Part II of our lineup takes a look at the outfield.
Outfield
Lure = Strike King KVD 2.5 Rattling Squarebill Crankbait
This largish squarebill is built differently than most of its sleeker crankbait counterparts and shines in relatively shallow water and snaggy conditions where other crankbaits just can’t hang. Well, actually they do, whereas the squarebill deflects, kind of a different animal…
3 bass with Top Bass 0-14
1987 Dig the picture in profile to show that you don’t have to be a physical specimen to succeed in my favorite game (and this is a young Kruk, he filled out later).
Player = John Kruk
Stout in stature, steady in performance and one of the things I dig about baseball is you can look like a little rough around the edges and still be able to just plain get the job done. Yep, indeed he was an outfielder before that stature likely got him relocated to first base and later, fittingly, designated hitter.
Outfield
Lure = Chatterbait
Also referred to as a bladed jig this bait has a lot going on with a flashy, vibrating blade, an undulating skirt and generally a thumping trailer of some sort.
1 bass with Top Bass 11.5”
1977 How do you fit a batting helmet on that hairdo? Pretty cool (also see Oscar Gamble of this era).
Player = Jose Cardenal
Growing up as a Cubs fan it just seemed that this guy had a lot going on in an entertaining sort of way and always some chatter and a smile. Silly stories abound with this fellow and looking back at his baseball cards, his ‘fro still brings me a smile too.
Outfield
Lure = Alabama Rig
This wild concoction was all the rage several years ago to the point that it was banned in tournaments and regulated in some states (including Illinois). Being a creature of habit, I have caught one fish on the lure. However, it is on my list of 2017 resolutions (likely another catch up series of postings later this month).
No bass in 2017 but needed another outfielder
1971 “Sweet Swinging” Billy Williams, the all-time Williams hits leader (2711 to Ted Williams 2654 due to military serice)
Player = Billy Williams
As a blogger with a Cubs bias, I gotta go with this legend and Hall of Famer who hailed from Whistler, Alabama.
One more round tomorrow to round out the lineup. Talk to you later. Troy