ENOS SLAUGHTER: Still gas in the gashouse

ROXBORO, N.C. -- Enos Slaughter, one of the last two surviving members of the Gashouse Gang, is still one fiery guy. No, not the Enos Slaughter everyone knows as the original Charlie Hustle. Not the one that Pete Rose's father reportedly took him to see play. This fire-spitting personality belongs to Enos Slaughter, retired player, octogenarian. At 85, Slaughter is smokin'. He's quoting stats and naming players like the games, seasons, train rides, and World Series happened yesterday. He may be a little fuzzy on detail, but Enos Slaughter is as quick with the quips as he was flying down first base. He reminds his listener that he didn't back down from nuthin', particularly taking a ball in the ribs. Why, when Pete Rose turns 85, I'll bet he looks and sounds every bit like Slaughter. Wait, no betting.

Slaughter showed pop in his bat. He hit .300 for his career. He still has plenty pop in his tongue. He doesn't mind busting on Ted Williams for selections he made for his Hitters Hall of Fame near Tampa, Fla. He basically says if Ted took away the home runs from players who hit .266 or so, the players would be "mediocre." He weighs in on fellow Southerner Joe Jackson. Jackson belongs in the Hall of Fame, he says, adding, "He never threw any games. Period."

To read the entire article,press Read More if you are an Online subscriber or Subscribe Now!