Billy Butler recalls time then-Royals manager Buddy Bell threw his glove in the trash
Billy Butler’s first taste of the majors came in the Royals’ 2007 season, during which he made the only appearances of his career in the outfield.
It was only six games in left field, but it made an impression on his manager at the time, Buddy Bell. It wasn’t a good impression.
Butler recalled that story while playing a game of “Quarantine Catch” with former teammate Mark Teahen.
In the video, which appears to have been shot at both of their back yards, Teahen asked Butler to recount being sent to Triple-A where he was going to work with Bill Doran at first base.
“I walk in the office, he rips my glove out of my hand, throws it in the trash can (and) says, ‘Son you can hit and this town is gonna love you, but you can not play left field,’” Butler recalled. “He says, ‘You’re gonna go down, work on first base.’”
Butler then asked Teahen to reveal the hitting advice he got from Royals Hall of Famer George Brett. This story is funny but has some cursing, so I won’t share what was said here.
However, you can watch the video below to hear it (but again, there is swearing):
This story was originally published April 8, 2020 at 9:36 AM.
