Never at a loss for words, Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda uncorked a verbal geyser of “F” word variations in response to a reporter’s inquiry on May 14, 1978. Dave Kingman earned the privilege of setting off Lasorda by going yard three times and tallying eight RBI in that day’s Cubs-Dodgers game. It was a display of power awing the 31,968 attendees at Dodger Stadium in the same month that Pete Rose notched his 3000th hit, Al Unser won his third of four Indianapolis 500 races, and Ron Guidry went 5-0 on his way to an American League Cy Young Award season with a 25-3 record.
After the Cubs’ 10-7 victory, secured by Kingman’s three-run homer in the 15th inning, sports reporter Paul Olden of KLAC radio asked Lasorda, “What’s your opinion of Kingman’s performance?”
And that’s pretty much when the wheels fell off the wagon.
“What’s my opinion of Kingman’s performance? What the f*** do you think is my opinion of it? I think it was f****** horse****! Put that in! I don’t f******…opinion of his performance? Jesus Christ, he beat us with three f******* home runs!”
That is merely the beginning of a monologue that lasts approximately 90 seconds, with Lasorda repeating the phrase “opinion of his performance” in disgust.
Frustration is often a signal of respect—such was the case with Lasorda, who admitted, “He put on a hell of a show.”
Richard Dozer of the Chicago Tribune remarked upon Kingman’s recent respites—none sparking delight—after showing signs of slump busting in a Cubs-Padres game. “Kingman had two hits that night, then was benched against right-hander Gaylord Perry and against Don Sutton of the Dodgers,” reported Dozer. “This did not please him anymore than being waved to the bench defensively on several occasions earlier this year.”
Kingman caught a Dusty Baker “wicked liner near the foul line” for the Dodgers’ last out of the ninth inning. “It’s just a part of contributing,” declared Kingman. “Some people around here think I can’t play defense, but maybe they’ll change their minds.”
In the Los Angeles Times, Ross Newhan quoted Kingman about his day of glory, noting the slugger’s association with Los Angeles dating back to his USC days. “I consider this my home,” said Kingman. “It’s always a great feeling to come back to Dodger Stadium. I can’t put it into words. It’s one of the most beautiful parks in either league. The whole atmosphere is pure baseball.”
Kingman’s magical day provides a snapshot of strength, e.g., 442 career home runs, 35 or more home runs in a season six times. Power had a cost, however. It came in the currency of strikeouts for the Illinois native, who compiled a .236 batting average in his 16-year career. Two outstanding years show the terrific contrast.
1979
- Led the major leagues in home runs (48)
- Led the National League in slugging percentage (.613)
- Led the National League in on-base plus slugging percentage (.956)
- Led the National League in strikeouts (131)
1982
- Led the National League in home runs (37)
- Led the major leagues in strikeouts (156)
A version of this article appeared on www.thesportspost.com on May 14, 2016.