Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, March 6, 1995 TAG: 9503070037
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JACK BOGACZYK STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
George Canale would love to return to the major leagues, but not in the way most clubs sought him this winter.
The former Virginia Tech and Cave Spring High School baseball star signed a minor-league contract with Pittsburgh and is hoping to be the first baseman for the Pirates' Class AAA Calgary club this season.
``About 15 teams called me about becoming a replacement player,'' Canale said from the Bucs' spring training base in Bradenton, Fla. ``I wanted to be a player in an organization.
``I knew some of the clubs would offer me a minor-league contract, then when I got down here they'd pressure me to be a replacement player. Cam Bonifay [Pittsburgh's general manager] didn't do that. He told me I could be a replacement player if i wanted, but if I didn't, they still wanted me.''
Canale, 29, said he considered retiring from the game, but decided to try to play a 10th professional season instead. The Roanoke resident underwent surgery on his right knee in December and that pushed his thoughts further toward life after the game.
``My wife [Laura] said maybe I should give it another shot,'' said Canale, who spent last season in Kansas City's organization with Class AA Memphis, playing home games where he was born. ``She didn't want me looking back later on, wondering if maybe I left too soon.
``I'm making decent money, but if it doesn't happen this year, then I figure it's time to make a decision. Maybe I'll see if that new [United] League pans out next year. That's another consideration.''
Canale will be paid $7,000 a month once the season begins in early April. Another reason he chose the Pirates as the sixth organization of his career is the club's small-market status. He knows Pittsburgh can't afford to sign high-priced free agents, so perhaps his opportunity to return to the big leagues would be enhanced.
``I don't have any problem going to Double A [the Carolina Mudcats] if they ask,'' Canale said. ``A lot of six-year free agents like me are in Triple A, just playing. They don't have the attitude clubs want rubbing off on their prospects.
``That's not me. I haven't lost my desire, but I know getting to the majors again isn't all me. It's 60 percent of me having a good year and 40 percent of someone wanting me to be there. It's going to take a break.''
Canale last played in the majors in 1991 with Milwaukee, hitting three homers in 34 games late in the season. Since then he's been in the Montreal, Cleveland, Colorado and Kansas City systems. He batted .230 with 12 homers and 51 RBI for the Chicks last season.
``I told myself that if I came to spring training and other guys like me were crossing [the imaginary picket line], then I'd think about it,'' said Canale, who isn't a union player because he isn't on a 40-man major-league winter roster. ``No one has.
``I know I can still play, but I don't want to lose my job, and when the major-league guys come back, then where will the replacement players be?
``It's not worth your reputation, and I've gone this far with it, so now it's a case of showing people you're going to do it. Of course, if I get released, then I may think about it. What do I have to lose then?''
Canale said some of his licensing money from baseball cards is tied up in the labor impasse, but he's not worried about receiving it. He has a job waiting at a bond brokerage house in Memphis, and his plans include operating a hitting school in Roanoke.
``We'll see what happens this year,'' Canale said. ``I like the organization and I think they like me, but I may get released tomorrow. I may be in the majors again. In baseball, you never know.''
by CNB