Andy Ashby
There are certain moments in baseball that stick in your bones—the smell of a brand-new park, the nerves of a debut, the sound of fireworks echoing off the rafters. Talking to Andy Ashby, I could feel how much those moments still mean to him. He started the first-ever game at Safeco Field, shared a dugout with Tony Gwynn, and gave up Mark McGwire’s 500th homer—and he talks about all of it with the same quiet awe. For Andy, the ballpark isn’t just where he worked; it’s where life’s biggest blessings showed up in spikes and pine tar.
You played 14 years in the big leagues, made a couple All-Star teams, had a really good career. How do you view the game of baseball now, as opposed to 20 years ago?
I love watching these young kids have success. The game and the business have changed. San Diego’s sold out 47 times this year — so whatever they’re doing, it’s working.
You were there for your nephew Aaron’s debut in Milwaukee. What was that like for you?
It was awesome. I told my brother when Aaron was 14, “He can make it.” Seeing him on that mound — even though he got banged around — was special. His dad’s face, his mom, the whole family, we were all just proud.
Do you remember that first game at Safeco Field in 1999?
Oh yeah. Opening day of a brand-new stadium — Seattle was beautiful. I remember walking to the bullpen thinking, They nailed this place. Fireworks going off, the crowd electric. I went seven and two-thirds, didn’t give up a run until the eighth. It was unreal. When I came off the field, Jim Joyce said, “You were awesome.” I said, “So were you.” To pitch that game, to be part of that history — it was really cool.
And you struck out Ken Griffey Jr. and A-Rod that day.
Yeah, but it was scary. You walk a couple guys and Griffey steps in — it’s like, “Okay, here we go.” I just tried to breathe and throw strikes. Looking back, I can’t believe how many Hall of Famers I got to face.
How does it feel, knowing you started the very first game ever played at one of the 30 major league stadiums?
That’s something I’ll never forget. You lie in bed at night thinking, I actually did that. I’ve been blessed — good teammates, good people. I thank God every day.
You mentioned playing with Tony Gwynn. What was he like as a teammate?
One of the best. He cared about everyone. If you were struggling, he’d say, “You’re going to be okay. Keep doing what you’re doing.” We’d fish and golf together all the time. His family was just like him — kind, genuine.
You once overheard Tony and Ted Williams talking hitting.
Yeah, it was unbelievable. Ted was saying, “Turn and burn — you can hit home runs.” And Tony’s like, “Nah, I’ll just hit .400.” I just sat there, didn’t say a word. Two of the best ever, breaking it down. I’ll never forget that moment.
And the ’99 All-Star Game — Ted Williams came out on that golf cart with Tony.
Unreal. To see Tony laughing with Ted again, to be surrounded by all those legends — you just think, Is this really happening?
You also started Opening Day at Wrigley Field in 1996.
Misty, cold, classic Chicago. I loved every second of it.
And you gave up Mark McGwire’s 500th home run.
(Laughs) Yeah, I did. But I thought it was cool. I told him, “Congrats, you deserve it.” He sent me his batting gloves afterward — they’re in a shadow box now.
That’s incredible.
Yeah. Baseball’s full of those moments. You work hard, you fail, you get back up. It’s a grind, but man, it’s beautiful.
NOTE: The above was edited for clarity and length.
You can read the full transcript here.