John D’Acquistio was drafted in the first round of the 1970 draft by the SanFrancisco Giants. John pitched for six teams in his 10 year career in theBig Leagues. Thanks for taking some time with us John.
You are welcome
Please tell us more about yourself.
Played professional baseball for 16 years drafted #1 by the San Francisco Giants 1970
San Francisco Giants 1970-1976
St. Louis Cardinals 1977
San Diego Padres 1977-1980
Montreal Expos 1980
California Angels (Los Angeles Angels) 1981-1982
Atlanta Braves (Richmond Braves) 1982
Oakland A’s (Tacoma Indians) 1982
Chicago White Sox (Denver Bears) 1983
Port St. Lucie Stars 1989
Bradenton Explorers 1989
I now work for a company called Sorganics, Inc. out of Port St. Lucie Florida I am their Director and Consultant to the agricultural field specifics in Fertilizer chemicals and inputs design.
You played with Willie McCovey, what was playing with him like?
Willie McCovey is a very good person who was our team leader and a team player. Mac was not a selfish person. He gave his all to the cause of winning. He played through pain with his knees. Mac could hit a ball a mile he was so strong. He was the easiest going individual I have ever met and a class person, a real joy to play with.
I’m going to name a few players, please describe them for us.
1. Randy Moffitt- Relief pitcher with a wicked slider and a funny push off. He made the mark of Zorro a “Z” with the toe off his shoe. Never saw that before.
2. Juan Marichal- I took Juan’s place when he was traded to Boston. He was a mentor taught me things about pitching not throwing. The man could throw strike right out of bed most unbelievable pitcher I have ever seen, great control.
3. Bobby Bonds- Was my friend…When you talk about Bobby Bonds you talk about speed, power, and a great baseball instinct. He was taught like most outfielders in the organization by the great Willie Mays, who taught most of the younger players how to play outfield.
4. Tito Fuentes- Quickest hands I have ever seen on a second baseman. Tito and Chris Speier could turn a double play better than anyone in the game of baseball and they were the most creative combo I have ever seen. Tito was a great second hole hitter great bat control and played fundamental baseball that is what helps teams to win. I will also say he is quite the character and a real comedian in the clubhouse very funny. I loved playing with Tito Fuentes as a team mate.
Who was the best player you played with or against and why?
Pete Rose. Why I think everyone knows why. He gave 150% every game he played. He is a true
historian of the game and did everything he could to beat you.
What was the highlight of your career?
Breaking the rookie strike out record that was set in 1906 by Ruben Gomez, then winning the Rookie Pitcher of the Year in 1974 and making the Rookie All-Star Team. I was also chosen the Hot Stove Player of the Year in 1974 in my home town of San Diego California.
Where was your favorite and least favorite places to play?
Atlanta was my least favorite. My most favorite place to play was San Diego in my home town in front of my family and friends.
Did you have a favorite place to eat after a game in San Francisco, and where was it?
Scoma’s in San Francisco and the House of Prime Rib in San Francisco on Van Buren also Montefusco’s Italian Caffe and D’Acquisto’s Lounge on the corner of Bay and Powell was a special place to eat also. The Velvet Turtle was also a great place to eat in Redwood City San Mateo.
What advice would you give to younger players?
Stay away from the Steroids and Human Growth Hormone. Play baseball for the love of the game not for the money. You will be a better player for it. Love last forever and money doesn’t if you spend it all…Treat the game well and it will treat you better than you could imagine. Respect your team mates and play hard like it was the last game you will ever play.
What are you doing these days?
I now work for a company called Sorganics, Inc. out of Port St. Lucie Florida and I head up their Arizona offices. I am their Director and Consultant to the agricultural field specifics in Fertilizer chemicals and
inputs design naturally organically grown. We sell products made by Ocean Grown out of Fort Pierce Florida.
John, thanks for talking with 9 Inning Know it All.
You are welcome and all the best to you and your Blog I would like to wish you continued success in the future.