Delivering in the clutchPage 2 of 2 -- ”I manage 400 million dollars in business with a fairly aggressive sales plan,” said Kiecker. “I have ten other sales people who work underneath me to make it happen out here in Minnesota. I’ve been blessed to be working for a very good company.”
Kiecker’s UPS roots started while he was playing for the Pawtucket Red Sox in 1988 and 1989. When the season ended, Kiecker became a seasonal UPS driver from September through January. ”I made more money driving for UPS as a seasonal delivery driver beginning in September and ending the first week in January than I did playing Minor League baseball,” joked Kiecker. “It worked out perfect because as soon as the Minor League season was over I was able to come back, start a new job and make a few dollars and then in January start preparing for Spring Training.” In addition to UPS, Kiecker has stayed involved in baseball. He's done television commentary for the St. Paul Saints, an independent baseball team, for the past 12 years. “The St. Paul Saints are an extremely popular independent team,” said Kiecker. “Kevin Millar, J.D. Drew, and Jack Morris all played there. FOX Sports Net picks up the games. I think they are the only Independent club who televises all their games.” An eighth-round draft pick of the Red Sox in 1983, Kiecker's Major League career and Red Sox career was short-lived. After spending 6 ½ years in the Minor Leagues, Kiecker enjoyed a successful rookie season in 1990. He was 8-9 with a 3.97 ERA in 152 innings of work. He struck out 93 while walking 54 that season. Kiecker’s second season was a struggle due to an elbow injury. He was never able to make a full recovery. He went 2-3 in 18 appearances and started only five games. His ERA jumped to 7.36 and in 1992 he was the last player cut from the Red Sox in Spring Training. ”Baseball was the best job I ever had,” said Kiecker. “I lost my effectiveness. My injury forced me to change some mechanics, but when balls don’t sink and sliders don’t break down and away like they used to before they start getting hit. That’s basically what happened.”
In the end, however, there is no disputing that when the Red Sox needed him in the most, Kiecker delivered. |
