Athletics Report: Jeffrey Springs Happy with First Spring Start Since ‘23
MESA, Ariz. (Feb. 23) — Jeffrey Springs made his first spring start in two years Sunday afternoon in the Athletics’ 4–0 Cactus League win over the Colorado Rockies (split-squad) at Hohokam Stadium. Springs tossed two scoreless innings for the Athletics, allowing two hits and striking out two without walking anyone. After leaving the game, Springs, who missed most of 2023 and 2024 recovering from Tommy John surgery, said it was nice to have a “normal season” and come in “feeling good.” Getting the first start under his belt to see how his arsenal and command are progressing, all while building up to a starter’s workload, put a big smile on his face. Springs said, “I’m blessed and thankful to be back out there feeling like myself and being able to work on pitching, (which) is what I love to do.”
His fastball consistently ranged from 91 to 92 mph, something he was satisfied with. He also threw some sliders, cutters, and a sweeper, and he said he was happy with the way they behaved at this point of spring camp.
Honoring Rickey Henderson
During warmups, Athletics players, coaches, and team personnel wore black t-shirts with a giant photographic likeness of the recently deceased Rickey Henderson. Prior to the national anthem, the Athletics held a moment of silence for their fallen legend. Manager Mark Kotsay said of the t-shirts, “We wanted to do something to show our love and how much we miss him. On this shirt, the smile is really the memory of Rickey. I don’t know if he ever had a bad day. He was always smiling. When he was in spring training around the guys, you could tell the joy it brought him. And this was our simple way of honoring him.”
Favorite Rickey Stories
When asked to share a personal favorite Rickey Henderson story, Kotsay smiled and mentioned being his teammate on the 2001 San Diego Padres. “I played center, he played left, and Tony Gwynn played right,” Kotsay recalled. He went on to mention that Henderson broke the career record for runs scored during that season, and he did so on a homer to left. “We all gathered, and he slid into home. It was great.”
Another story Kotsay shared regarded the car Henderson drove. “He showed up to spring training driving a Bentley or Rolls Royce, something really beautiful. And he was making less than what the car was actually worth. It was awesome. I think we fined him five bucks in Kangaroo Court.”
Kotsay finished with a third story. “Rickey would lead you to believe that he didn’t know anyone’s name. Whether that was completely true or not, we’ll never know. But I remember we had a bus ride in 2001 with the Padres team. He was the last one to get on the bus. Phil Nevin was a teammate, and he yelled out, ‘Rickey! I’ll give you $100 if you can name everyone’s first name on the bus.’ There was an expletive (followed by) ‘Phil.’ (Rickey) named him straight off the bat. Then he just sat down, and the whole bus went quiet.”
Looking Ahead
The Athletics will continue their Cactus League slate Monday against the host Kansas City Royals. Athletics right-hander Osvaldo Bido is scheduled to start on the hill against Royals left-hander Cole Ragans. First pitch at Surprise Stadium will be at 1:05 pm Mountain Time/12:05 pm Pacific Time.
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MESA, Ariz. (Feb. 23) — Athletics left-hander Jeffrey Springs throws the first pitch of Sunday’s Cactus League contest between the Athletics and the Colorado Rockies at Hohokam Stadium, delivering to Nolan Jones. The Athletics won, 4–0. (Evan Thompson/Sport Relay)
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