The life of a third base coach is one lived in relative anonymity. They only step into the spotlight when they make a poor decision at third, or of course, when they do what Pat Listach did this summer against the Marlins. We all remember the huge brawl that Nyjer Morgan got into, and Pat Listach diving fearlessly into the pile to protect him. Nyjer Morgan did the wrong thing that day, but Listach protecting a player so selflessly was one of the highlights of the season; at least for me.
Bad news for the Nats today, as according to Bill Ladson, Listach will be leaving the organization to be the Cubs' bench coach under friend and new Chicago manager Mike Quade. It's a great opportunity for Listach who has aspirations to manage someday, but a huge bummer for the Nationals who just lost their enforcer at the hot corner. No word yet on who will replace him, but I highly doubt he will be as physical a presence.
So next time a National is in the box and takes exception to an inside pitch, he needs to remember that good old Pat won't be there to protect them if he chooses to do something about it. Good luck in Chicago, Pat.
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