Bullpen buggies back in the bigs, thanks to D-backs
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Bullpen buggies are rolling back, and Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona is positively bugeyed about the prospect.
“I love it. I love it. I love it,” he said Tuesday.
Nearly a quarter-century since relievers stopped catching rides to the mound, the bullpen cart will become the latest retro feature to make a return to the big leagues.
The Arizona Diamondbacks announced Tuesday they will use a cart — topped by the requisite oversized team cap — to transport pitchers from both bullpens at Chase Field. “I don’t know how it will be getting driven in, but I think it’s a cool idea and we’ll have some fun with it,” Diamondbacks closer candidate Archie Bradley said. With Major League Baseball looking for ways to speed up things, it’s hard to tell whether this will save any time. But it’s certain to be a hit with fans, especially the kids the game is trying to attract. “It brings a little personality. We’re probably the only sport that can do something like that,” Francona said.
An Indians bullpen cart even went Hollywood. In the 1989 movie “Major League,” the veteran catcher portrayed by Tom Berenger uses it to drive out of the ballpark and pursue his would-be girlfriend played by Rene Russo.
The last known time a team in the majors used a motorized vehicle — some clubs had actual cars — to relay relievers was 1995, when the Milwaukee Brewers shuttled them in a motorcycle with a sidecar.
Mike Fetters was the Brewers’ closer then. He’s