Hansen’s Hundred, # 95: Ron Hassey turned Tucson High, UA’s fame into a long career in the big Greg Hansen league

In 1974, Hassey, then a third baseman, broke the school record with 86 RBIs and hit .421.

In 1976, Hassey, now a converted catcher, had 84 RBI, leading Arizona to its first-ever NCAA championship which included a staggering 5-1 win over the No. 1 ASU.

Ron Hassey, Tucson High School baseball player, 1971.

Tucson Citizens

But even then, Kindall was lucky enough to keep Hassey for the epic ’76 season. In June 1975, Hassey wanted to sign with the Kansas City Royals, who had drafted him in the 22nd round. But Kansas City scout Bill Jackson only offered a $ 1,200 signing bonus.

When Hassey refused, the Scout recommended moving from the third base to the catcher in order to improve his future design inventory. It was the decision of a lifetime for Hassey.

When he retired from baseball in 1991, Hassey had played 1,191 games in the big league, including three World Series. He played for the Yankees, A’s, Indians, White Sox, Cubs and Expos and is the only man in the history of the big league to play two perfect games: Len Barker in 1981 and Dennis Martinez in 1991.

Hassey made so many connections in his professional baseball days that he didn’t have to search long for a job. He was the trainer of the Rockies and Mariners, longtime scout of the Diamondbacks and manager of the minor league of the New Orleans Zephyrs, Carolina Mudcats and Jupiter Hammerheads. He retired in 2014.

As prolific as Hassey was as a ball player – he continues to hold the RBI UA career record of 235 and was a three-time All-WAC selection – he is probably best known for Game 1 of the 1988 World Series.