Bobby Wine, an exceptional shortstop known for his powerful arm, was highly recruited during his senior year at Northport High School in Long Island, N. Y. Phillies scout Dale Jones was quick to sign him.

After graduation, I took the train to Philadelphia, met Mr. Carpenter, and signed a contract for $4,000, Wine recalled. When I got home, teams like the Yankees, Reds, and Red Sox came after me, but I told them I had already signed with the Phillies.

His professional journey began that summer in the short-season Class D Appalachian League with Johnson City. Wine played in 54 games, leading his team in batting average, runs, doubles, triples, and RBIs, earning an All-Star selection.

Memories

I remember taking a train from New York to Johnson City, Wine said. I was told to check into a hotel and report to the ballpark the next day. When I arrived, I was told I needed to buy some gearthings like a sweatshirt, T-shirt, sanitary socks, a jockstrap, and a cup. I had no idea what any of that meant.

His first few days were challenging, as he had to find his own place to stay. A teammate, Bob Gontkosky, told me there was a house rented by some other players, and I could join them. We were a group of 10. I initially slept on a screened-in porch. Eventually, when a few players were released or promoted, I got my own room Dave Cash Jersey.

Wine continued, We wore hand-me-down wool uniforms from the Phillies, and I had to dig through a pile of pants to find a pair that fit. I weighed just 160 pounds, so most of them were too big.

In the evenings, the team would go to a movie, grab a burger, then walk to the ballpark for their game. For away games, they traveled by bus, staying in small hotels and earning $1. 50 a day for meals. "Kingsport wasn't too far, so we'd take the bus there in the afternoon, then return after the game. It seems so odd looking back, but I was young and having fun. "

Minor League Career

The best season of Wine's six years in the Minors came in 1958, where he posted a. 311 batting average with 13 doubles, 11 triples, and 11 home runs while playing for Bakersfield under manager Paul Owens. Wine moved up to Class A Williamsport and later spent three years with Triple-A Buffalo.

Phillies Career

Wine made his Major League debut as a 21-year-old on Sept. 20, 1960, in the second game of a doubleheader against Pittsburgh. After spending the 1961 season in Buffalo, he was called up to the Phillies on May 18, 1962, and never returned to the Minors. His first hit came on May 19, 1962, a fourth-inning RBI single off the Cubs Glenn Hobbie at Shibe Park. In his first full season, he won a Gold Glove and played eight seasons with the Phillies.

Wine battled through back issues in 1966, and an injury eventually ended his playing career on May 21, 1968.

1964 Season

Wine played in 126 games that season, starting 83 games at shortstop. Manager Gene Mauch frequently rotated Wine, Ruben Amaro, and Cookie Rojas at shortstop, and Amaro eventually succeeded Wine as the Gold Glove winner. Wine often played multiple positions late in games, including 16 appearances at third base.

One memorable moment came on June 21, 1964, in the first game of a doubleheader at Shea Stadium. With Jim Bunning throwing a perfect game through five innings, Wine pinch-ran for Wes Covington in the sixth inning and scored the third run. Wine then replaced Rojas at shortstop and caught two popups, including the first out of the ninth inning. The Phillies won, 6-0.

Looking back, that season started wellgood pitching, solid defense, and decent power, Wine recalled. But things went south after a while. Wed make errors, the hitting dried up, and the pitching struggled, but we just kept going, thinking wed get em tomorrow.

Big League Career

Wine played 15 seasons in the Majors, including a stint with the Expos. Most of his career was spent under manager Gene Mauch. He was traded to the Expos in 1969 as compensation for pitcher Larry Jackson, who had retired after being selected in the Expansion Draft.

1970 was one of Wine's best seasons, setting career highs in games, at-bats, runs, hits, doubles, RBIs, and walks. He also broke the National League record for double plays by a shortstop with 137.

Wine played in the final game at Connie Mack Stadium, earning the last double in the historic ballpark, which drove in the lone Montreal run in a 2-1 loss. He also played in the first game at Veterans Stadium. On September 18, 1963, Wine recorded the last triple at the Polo Grounds.

Wine retired after playing his final game on July 8, 1972, finishing with a career batting average of. 215. He jokingly added, Yeah, but I hit 30 home runs, one more than Richie Ashburn.

Coaching Career

Wine went on to coach for the Phillies, Braves, and Mets, eventually becoming the interim manager for the Braves during the final 41 games of the 1985 season. He returned to the Braves as an advance scout under manager Bobby Cox, and Wine's insight and baseball observations were instrumental in the Braves success during their division title streak. When Cox retired, Wine also stepped away from the game.

Today, Bobby and his wife, Fran, live in Norristown, Pa Francisco Morales Jersey. , a home they purchased from Tommy Lasorda. They have three children and enjoy spending time with their 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.



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