by: Daniel Buontempone | Staff Writer - NY Sports Day | Monday, July 12 2004
Jose "Chico" Lind was a Gold Glove second baseman who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Kansas City Royals, and California Angels from 1987 to 1995. While with the Pirates, he appeared in every playoff game they played (1990-92). In the playoffs, he tied a team high with five hits in the National League Championship Series in 1990, while tying a team high in runs (five) and RBIs (five) in the 1992 NLCS. A clutch hitter in the post-season, he also hit the game winning single in Game Five of the 1991 NLCS. He is currently in his second year as manager of the Bridgeport Bluefish. In 2003, he led the Bluefish to a playoff appearance with a 73-53 record.
Charles Alley, the Bluefish catcher, was very accommodating in helping this first-time interviewer locate Bridgeport Manager Chico Lind. As we were walking down the tunnel to Chico’s office, players were joking around saying that Chico usually walks around in the nude before the game. After locating his office, I found Chico amusing his players while playing a shekere. In between riling up his players, I had a moment to talk baseball with the manager of the Bridgeport Bluefish.
Daniel Buontempone: In your first full season as a player, you showed everyone that you were one of the best fielding second basemen in the league. Do you think that today’s game has focused too much on hitting, versus pitching and defense?
Chico Lind: Well, definitely it is a different game now than it was before. You know, now the players are stronger (and focus on offense). So, I definitely think so.
DB: How did you feel after finding out that you won the Gold Glove in 1992?
CL: I felt great. I felt proud of myself, because it takes a lot of hard work to win a Gold Glove. So, I felt pretty good.
DB: Which Major League pitchers were the toughest for you to face?
CL: Nolan Ryan, Dwight Gooden, and David Cone.
DB: Are there any players or teams you like to follow in the Big Leagues?
CL: I follow the (Pittsburgh) Pirates. Also, Barry (Bonds) is a very good friend of mine.
DB: Did you see the new ballpark in Pittsburgh (PNC Park)?
CL: Oh, yeah. It’s awesome.
DB: How did you feel after being named manger before last season?
CL: I felt great, you know, and I’m glad they (the Bridgeport Bluefish) gave me an opportunity to stay in the game. Also, to show to my kid everything I know.
DB: Do you eventually want to coach or manage in the Major Leagues?
CL: Not really. I like it here.
DB: How do you feel about your chances this year in the second half?
CL: Well, hopefully we can clinch today. We have a pretty good team, so we’ll see.
DB: What would you say to someone who has never heard of the Bridgeport Bluefish, to get them to come to a ballgame?
CL: It’s a good experience, a good memory. You’ll have a good time here, because we play a fun game.
DB: Last Question: What was the best advice that was ever given to you?
CL: To play hard.
