Buck Martinez - Change up : how to make the great game of baseball even better

Another summer learning to love the game of baseball, with my friends on the Redding Redlegs Little League team in 1958. Thats me, top row, second from the left. I didnt always smile like that, but I always loved the game. COURTESY BUCK MARTINEZ

My team photo with the Cangrejeros de Santurce in 1970. I played winter ball (middle row, far right) alongside stars such as Reggie Jackson, Juan Pizarro, Don Baylor and Tony Prez. COURTESY BUCK MARTINEZ

A young George Bamberger (left) and Harry Dalton survey the scene before an Orioles game. In the late 1970s, both men would repeat the success they had in Baltimore with the Milwaukee Brewers. BALTIMORE ORIOLES

Don Baylor was a homegrown guy for the Baltimore Orioles, one who has spent decades extolling the virtues of the Orioles Way. After his playing days, Don became a major-league manager with the Colorado Rockies and the Chicago Cubs. BALTIMORE ORIOLES

Jim Palmer learned the Orioles Way from Bamberger, Dalton and Paul Richards. He became one of the best pitchers in the history of the game, winning three Cy Young Awards and three World Series championships, all with Baltimore.

BALTIMORE ORIOLES

Paul Richards was a mentor in Baltimore to guys like Harry Dalton and Lou Gorman. Later, with the Houston Astros, he found an eager pupil in a young Pat Gillick.

BALTIMORE ORIOLES

The Reds thought 30-year-old Frank Robinson was over the hill when they traded him to Baltimore in 1966. He won the Triple Crown and led Baltimore to the World Series that year. Robinson was a consummate leader. Everyone followed his example. BALTIMORE ORIOLES

Ewing Kauffman takes the mic, with his wife, Muriel, right beside him. They were the innovative owners of the Kansas City Royals. Ewing laid the foundations for the most successful expansion team in the game. (Note the gentleman on the left, wearing the Royal Lancer blazer. He was from a group of local businessmen Kauffman recruited to build the brand of the team in the community.) KANSAS CITY ROYALS

Frank White, the most famous graduate of the Kansas City Royals Baseball Academy, was an eight-time Gold Glove Award winner and was named an All-Star five times with the Royals. Early on, teammates tagged him Academy Frank, a handle that stuck with him through much of his career. KANSAS CITY ROYALS

Charley Lau (right) with relief pitcher Al Hrabosky. Lau may have been the hitting coach, but pitchers flocked to him for ideas on retiring opposing hitters. A former catcher, Charley was the most influential coach I had in my development as a major-league catcher. (Unfortunately, he didnt have much of an impact on my hitting.) KANSAS CITY ROYALS

This is an interesting picture! It was spring training in Fort Myers, Florida, in the late 70s. The player under the hood is working with a visual-training aid that the organization tried for a while. Outfielder Steve Braun, team doctor Paul Meyers and GM John Schuerholz are looking on. (Were not sure who the player under the hood is.) KANSAS CITY ROYALS

A very young George Brett on his way to the Hall of Fame. A Royals draft pick, Brett made his home in Kansas City early in his career and is still a big part of the organization and the community. KANSAS CITY ROYALS

The three-man brain trust of the Royals first AL West Division championship team in 1976. From left, pitching coach Galen Cisco, hitting coach Charley Lau, Hall of Fame manager Whitey Herzog. KANSAS CITY ROYALS

Three-time batting champ George Brett learned how to hit under Charley Lau. Brett was the youngest of four brothers who played pro ball. He was a naturally great athlete. But when he became a pro ballplayer, Lau and his Royals teammate Hal McRae had a tremendous impact on his ability.

KANSAS CITY ROYALS

Sporting my moustache with the Milwaukee Brewers after my early years in the Royals system.

MILWAUKEE BREWERS

Frank Howard was our first-base coach in Milwaukee. I wish everyone loved the game as much as Frank does. In his prime, Hondo was one of the most powerful hitters in baseball history. He hit two home runs longer than 500 feet.

MILWAUKEE BREWERS

Sal Bando takes a swing with the Milwaukee Brewers. He was one of our leaders on and off the field. Of the teams I played on, that one was the best in the clubhouse, and Bando was a huge reason why. MILWAUKEE BREWERS

Buck Rodgers (left) was one of the best coaches I ever had. We called him Hollywood because he was so handsome. He had a knack for teaching and a clear passion for the team. Any major-league coaching staff should have a guy like Buck on it. MILWAUKEE BREWERS