-from MLB.com

Hancock pitched for four teams in his Major League career, playing with plenty of acquaintances, friends and teammates. From day one in St. Louis, he seemed to fit in, and he was happy to welcome new teammates into the fold as they arrived.

“He was my card-playing buddy and we hung out quite a bit,” said Mariner and former Cardinal Jeff Weaver, who bonded with Hancock even though the two only played together for four months.

“He was easy to talk to,” Weaver said. “Very sociable. He enjoyed people’s company and hanging out with guys. Baseball was what he was about.”

Weaver received a call on Sunday morning from Cardinals reliever Randy Flores.

“It’s definitely a phone call I’ve never had before,” Weaver said. “You always see it every day, but somebody like that where you’ve enjoyed one of the best experiences of your life with, it kind of sets you back.”

The ’06 world championship team was assembled from a wide range of different places, and Hancock was emblematic of how that club came together. Released by the Reds in Spring Training, he signed with St. Louis and went on to enjoy a fine season as a Cardinal. Weaver, like Hancock, was let go by his previous team — traded by the Angels after being designated for assignment.

By: Tom on Apr 30th, 2007
Tagged as: Cardinal Small Talk