The Tijuana Cutthroats announced on Wednesday that former three-time Nebraska Award winner Lawrence Columbus 'Crash' LaLoosh will be the team's newest pitching coach, giving the minor league baseball club some significant major league appeal.The opening on the coaching staff for the Cutthroats, the short-season Rookie League affiliate of the Boise Spuds, was made available when Haden Cruz's expiring contract was not picked up. Tijuana pitchers were hammered to a team ERA of 6.97 despite a 2042 record of 41-27.
LaLoosh won the 2031, 2033 and 2035 Nebraska Award as the ace of a Yellow Springs Nine club that went to the playoffs ten times in eleven seasons from 2026 to 2036. LaLoosh spent fourteen seasons in the majors with the Nine, Phoenix Talons and New Orleans Crawdads.
"My playing career was cut short but I've still got those competitive juices flowing," LaLoosh told Treasure Valley Sports. "I wouldn't have had the career I did if it wasn't for the teachings of my father (Robert) and grandfather (Ebby Calvin). I hope to impart what I've learned from them and so many others to the boys down in Tijuana."
When asked about joining the Boise franchise after a storied career with Yellow Springs, LaLoosh said "I've been in contact with Ronnie (General Manager Ron Collins) since I hung 'em up. We'd had talks about me maybe one day joining the ball club in some capacity but there weren't any openings and to be quite honest, I'm dying to get back out there between the chalk lines. The timing was right to join the Boise franchise."
"I actually spoke with Ron Collins prior to reaching out to Crash," Boise General Manager Joe Lederer said in a written statement. "He gave me the blessing to hire Crash and had nothing but great things to say about him. Hell, I've checked the box next to 'Lawrence LaLoosh' on the Hall of Fame ballot all four years I've had a vote, so clearly I think the world of his abilities and career. He's been underrated by some and it's time the world gets to get reacquainted with him again. I believe his success in the bigs will translate into becoming a coach."
LaLoosh, who turns 38 next month, has spent the last several months touring the country in his custom RV, making autograph appearances at trading card shows and providing speaking engagements at youth baseball academies.
LaLoosh finished his career with a record of
169-97, 3.67 ERA and 2187 strikeouts.
