Spaceman To Land In Enfield

Via
Journal Inquirer
www.journalinquirer.com
09/20/2007

Red Sox pitcher Bill Lee talks about baseball eccentricities


ENFIELD - Author and former Boston Red Sox pitcher Bill "The Spaceman" Lee will discuss "baseball eccentrics" at the Enfield Public Library on Thursday, Sept. 27.
The free event takes place at 7 p.m. at the library, 104 Middle Road.

Lee, 60, was a left-handed pitcher for the Red Sox and Montreal Expos who has the distinction of having been labeled "one of the most colorful players in major league baseball history," according to an Internet biography of the baseball legend.

The Web site Baseball.com says Lee's colorful personality sometimes overshadowed his topnotch pitching.

He earned his "Spaceman" nickname when, on his first view of Fenway Park's left field wall in Boston, he asked, "Do they leave it there during games?" the Web site says.

Lee also was never afraid to speak his mind and at one point led a Red Sox revolt against manager Don Zimmer, whom he called "the gerbil," criticized domed stadiums and artificial turf, and admitted to marijuana use, but only "sprinkled on cereal," the Web site says.

Lee played for the Red Sox from 1969 to 1978 and for the Expos from 1979 to 1982, when he retired. During that time he won 17 games three straight seasons for the Red Sox (1973-75) and 16 for the Expos in 1979, the Web site says.

At the Enfield Public Library Lee will be sharing his newest book, "Baseball Eccentrics: The Most Entertaining, Outrageous, and Unforgettable Characters in the Game."

Lee will have books available for sale and signing.

To register for the free event, call the library at 860-763-7512. For more information, visit the library's Web site at

www.enfieldpubliclibrary.org