Background
Eddie Bane is a former pitcher and first-round draft pick of the Minnesota Twins. Bane played for the Twins from 1973-1977. He has served numerous roles in professional baseball and is currently the special assistant to the GM for the Boston Red Sox.
Why did you start reading Vince?
I am avid reader, and probably started reading Vince around 2005. What appealed to me immediately was the way Mitch Rapp treated politicians. I love the political confrontations with the know-it-all political types. I also like the way Vince is able to portray Mitch’s humanistic side.
I try to labor through the books and read slowly, in part to make them last longer, but also to take-in some of the information. There is a lot to learn from Vince’s books, from where things are located to pecking orders. I know a couple baseball scouts that were SEALs and I drill them every time I am around them about the information in Vince’s books.
Do you have a favorite book?
Probably The Third Option. I love all of the books though. Vince could write a coloring book and I would read it.
I have read all of his books two-to-three times. Whenever a new book comes out the only thing that stops me from reading is baseball, and maybe a little sleep. The books are more than just page turners, you really put yourself in the world of the characters.
Who is your favorite character?
Mitch. We did a bracket of toughest fictional characters and my final two were Rapp and W.E.B. Griffin’s Ken McCoy. Of course, Mitch won.
Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp?
I always envision one of the baddest guys there is; there is just something about him. Brown hair, eyes that do not tell anything and an average build. There is an understated strength and intelligence though. I come across guys like that in my business, they look just like average “joes,” but then you find out they were SEAL team members.
If you could be a character in a Vince Flynn novel, who would you be?
Scott Coleman. He is the only person, other than maybe Irene, that might be able to keep a leash on Rapp. Although, I do not think it would work.
What is your life like as the special assistant to the GM for the Red Sox?
I follow players for the draft, the trading deadline and the international market. My job is basically to be ready when Ben Cherington (Red Sox GM) needs something. Like when John Lackey (All-Star pitcher) got injured, I immediately had to go and watch a few guys to see if they might be a fit for our team.
It’s hard for people to fathom what the Red Sox mean to Boston. I literally get calls from people asking me if I can get them close enough so they can just touch the players. There really is a special relationship between the team and Boston. Especially, with what happened last week.
Where you in Boston during the week of the Marathon?
I was traveling, but you know, when you see what went on in Boston, you realize that Vince really has his finger on the pulse of what is going on. It also makes you wonder who are the real Rapps that are out there and how far they have to stay under the radar?
The Red Sox are currently first in the AL East, care to make any predictions for the year?
Ben did a great job putting together a team of good character players and really trying to give John Farrell (Red Sox manager) players that care about winning. Plus, there are carry over guys who have that mindset, like David Ortiz and Dustin Pedroia. We are better than people thought we would be, but we knew we were going to have a pretty good team. Hopefully we can keep it up.
