Using
interviews with Ankiel, his teammates and others, the show chronicles Ankiel’s
journey from pitching phenom to power-hitting outfielder. FSN’s Dan
McLaughlin conducts the interview with Ankiel. Also featured in the show
are Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa, outfielders Ryan Ludwick and Skip Schumaker,
broadcaster Mike Shannon and Hall of Fame writer Rick Hummel.
Quotes
from Spotlight: Rick Ankiel on FSN Midwest:
LaRussa:
“I’m absolutely convinced that if Mike Matheny had caught that first game (of
the 2000 NLDS) that Rick would not have had the problems with the
wildness. He would have speared a couple of those balls, and the comfort
factor wasn’t there for a young pitcher pitching in the bright lights of the
postseason. I haven’t shared that a lot, but there’s no doubt in my mind
that if Mike had been the catcher Rick still might be a
pitcher.”
LaRussa:
“The way he handled it is what really has separated him with his teammates,
members of the organization and the coaching staff. I’ve never seen a guy
handle it more professionally, tougher, more honest.”
McLaughlin: “Do
you ever get the itch to get back on the mound?”
Ankiel:
“No, not really. I enjoyed pitching, it was fun. But being able to
play every day is so much different and I enjoy it so much
more.”
McLaughlin: Can
you still throw a curve ball with the best of them?
Ankiel:
“Yeah, it’s funny, Kyle McLellan does that now. He’s always telling me his
is better than mine. It’s still there, I can still throw it, but it’s
retired now.”
Ludwick on
Ankiel’s second amazing throw at Colorado on May 6, 2008: “It’s a once in a
lifetime throw. That thing is eight feet off the ground from 330 feet
away.”
Air
dates for Spotlight: Rick Ankiel on FSN Midwest (times
Central):
Friday,
Aug. 8 at 6:30 p.m.
Sunday,
Aug. 10 at 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday,
Aug. 13 at 10:00 p.m.
Saturday,
Aug. 16 at 11:30 a.m.
Sunday,
Aug. 24 at 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday,
Sept. 2 at 6:30 p.m.