The Hit Man

A A A Comments By Britt Robson Wednesday, Apr 1 1998

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As for the future, Molitor acknowledges that he found Toronto's offer to become a manager "intriguing, because I certainly have aspirations to do that someday." His father says that he has also considered taking a front-office job so he wouldn't have to travel as often. Says Ryan: "He could manage; he could be a general manager; he could be a part of the [baseball] commissioner's office; and he could be more involved with the player's union--because he is highly respected on all those fronts. But personally, I'd rather see him in a uniform, playing ball."

Which is where he'll be for one more year. And although it won't officially be known as a farewell tour, those most intimately involved with the game will cherish every moment. "What makes him so special is that he is sort of a dinosaur," says Twins manager Tom Kelly, sitting shirtless in his Fort Myers office, a cigar clamped in his mouth. "He is one of the last ones from the old school who play the game with respect. When he's gone, there aren't any of the newer-wave fellows I can think of who will be as classy or as solid, who you can count on to execute things the proper way, with some feeling and meaning behind it."

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Kelly leans back in his chair and stares into his lap. "You won't replace him after he's gone."

News intern Erik Farseth contributed to this story.