RetroSimba

After leading American League catchers in home runs in 1966, Johnny Romano was a backup to Tim McCarver for the 1967 champion Cardinals.

On Dec. 14, 1966, the Cardinals traded pitcher Don Dennis and outfielder Walt Williams to the White Sox for Romano and pitcher Leland White.

Romano spent the entire 1967 season with the Cardinals, who won the National League pennant and World Series title, but he seldom played.

His most important contribution to the Cardinals occurred off the field: It was Romano who provided the tip that enabled Lou Brock, the Cardinals’ catalyst, to end a slump.

Catcher with clout

Romano debuted in the big leagues with the 1958 White Sox. He hit 15 or more home runs in six of seven seasons from 1960-66 with the Indians and White Sox. An American League all-star in 1961 and 1962, Romano achieved career highs in home runs (25) and RBI (81) with the 1962 Indians.

In 1966, Romano produced six home runs and 11 RBI during an eight-game White Sox winning streak from Aug. 3-12.

Asked by The Sporting News to explain his hot hitting, Romano said, “When you play every day, you feel more comfortable at the plate. Timing and confidence are the answers to batting success and you can’t have it if you don’t play.”

A right-handed batter, Romano, 32, finished the 1966 season with 15 home runs and a slugging percentage of .404. He also ranked third among American League catchers in fielding percentage at .993.

The White Sox made him available because they were grooming Duane Josephson, 24, to become their catcher. Romano also clashed with White Sox manager Eddie Stanky, who wanted him to hit behind the runner instead of swinging for the fences.

A proposed trade of Romano to the Red Sox was discussed, but the talks ended when the White Sox sought outfielder Carl Yastrzemski, The Sporting News reported.

New role

The Cardinals wanted a backup catcher who could reduce the workload of McCarver and generate offense against left-handed pitching.

McCarver, who caught in 148 games, had 19 doubles, 13 triples and 12 home runs for the 1966 Cardinals, but his batting average against left-handers (.238) was 50 points lower than against right-handers (.288). His backup, Pat Corrales, batted .181 overall and hit no home runs.

The Cardinals projected Romano as the answer to their need.

“Romano likes to hit against left-handers (.255 in 1966) and he will give McCarver a chance to rest once in a while,” Cardinals manager Red Schoendienst said.

Said Cardinals general manager Bob Howsam: “Romano should give us some right-handed power.”

Bob Broeg, in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, concluded “the Cardinals appeared to help themselves … at no sacrifice” when they acquired Romano.

The Sporting News, however, noted Romano “understandably sounded upset when informed that he would be a No. 2 catcher.”

Tough task

At spring training in 1967, the combination of McCarver and Romano received praise.

Coach Joe Schultz said Cardinals catchers “could be the best in the league, offensively and defensively.”

Asked to rank the catching staffs in the National League, Astros manager Grady Hatton said, “I’d have to rate McCarver and Romano as No. 1.”

In its April 1, 1967, edition, The Sporting News again cautioned “Romano isn’t overly delighted with his second-fiddle rating,” but added, “It’s inconceivable that the sturdy right-handed swinger still doesn’t have some thunder left in his big bat.”

When the 1967 season got under way, Romano struggled to adapt to being a reserve. He produced two hits in his first 25 at-bats. “It’s tough when you don’t get to play often,” Romano said.

By June, Dave Ricketts took over as the primary backup catcher and Romano spent most of his time warming up pitchers in the bullpen.

Batting coach

In midseason, the Pirates offered to trade outfielder Manny Mota, catcher Jim Pagliaroni and pitcher Al McBean to the Cardinals for outfielder Curt Flood, pitcher Hal Woodeshick and Romano, but the Cardinals declined, The Sporting News reported.

In July, Brock, the Cardinals’ leadoff batter, went into a hitting funk. As the slump continued, Brock became more rigid at the plate and Romano detected the flaw. “I noticed Lou was locking his elbows before he swung and he was fouling off a lot of good pitches to left field,” Romano said. “I remind Lou every game about locking his elbows.”

Brock “applied Romano’s tip and went on a long-awaited surge,” The Sporting News reported. “Starting July 24, he went on a 24-for-56 binge, a .429 clip, and he hit safely in 13 straight games through Aug. 6.”

With Brock igniting the offense _ he generated 113 runs, 206 hits and 52 stolen bases _ the Cardinals cruised to a championship.

Romano, who batted .121 (7-for-58) with no home runs and two RBI for the 1967 Cardinals, was left off their World Series roster, but he was voted a full World Series share of $8,314.81, according to The Sporting News.

On Oct. 20, 1967, the Cardinals released Romano and he retired.