Blue Jays Interview: Sitting down with Lloyd Moseby

A big thank you goes out to Lloyd Moseby for taking time out of his day to chat with me about his career. The following is a transcript of our short conversation.

During the 80’s you were part of the “Killer B’s” outfield. What was it like to have such a terrific outfield as well as being able to trust the guys around you?

Well I think you said it perfectly. When you can trust your teammates it makes your job a lot easier. We had Jesse Barfield in right and Georgie (Bell) playing left, it really is a no brainer. We were having fun out there, we were just joking and laughing out there. I knew where Jesse was going, I knew where Georgie was going and they both knew where I was going. Plus we had Tony Fernandez as well as other guys. We really became a great team.

For fans who never experienced the 80’s, what was Blue Jays baseball like for fans during that time period.

Oh my gosh, it was out of control. Montreal was still around at the time, but as far as Ontario is concerned, there was nothing but Blue Jay baseball all around. There was no Raptors. We were one of the only real deals in town. Of course you had the Maple Leafs, but they haven’t won in a long time. So it really felt like it was us. It was a tremendous place to be. It was a feeling you really can’t describe. But looking back on it, it really gave you chills. We were the winningest baseball team in the 80’s. But remember the rules were different. There was no wild-card or anything like that, you had to win first or second to get into the playoffs. It was great to say the least.

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The Blue Jays made history in 85′ by becoming the first Blue Jays team ever to make the playoffs. What was that experience like for you?

Well I can just remember George going to his knees when he caught that baseball at the end. I have a big painting of it! That feeling will never leave us. We were the first ones. When Bobby Cox, Cito Gaston, Jimmy Williams and the rest of the coaching staff came to Toronto we knew that something different had happened. Not the old coaching staff. We knew that they were serious about winning. It was the greatest thing we’ve ever done.

Offensively you left a lasting impact on the team. You are top ten in virtually every offensive category as well as leading the team in total stolen bases. How does it feel to know you’ve made such an impact on the team that way.

Well first off, I didn’t steal those bases, I put them back! It was a lot of so called “pressure” because I was a first round draft pick. Now, no team wanted to have a bust for a first round draft pick. It does feel good, but it wasn’t like that. I just felt like I needed to produce for the team. You had Damaso Garcia, you had Tony Fernandez, Alfredo Griffin, Fred McGriff, and John Mayberry. The pieces of the puzzle came together and it made it easier, believe it or not, for me. Mostly because everyone was after me as a first round draft pick. When all this talent came to town it made it easier.

How much pressure was there to be a first round draft pick?

There always was. It was either, you would be a bust, or you would help the team out. For me, you have to remember where I came from. I came from a place of nothing. I just wanted to make sure that my parents were okay. Once that was done, I was done with it. Once I knew my parents were okay then I was good with everything else.

Watching the Blue Jays now, are there any outfielders or future outfielders that stand out to you?

Oh, (Kevin) Pillar! He could’ve played with us. He could’ve easily played with us because he’s a warrior. Most guys nowadays make so much money that they just say, “I ain’t diving,” (but) Pillar kills himself. Sometimes we have to say “No! Kevin stop!” Easily Pillar, but we have to remember-and Jose, I guess I can’t say his name, but Bautista easily. Nobody else has been around long enough, it’s a big old spin. Now if you want to go back further, Shawn Green and those guys were great. I coached those guys when I was here. But if we’re talking now, it’s Pillar easily.

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