Hall of Fame third baseman George Brett, known for his fiery competitiveness during his playing days with the Kansas City Royals, had a notable outburst during the 1983 “Pine Tar Incident.” In a game against the New York Yankees, Brett hit what appeared to be a go-ahead home run in the ninth inning, only for Yankees manager Billy Martin to object to the amount of pine tar on Brett’s bat. The home plate umpire eventually ruled Brett out and disallowed the home run, causing Brett to erupt in anger and confront the umpire, needing to be restrained by his manager and teammates. Even on the golf course, Brett’s competitive nature can be seen, although he typically does not get too fired up—except for one memorable instance in Palm Springs where he threw his clubs in a vacant lot after a particularly bad round.
In a recent episode of GOLF’s Subpar podcast, George Brett shared this anecdote and discussed his relationship with golf. Brett, a true golf romantic, spends his free time hiking with his wife and dog, reminiscing about his alma mater, the University of Oregon, and contemplating how Rory McIlroy’s major drought will end. Despite his passion for golf, Brett’s competitiveness on the course is usually kept in check, although his outburst in Palm Springs serves as a reminder of the intensity he brings to any competition. Brett’s appearance on the Subpar podcast provided fans with a glimpse into his personality and love for the game.
Josh Schrock, a writer and reporter for Golf.com, covered Brett’s appearance on the Subpar podcast, highlighting the legendary third baseman’s fiery side and competitive nature. Before joining GOLF, Schrock served as the Chicago Bears insider for NBC Sports Chicago, bringing his sports reporting experience to his coverage of Brett’s golf anecdotes. With a background covering teams like the 49ers and Warriors, Schrock has a keen eye for sports stories and insights into the personalities of athletes like Brett. Through his coverage of Brett’s interview on the Subpar podcast, Schrock shared the former baseball star’s passion for golf and competitive spirit with readers.
As a native Oregonian and University of Oregon alum, Josh Schrock brings a personal connection to Brett’s story, considering his own love for golf and sports. Schrock’s understanding of the sports world and his ability to capture the essence of Brett’s golfing escapades adds depth and insight to his coverage. Through his writing on Brett’s appearance on the Subpar podcast, Schrock delves into the legendary baseball player’s transition to golf and his continued competitive drive. With a desire to break 90 on the golf course and a belief in Rory McIlroy’s potential, Brett’s journey from the baseball diamond to the fairways is chronicled by Schrock, offering fans a unique perspective on the Hall of Famer’s post-playing career pursuits.
