Back to the Bases | Q&A with Tim Belcher
July 1, 2008
Tim Belcher put the Mount Vernon Nazarene University (Ohio) baseball program on the map when he became the first Cougar to be drafted by a professional baseball team. In the June 1983 amateur draft, Belcher was selected as the first pick in the draft by the Minnesota Twins. He was the first MVNU athlete to have his jersey (#21) retired, was the second member of the Cougar Wall of Fame (1994), and he was inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame at the 2004 NAIA World Series.
During three years at MVNU, Belcher received numerous accolades. Following his junior season in 1983, he was named to the Sporting News All-American Team and selected as an NAIA Honorable Mention All-American. He threw a no-hitter against Kenyon College during that season and was overpowering in the game with a school-record 18 strikeouts and no walks.
Belcher pitched for seven different Major League Baseball teams (Los Angeles Dodgers, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago White Sox, Detroit Tigers, Seattle Mariners, Kansas City Royals and Anaheim Angels) over 14 seasons. He won three postseason games as a member of the 1988 World Champion Dodgers, and was the opening game starter in the World Series that year. He also led the National League in complete games and shutouts in 1989. He finished his career with 146 wins.
Tim Belcher | MVNU Career Statistics | MLB Career Highlights | MLB Career Statistics
Study and concentrate as much on building relationships as you do building a career.
What was the difference maker in getting you to Major League Baseball? What were you doing that no one else was?
First and most obvious, you have to have some God-given talent. But, without self-confidence and the self-motivation to work hard, I doubt the talent alone would have gotten me to the big leagues. My coach (Sam Riggleman) and parents also provided great inspiration and leadership for me.
What is your most memorable baseball moment at Mount Vernon Nazarene?
On a trip to Michigan, having our bus, “the Blue-Goose”, break down and then we proceed to our destination hooked to a wrecker while remaining in the bus! Once, we lost a wheel on the equipment trailer on a trip to FL, which was also very funny stuff.
The NAIA and Mount Vernon Nazarene University focus on character-driven intercollegiate athletics. How has athletics shaped your character?
Athletics will eventually expose all of your character flaws, force you to improve on them and thereby make you more mentally tough.
What advantages did you have attending an NAIA institution?
Small, friendly, close to home.
Aside from the fundamentals what did you take away from the game of baseball to help you with life outside of competition?
Mental toughness and learning the pleasures and pay-offs of hard work.
What are you doing now? What skills from baseball transfer over to your current position?
I am a Special Assistant to Baseball Operations for the Cleveland Indians. My experiences benefit me most in my job as I mentor young players.
Most prized possession:
My family, my home and good fortune in life top the list. As for material things, I am as proud of my farm as I am my World Series Ring.
Pre-game rituals:
I put a lot of time in studying the other team. I didn’t really subscribe to ritual or superstitions, but did have some common routines.
Favorite music group:
The Eagles.
Favorite vacation spot:
Chicago.
Favorite book:
“Tuesday’s With Morrie” had an impact on me and some extended family members at a time when we needed help understanding slow death and it’s affects on the afflicted and others.
Best sports movie:
“Vision Quest” always pumped me up, moved me to tears and had great story lines. “Mr. Holland’s Opus” wouldn’t necessarily be considered a sports movie, but there was a bit of a sports theme to it regarding teamwork etc…And, it has some great life lessons within the story.
Biggest challenge:
Raising kids. Facing any great hitter was a walk-in-the-park by comparison!
Best college accomplishment:
Actually going in the first place! A move I never regretted.
Best professional accomplishment:
Being a part of a World Championship (1988 Dodgers).
Role model:
Impossible to name just one. Parents and other family members and many teacher/coaches come to mind…As for today, and as it relates to my most important job ahead of me, raising my kids, my wife is a great role model as her 100% dedication to them is unmatched.
Do you know of a current or former student-athlete that the NAIA should feature in a Q&A? Email ideas and background information to sschottman@naia.org.
