THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, September 15, 1995 TAG: 9509150676
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TOM ROBINSON, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: OTTAWA LENGTH: Medium: 86 lines
If you believe Toby Harrah, a great part of pro baseball begins for him now. The part in which you go home to Texas and, one bright Fort Worth morning, the phone might ring and change your whole life.
``That's the beauty of the game. You never know,'' said Harrah, who completed his first season as the Norfolk Tides manager with Wednesday's 4-0 loss to Ottawa in the International League's Governors' Cup finals, won by the Lynx in four games.
``One year you can be in the big leagues and the next you can be in the minors,'' Harrah said. ``Or you can be in the minors one year and then in the big leagues. . . . I know baseball always has been and always will be `What have you done for me today?' ''
In that case, Harrah is holding some markers. In only his third season as a minor league manager, Harrah stood at the revolving door to the Tides' clubhouse, welcomed all comers and helped his team whip the league until the toll of defections finally proved too oppressive.
Under his watch, the Tides sent a ridiculously large number of players, more than a dozen, to the New York Mets. And though the Tides didn't win the Governors' Cup, Harrah, the IL's manager of the year, won praise for his enthusiasm, professionalism and hands-off style.
Whether it all translates into a bump to the major leagues for him next year, or merely warrants a second season in Norfolk, is an answer the offseason will bring.
``I don't expect anything from this,'' Harrah said. ``Anytime you're part of a winner it's something positive, but I sure as hell don't deserve anything. Just maybe a `Job well done.' ''
The contract of Mets manager Dallas Green is up after this season and the prevailing winds whisper that Green won't be re-signed. If so, Harrah, who managed the Texas Rangers for the last 2 1/2 months of the 1992 season, figures at least to get an interview.
A plain-speaking West Virginia native ill at ease in media glare, Harrah might not be the made-to-order New York manager. But that's not to say Harrah, a 16-year veteran as a player, will never see the big time again.
``I certainly think the big leagues are in his future. I wouldn't rule out any capacity for him,'' said Mets vice president of baseball operations Gerry Hunsicker, who declined, though, to comment on Green's status.
Harrah said he came to Norfolk to build his managerial resume for another crack at the majors. Taking just any job on a big league staff, as a bullpen or hitting coach for example, would pale to running the Tides, he said.
But he presents a conflicting view into his goals.
``I want to manage in the big leagues. But the fact is, it's not the most important thing in my life,'' Harrah said. ``My family is. I go back and forth on whether I want to make the commitment it takes. I'm aware it's not all a bed of roses.''
Yet, presented with an offer, Harrah said he would leap.
``I would have to. And I'd work hard to make the commitment,'' he said. ``I've got to provide for my family. I'm not in a financial situation where I can just pick and choose. I've got four kids and I've got to do the best I can to take care of them.
``I wouldn't mind making a lot of money. That has an appealing side to it. Money can be a driving force in the decisions you make.''
A decision to return to Harbor Park wouldn't be the most lucrative but still could be satisfying, as this season was, Harrah said.
``I'd come back if something better didn't come along,'' he said. ``It's not something I'd feel bad about. I'd come back and I'd want to do better. I learned more about myself and the game this year. The only thing I've ever done is try to be a little better every day.
``I had a lot of fun this season. It made it very easy to manage here. To see all the talent go up to the big leagues was very fulfilling. It was like Christmas.''
Depending on who dials his number in the next few months, the rewards could keep on coming.
NOTABLE: Tides outfielder Alex Ochoa was promoted to the Mets after Wednesday's game on the condition that his sprained left wrist is well enough to allow him to play. Ochoa suffered the injury on a dive into home plate Tuesday and missed the final Governors' Cup playoff game. If after an examination Ochoa is judged unable to play he will not be activated. ILLUSTRATION: [Color Photo]
MARTIN SMITH-RODDEN/Staff
Toby Harrah's job was made easier by the performance of players like
IL MVP Butch Huskey, left.
by CNB