TTM Stats
- Sent: 3/14/2022 | Received: 4/30/2022 | 46 Days
- ’82 Fleer, ’82 Topps
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Shooty Babitt is a name that evokes curiosity and nostalgia among baseball fans. Though his time in Major League Baseball (MLB) was brief, Babitt’s story is a testament to the passion and perseverance required to reach the pinnacle of the sport. From his playing days to his later career in scouting and broadcasting, Shooty Babitt has carved out a legacy that extends beyond the diamond.
Born Mack Neal Babitt on March 9, 1959, in Oakland, California, he earned the nickname “Shooty” as a child. The moniker stuck with him throughout his life, becoming one of the most distinctive names in baseball history. Growing up in the baseball-rich environment of the Bay Area, Babitt displayed natural athleticism and an undeniable love for the game. Babitt attended Berkeley High School, where he excelled on the baseball field.
Babitt’s professional career began when the Oakland Athletics selected him in the 25th round of the 1977 MLB Draft. Despite being a late-round pick, Babitt quickly rose through the minor league ranks, showcasing a strong glove and solid batting skills. In 1981, Babitt made his MLB debut with the Athletics as a second baseman. During his rookie season, he appeared in 54 games, batting .256 with 40 hits, 14 RBI, and five stolen bases. Babitt’s smooth defensive play and quick bat impressed fans and teammates alike.
However, his MLB career was short-lived. Following the 1981 season, Babitt never returned to the big leagues, a surprising turn for a player with clear talent. Disagreements with team management and injuries were contributing factors, but Babitt continued playing in the minor leagues and internationally, including stints in Mexico.
After retiring as a player, Babitt found new ways to contribute to the game he loved. He transitioned into scouting, working for various MLB teams, including the New York Mets and Arizona Diamondbacks. His keen eye for talent made him a valuable asset, helping teams identify and develop promising players. Babitt also became a well-known baseball analyst, providing insightful and entertaining commentary for NBC Sports California’s coverage of the Oakland Athletics. His charisma, candidness, and deep knowledge of the game have made him a fan favorite in the broadcasting world.
Shooty Babitt has remained deeply connected to the Oakland community, where he continues to inspire young athletes. Known for his outgoing personality and infectious love for baseball, Babitt has become a mentor to many aspiring players, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds.
While his MLB career was brief, Babitt’s influence on the game has been enduring. His transition from player to scout and broadcaster highlights his versatility and dedication to baseball.
The Score on Shooty Babitt – 7.0
Shooty’s signature is pretty crazy. It’s actually a bit hard to make sense of what is what in there because there’s a heck of a lot of squiggles in there. You could say that it doesn’t look like his facsimile signature, but that was his signature then. Also, from what I have heard they used signatures from their contracts and that might be different than an autograph.
Thanks Mr. Babitt! I’m giving this return a 7.
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.