Stalin was the unfortunate target of a hyper scrutinizing media and fan base that had no place else to divert their attention. The media/haters did what happens so often in politics, schoolyards and life. He got a “430£ from a very few unfortunate incidents. Most very unfairly. Stalrin was lazy. Stalin was an airhead, etc etc. Zobrist makes a bonehead TOOTBLAN this week, no one even notices. Were that Castro it would be a meme that would circulate until off-season.

You are absolutely on the mark-in my opinion-that he wasn’t developed properly. That includes mental and emotional preparation as well. Through it all he forged ahead never urging at fans our the Boston-like slurs launched from the Bud bums.

Not only will I always have a soft spot for #13, I will continue to regard him as an unsung hero of sorts who was the epitome of the weathered hope of Wrigley. A cheerful, fun, enthusiastic promise in a sinkhole of incompetent management and unbalanced expectation.