One on One Boys of Summer: MLB Advice to Others part 2

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September 15, 2012

 “If you work hard, good things will happen.” Charles Gwynn

Simple enough advice from the father of the great baseball player Tony Gwynn. But because Tony took that to heart, to the practice field and to every other place he could prepare and work at his craft of hitting — he not only was one of the most consistent hitters, the 15 time All Star earned 8 NL batting titles and 5 gold gloves,  among other awards, paving the road  into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.

Whether the players interviewed here received direct advice from Tony Gwynn at some point or not, each has his own story, his own lessons, his own advice to pass along.  I believe it’s important to ask the question and give players an opportunity to share. It’s up to us — and young people, and young players especially — to listen.

BACK STORY:
I spent several days interviewing 18 guys from four teams: the San Diego Padres, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the San Francisco Giants, and the Chicago Cubs.
Here are the names of those you will hear from throughout the series:

LOS ANGELES DODGERS
Chad Billingsley
Tony Gwynn, Jr.
Aaron Harrang
Clayton Kershaw
CHICAGO CUBS
Jeff Baker
Bryan LaHair
SAN DIEGO PADRES
Chris Denorfia
Chase Headley
Nick Hundley
Mark Kotsay
Cameron Maybin
Huston Street
Carlos Quentin
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
Matt Cain
Tim Flannery
Clay Hensley
Pablo Sandoval
Now with other teams since my interviews:
YOMIURI GIANTS, Japan Baseball League
Edgar Gonzalez (former Cub)
CHICAGO WHITE SOX
Orlando Hudson (former Padre)