a conversation starter this spring. Barely concealing their sneers, the scouts and players...…September 12, 2022This article originally appeared in the March 14, 1994 issue of SPORTS ILLUSTRATED.He called the first base umpire "the ref." In the field, he played a single into a double and an out into a single. Though he moves well on the base paths, his best time to first base, 4.35 seconds, is slower than average. At bat he brings to mind a taller, righthanded Rich Gedman—the Walt Hriniak disciple who can no longer hit the ball out of the infield.At least he has provided baseball people with a conversation starter this spring. Barely concealing their sneers, the scouts and players...WW…