Tom Lawless

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Thomas James Lawless (born December 19, 1956 in Erie, Pennsylvania) was a Major League Baseball player between 1982 and 1990, playing for the Cincinnati Reds, Montreal Expos, St. Louis Cardinals, and Toronto Blue Jays.

Although just a fringe, part-time player throughout his career, Lawless was involved in a number of dramatic and historic moments. Lawless became famous in 1984 when he became the only player ever traded for the great Pete Rose. Lawless, who only hit two regular-season home runs his entire career, is also remembered for his dramatic game-winning home run in Game 4 of the 1987 World Series (he had hit .080 in 25 at bats during the regular season.) Then, in 1989, while with the Toronto Blue Jays, Lawless' ninth inning single prevented Mark Langston from pitching a no-hitter.

A fast runner and highly skilled baserunner, Lawless struggled to hit major league pitching and retired in 1990. He entered the coaching ranks and has become a successful minor league manager, most recently with the Frederick Keys in 2004. He is known for an aggressive managing style, calling for many stolen bases and sacrifice bunts. He currently serves as minor league infield/baserunning instructor for the Baltimore Orioles.

Lawless was a career .207 hitter with two home runs and 24 RBI in 343 games.