Griff's Conversation with Steve Rogers
Rogers talks about his starry career in Montreal and thoughts on Blue Monday
Steve Rogers joins me in a far-reaching discussion of his successful 13-year career all with the Montreal Expos. Beginning in 1973 as an Expos rookie, going 10-5, 1.54 ERA in 17 starts through his leadership in the contending years at Olympic Stadium. From comparisons by others to Dave Stieb of the Blue Jays, his impressions of playing in Quebec City, the pros and cons of Jarry Park and his two clutch wins over Steve Carlton in the ‘81 division series, finally to a detailed analysis of his crushing mistake pitch to Rick Monday on Blue Monday giving the Dodgers a ninth inning NLCS Game 5 victory. Rogers remains a friend of Canada and supports the belief that MLB should at least consider a return to Montreal via expansion.
Thanks for this interview. There is so much revisionist history about Blue Monday. The fact is that throughout the 1981 post-season, the only reasons the Expos had any success were Rogers, Burris and Gullickson. Rogers didn't have it that day, but if he doesn't give up the run someone else would have. The bullpen sucked and the offense was AWOL throughout the 10 post-season games. Who knows if/when the Expos were going to score another run.
This was an outstanding interview, Richard. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm glad you mentioned Rogers' 1982 season. That season - arguably his best - showed his tremendous resilience after Blue Monday. I could listen to you and Steve chat all day. Thanks for doing this.