1993 Volume 116 No 1–4 - Phi Delta Theta Scroll Archive

the final play
long enough to understand how rare a victory in the Fall
Classic is. Timlin nearly went to the World Series as a
rookie in 1991, but Toronto lost a close American League
Championship to the Minnesota Twins.
"I enjoyed the victory, but not as much as the veterans
like Joe Carter and Dave Winfield. They really deserved
the credit for the success of this ball club and the [World
Series] victory," he says. "I feel blessed just to be part of
this."
Timlin was raised in Midland, Texas, in the western
part of the state "about five hours drive from Austin," he
explains. He pitched for three years at Southwestern
University before he was drafted by Toronto as a junior.
He jumped at the chance to play in the major leagues,
forgoing his pursuit of a college degree.
"Toronto sent scouts out, and they saw me pitching.
The team picked me up in the fifth round in 1987. The
scouts saw that I had what it takes to play pro ball," he
says. "Numbers aren't so much important; a lot of guys
had better numbers than me, but it's the way you handle
yourself in a game that scouts look at more."
In 1992, Timlin pitched 26 games, compiling a 4.12
ERA and seven saves. His performance was good enough
in 1991 to encourage Toronto to protect him, keeping
rights to him for this past season. Timlin expects he will
be kept on the roster for 1993, although negotiations
won't begin for some time.
In 1991, Timlin's performance started talk about his
possible Rookie of the Year honors. Early on in the season
his name was mentioned as a top candidate, until Timlin
was put on the disabled list.
Timlin says he would like to finish his college education
sometime in the future, perhaps getting a degree in
physical therapy. Right now, though, he is making a
decent living in Toronto. Last year his contract was worth
$222,000, and he says he expects a higher paycheck for
next season. He recently married and purchased a condo
in Horida. Obviously, he would like to continue playing
basebaU as long as he possibly can.
"I'd like to play as long as I can; I think everyone
wants to have a long career —10 years or more.
"I want to stay here. I think every guy likes to stay
with the club he came into the league with, but now they
frade so much ... if I play for another team, I'd like to
return to Texas, maybe play for the Rangers," he says.
His career goals are modest, just as he is. Timlin is
quick to give others credit and to avoid the ego that often
comes from making a Uving at the top of professional
sports. He beUeves that his presence in professional
baseball is not his right, but more of an honor. In that
vein, he pays continuous homage to his bread and butter:
the Toronto fans.
"I'd like to influence some of the younger players, and
WARMING UP. Timlin was actually a candidate for the 1991
Rookie of the Year before surgery to his elbow.
try to get rid of some of the bad image players have" he
says. "You know, I stop and give out as many autographs
as I can. I want to build a better relationship
between the players and fans."
Although the length of the average career in professional
baseball is longer than in most sports, Timlin is
preparing for the inevitable future when he will leave
major league baseball.
"When I leave, I'll probably play a lot of golf," he
says laughing. "I am investing what I can now, so I can
live a life with my family."
Timlin remembers his Fraternity life at Southwestern
fondly. He keeps in close contact with several Fraternity
brothers. In fact one of his pledge brothers, Greg
Proctor, was a groomsman at his recent wedding, and
his big brother, Mike Cavers, attended the ceremony.
"I pledged as a sophomore. I enjoyed it. Every day
was an adventure with those guys," he says.
Now, everyday is an adventure for Mike Timlin in
major league baseball.
"I'm just grateful to be in this organization, playing
this game," he says, g
Winter 1993 * TheScroU 41