Don’t Sugarcoat it, Johnny

BY MARK A. LARSON
Editor & Publisher

BACKGROUND: From 1981-85, Johnny Podres – hero and MVP of the 1955 World Series – served as pitching coach for the Minnesota Twins under manager Billy Gardner. Early one season, Podres was asked about a Twins’ hurler who struggled the previous season. Not mincing words, his colorful response:

“The difference between the Darrell Jackson of last year and the Darrell Jackson of this year is like the difference between poop and ice cream.” … Say, what?

• JACKSON •

Darrell Jackson’s entire major league career consisted of five seasons with the Twins from 1978-82. He appeared in 102 games and started 60 of them – going 20-27 lifetime, with a 4.38 ERA. His best season was 1980 when he posted a 3.87 ERA and went 9-9.

A shoulder injury in 1981 contributed to his brief time in the big leagues. At age 26, he was finished. … Unfortunately, not too much ice cream.

• THE POD •

Johnny Podres, on the other hand, spent 15 years in the majors (1953-69), compiling a record of 148-116 – with an ERA of 3.68. A three-time All-Star, the southpaw averaged 14 wins per season for the Dodgers between 1957-63. In 1957, he led the NL with six shutouts and a 2.66 ERA.

Podres is often remembered for his World Series exploits. Over the course of four Series, he started six games and went 4-1, with a 2.11 ERA. He is best known for his performance in the 1955 Fall Classic against the Yankees. Podres started and won two games and only gave up two earned runs over 18 innings. In game seven, he threw a shutout, giving Brooklyn their one and only World Championship – earning him Series MVP honors and all-time hero status in the eyes of Dodger fans everyone.

After hurling for the Dodgers for 13 seasons, he spent a year with the Tigers before finishing up his career in 1969 with San Diego. (Yes, that’s right: Podres on the Padres.)