TDA Interview - Tim Flannery

By Staff

Padres fan favorite Tim Flannery took the time to respond to our interview questions...

1) How did you get interested in playing baseball and where did you play before you turned pro?
I grew up playing the game. My uncle was Hal Smith, World Series Hero of the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates, so we had the game in our family since day one. I grew up in the shadows of Anaheim Stadium, and loved the Angels. I played High School and College there in Anaheim, Chapman College.

2) Describe your signing.
I was drafted in the 6th round after my Junior season in College and was signed by Bob Fontaine Jr. and Cliff Ditto. I left the next day for Reno in the California League with the Padres A team.

3) What was the best thing about playing pro ball?
Playing a game I loved and then actually going to the highest level... and then they paid you to do what you loved. Also many thought I could never make it because of limited ability...proving them wrong was always fun too.

4) What was the worst thing about playing ball?
I still haven't found one.

5) What were some highlights from your career?
I was a team guy... role player mostly... but was part of a National League Championship team that beat the Cubs for the Pennant. I played 11 years in the big leagues and retired a Padre, only team I ever wore a uniform for, even as a coach. 24 years with the team, that's a highlight in itself, that doesn't happen anymore.

6) Who were the best players you played with or faced? Comments?
Wow... Pete Rose... Steve Carlton... Nolan Ryan... the 1980 Phillies... Played with greats, Tony Gwynn... Graig Nettles... Steve Garvey... Goose Gossage... I played with 184 different players on 11 teams, the list goes on and on.

7)To this day you are still a huge fan favorite in San Diego, what do you think explains this?
Because I took the time to do things like this interview, but also I played very very hard. Not always pretty, but gave people what they paid for. And I survived many managers, teams and people that came and went. And there were a few big hits in the middle of it all as well!

8) Do you follow big league ball now? If so, how do you think it compares with your day?
I do the radio and TV for the Padres. The players are bigger and stronger, not smarter, and with arbitration and numbers being what they get paid for, the game is not always played correctly as a team. But the long ball, watered down pitching and smaller ballparks have changed what players want - homers.

9) Describe your life since your pro career ended. What is life as a musician like?
I always have been a musician, it isn't something I just picked up. I have 6 CD's released in this country and 1 in Ireland. There are many connections between the two: being prepared, controlling adrenaline when you walk out in front of a sold out venue, and just the joy again of being able to do something you love. And every now and then you get a nice check for it. Touching people with your music is the true reward..

Tim Flannery's music can be found at: www.timflannery.com