Meaning:
The quote "George Brett could get good wood on an aspirin" is a testament to the exceptional hitting ability of George Brett, a legendary Major League Baseball player who spent his entire 21-year career with the Kansas City Royals. The quote is attributed to Jim Frey, who was a coach for the Royals during Brett's playing days. It is a colorful and vivid way of expressing just how skilled Brett was as a hitter.
George Brett was known for his remarkable hand-eye coordination, exceptional bat speed, and uncanny ability to make solid contact with the baseball. The quote suggests that Brett was so skilled at hitting that he could make solid contact even with the tiny surface area of an aspirin, a metaphorical way of emphasizing his incredible precision and timing at the plate.
Born on May 15, 1953, in Glen Dale, West Virginia, George Brett was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 1971 and made his Major League debut in 1973. Throughout his career, Brett was a 13-time All-Star, a three-time American League batting champion, and a Gold Glove Award winner. He was also named the American League Most Valuable Player in 1980, a season in which he achieved a batting average of .390, the highest by any MLB player since 1941.
Brett's hitting prowess was particularly notable during the 1980 season when he chased the elusive .400 batting average, coming remarkably close to achieving the feat. His remarkable consistency and ability to square up the ball with precision made him one of the most feared hitters of his era. His career batting average of .305, along with 3,154 hits and 317 home runs, solidified his place as one of the greatest hitters in baseball history.
The quote itself has become a part of baseball lore, often cited to highlight the extraordinary talent and skill of George Brett as a hitter. It has been used in various contexts to emphasize the exceptional abilities of athletes in different sports, serving as a testament to the highest level of skill and precision in athletic performance.
In addition to his individual accomplishments, George Brett was a key contributor to the Kansas City Royals' success, particularly during the 1985 season when the team won the World Series, with Brett playing a pivotal role in the postseason. His leadership and on-field performance made him a beloved figure in Kansas City and a respected competitor throughout the league.
After retiring as a player in 1993, Brett continued his association with the Royals, serving as the team's vice president of baseball operations and later as the team's interim hitting coach. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
The quote "George Brett could get good wood on an aspirin" remains a powerful tribute to the extraordinary skill and talent of George Brett as a hitter. It captures the essence of his ability to make solid contact with the baseball, emphasizing his exceptional hand-eye coordination, bat speed, and precision. It serves as a lasting testament to the impact and legacy of one of baseball's all-time greats.