Glad to hear Kram’s kids took the trade well – I know they were huge fans. I too had a proverbial tear in one eye with a
smile in the other as I heard the Rays PA Announcer call out Rich Thompson as a pinch runner.
Kram certainly makes a good point about Rich’s on field play. I think those of us who saw it every game came to expect it. You just knew when Richie was on first he would most likely make it to third without any bat impact to advance him. You just knew he would track down that long fly ball to left center field. So while we may have taken his play for granted at times it certainly won’t be forgotten. Jimmy T said it best on the air with Dobber (@Dobber_IronPigs) when he mentioned Rich played the game the we were taught growing up and witnessing that in this day is the best part of Richie T – the player.
During the somewhat shocking haze of the Thompson trade, I neglected to mention that he was my first official player interview at the Phillies Winter Banquet. In fact, he was my second interview at this year’s media day. As an (untrained) “blogger/fan” it was a bit overwhelming and he couldn’t have made it more comfortable – it’s something I’ll always remember.
Here’s a snippet of that interview when I asked Rich what his plans are post baseball.
One could imagine sometime in the future Rich Thompson exchanging line-up cards at home plate in Coca-Cola Park. After all, he couldn’t have had a better mentor. We can always hope. In the mean time Go Richie T!
Pig Out!
Dishing with a smile.
noisenation.mlblogs.com 
I’m still beaming with joy over the story of Richie T and I too shedded a tear of sadness over the trade but at the same time a tear of joy over his being sent to the Majors. When I saw that he got his 1st ML hit the silent tears of joy caused me to raise my glass as I was at Starter’s with the Steelhawks that night and toasted the hit, RBI and the 2 stolen bases he had. I also mentioned that his story his like a modern day Chris Coste story. Here’s a guy who came back year after year in hopes of getting to the big leauges, not regretting too much if it never happended because he just loves to play the game. If anyone deserves this, it’s Richie T. He’s such a class act and as I’ve mentioned I love the way he plays the game, old school, doing the little things to make bigger things happen. I really hope the Rays keep him up for a long time! They got themselves a great guy and ballplayer!! This is most def. a feel good story at a time where we all need one. Go get em Richie T. (insert “T” sign here)!!!