Paul Azinger’s candidacy for 2016 Ryder Cup captain picked up speed on Wednesday when the skipper of the successful 2008 American team visited the Baltimore Orioles ahead of the team’s return to post-season play as AL East champs for the first time since 1997.
Paul Azinger gives Baltimore Orioles inspirational talk to start playoff run
Paul Azinger is a popular guy these days. Phil Mickelson’s favorite Ryder Cup captain imparts some words of wisdom to the Baltimore Orioles before their the team’s opening round of the MLB playoffs.
Andy Lyons
The only U.S. commander to lead his troops to Ryder Cup victory in this century, Azinger imparted words of inspiration to the Buck Showalter’s group, who will begin their World Series quest on Thursday.
The #Orioles welcomed back victorious 2008 Ryder Cup Captain @PaulAzinger to speak with the team today. #WeWontStop pic.twitter.com/Z9hQQ8Jmqz
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) September 30, 2014 Azinger, whom Phil Mickelson praised during Sunday’s post-defeat press conference while burying this year’s captain, Tom Watson, has said he would not rule out a return engagement as Ryder Cup chieftain when the U.S. hosts the Euros at Hazeltine.
Speaking of return engagements, Tuesday marked at least the second time that the 1993 PGA champion visited the Orioles clubhouse. Azinger spoke with the team in the spring as they were beginning their 96-win season, according to PGA.com.
Showalter, who plays out of Dallas National Golf Club to an 8.9 GHIN index, must have appreciated whatever fuse Azinger lit under his guys -- not unlike the fire he apparently sparked in Mickelson and his ’08 teammates.
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