2008 Woodie Awards
Mariners Caravan comes through OC
Local major leaguers answer questions and take photos with fans
Brian Olson
Issue date:
1/29/08
Section:
Campus
| |
| |
|
The Caravan, which normally stops at elementary schools and has not visited a college in the past decade, included analyst and former catcher Dave Valle, broadcaster Dave Sims and utility player Mike Morse who prefers shortstop. The Mariner Moose also showed up for pictures, much to the enjoyment of local children.
Rangers head baseball coach Ryan Parker was pleased with the turnout for the affair. More than 100 students and community members came out to ask questions, take pictures and collect autographs at the BSC.
Sims started things off by introducing himself and his partners and thanking assistant baseball coach Spencer Stark, the show's organizer.
After fielding a few warm-up questions from Sims, the Mariners discussed matters brought up by the crowd. Fans of all ages asked various questions, from "What do you do in spring training?" to "Have you ever been afraid of the ball?" The subject that spurred the longest stories from Valle, however, and which the crowd seemed to enjoy most, was that of Ken Griffey Jr.'s antics.
According to Valle, Griffey was like no other player in that he could walk onto the field without practicing or warming up and still save the day.
Once, said Valle, Griffey was playing designated hitter and spent most of the game in the clubhouse playing video games, since he did not need to be in the field for defense. When his turn to hit came around, Griffey, without warming up or even tying his shoes, entered the batter's box, belted a home run, then promptly returned to his spot on the couch.
The assembly was especially pleasing for students on the OC Rangers baseball team.
"The advice was helpful," said Rangers' pitcher Justin Koeppe. "Especially the part about being mentally prepared."
Stark said his players were excited leading up to the event. The team arrived about an hour before the festivities began, and took their seats directly in front of the stage in preparation for the visit.
Pitcher Ben Bayer enjoyed Valle's tips on staying fit and taking care of his body, which included an admonition to steer clear of drugs, alcohol and all things that could be physically damaging.
Valle also emphasized the need for hard work while playing in the pros.
"It's relentless," he said of the typical major league regimen.
Some of the Rangers also asked for advice on how to survive the minors and the years leading up to the opportunity to play in the big leagues. Morse, who carries five gloves, one for each position he plays, fielded the question by encouraging players to enjoy the ride.
"Your goal is to make it to the big leagues," he said.
Despite the trials, Morse said the minors are "fun."
He added, "Would I do it all over again? I'd do it in a heartbeat."
After the Q & A session, the BSC was filled with laughter and applause when the Mariners Moose showed up.
Moose entertained the crowd with his goofy behavior before handing out door prizes to a few lucky winners.
One OC baseball player received a miniature Mariners Moose of his own. Another OC student won the grand prize, an official team jacket.
Before the show was over, fans lined up for photos with the moose and autographs from the rest of the Mariners.
Be the first to comment on this story