Boddicker said his only goal that postseason was to pitch as well as McGregor, who also fooled hitters with junk and guile rather than blinding speed. "I figured if he could do it, I could do it," Boddicker said.
He pitched well again in the World Series, led the AL in wins and ERA the next season and went on to a solid 14-year career for the Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Kansas City Royals and Milwaukee Brewers.
Boddicker settled in Overland Park, Kan., after he retired and has spent the ensuing years coaching his four children in various sports and doing radio work for the Royals. His youngest son - a slugging first baseman - recently helped his team to a third-place finish in the state tournament.
If the kids need some rehab work on their homes, they need not call a contractor. Dad used to work in a grain elevator in the offseason, so a little painting and trim work won't scare him off. He was simply hoping to have his latest project done by the time his wife and daughters returned from a vacation to Prague and Rome.
"Work," he said, "is good for you."
childs.walker@baltsun.com
TONIGHT
What: The Orioles will honor their 1983 championship team with a 25th anniversary ceremony before tonight's game against the Toronto Blue Jays. Scott McGregor will throw out the first pitch to Rick Dempsey, re-creating the battery for the team's 1983 World Series clincher. Current players will wear throwback jerseys, and the club will give away commemorative pennants, 500 of which will be autographed by former players.
When: Former Orioles players will greet fans at gates A and H beginning at 5 p.m. and at all other gates at 5:30 p.m. The on-field ceremony will begin at 6:30.
Who: More than 20 players are expected to attend, including Cal Ripken Jr., Eddie Murray, Mike Boddicker, Dennis Martinez, Mike Flanagan, Scott McGregor, Al Bumbry and Ken Singleton.
Tickets: Numerous seats are available, including Turn-Back-the-Clock tickets for $5.50, the price of an upper-deck seat at Memorial Stadium in 1983.
