The Hardball Times: Cooperstown Confidential: The legend of Mick the Quick

I wonder if anybody in baseball has ever referred to Mickey Rivers by his given first and middle names of “John Milton.” Somehow, I doubt it. That omission is probably appropriate, since Rivers was never as well versed in the English language as the famed British poet, not by several longshots. Rivers was a lot more entertaining, however, at least to those accustomed to the offbeat and childlike humor of a baseball clubhouse. The legend of Mick the Quick began during his amateur days at Miami-Dade Community College. An exceedingly fast and athletic outfielder, Rivers emerged as one of the stars of the baseball team, but suddenly went AWOL just moments before the start of a game. His teammates and coaches later discovered his whereabouts. Rivers had fallen asleep under a nearby tree—in full uniform no less. During his days at... [read full story]                    

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