No matter where a player or a team ended up, what controversies might have emerged, and the various story-lines we will remember (or forget), I believe it’s important to keep in mind how influential the players are on young people; specifically young athletes. Their influence stems from their performance on and off the field.

That is why for 15 years of interviewing athletes, I have not only explored their trials and tribulations, but how they’ve overcome obstacles and used their platforms. What has continued to impress me, is how much GOOD is happening with athletes. In 2010, when I published my book, I realized that what I had been doing all those years, was telling “The Good Sports Story.” Not that we didn’t address issues or mis-steps — we are all human — but always included the good aspects of their journeys, too.

In a series of segments from Public Eye, to the Positive, to Philosophy and Giving Back… please listen to these players and let them and others know if you appreciate their words and deeds. Let me know, too!

BACK STORY:

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Listen now to several MLB players answer the question, and perhaps it will offer some insight to both how they approach life and the game, and maybe even get you thinking about your personal philosophy.

Along with my faith, two practical sayings have guided me since I was a child. My mother’s mantra: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” And my father’s practical nature encouraged us to “Don’t wait. Anticipate.”

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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.

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For generations, on their long and winding road to the Majors, players have learned lessons, and often imparted that insight to others. Sometimes they offer it unsolicited, other times it’s just an answer to a question. While there are countless compelling quotes and soundbites in the archives, everyone has a perspective and their own way of sharing that advice. So, what are some current guys thinking and saying? Here is the first set of answers to the question, what advice to you want to share with young people and players — in Little League, High School, College or the Minors?

Listen here, to their answers:

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Adrian has also been a good friend and supporter in my efforts off the field, participating in my Book Launch Charity event and being one of three special people (including Dave Roberts and Larry Lucchino) meeting fans and introducing me at a book talk and signing in Boston for the Great Fenway Park Writers Series. With all the demands on his time in Boston, he was loyal and thankful for how my work told his, his brother Edgar’s, and his family’s story over the years.

I share this especially for those who don’t know Adrian — yet — and who want to get to know him now that he’s with the Dodgers. Much has happened in the few years since he found a home at first base with his hometown Padres… and then with the Red Sox. Still, the chapter on him in my book and this excerpt below from the 2007 show at his parent’s home, offer insight into who he is, where he comes from, and his bigger picture perspective.

That he loved to watch Fernando Valenzuela growing up, along with Padres great Tony Gwynn, adds yet another special significance to his baseball journey. Enjoy… and even though you’re in the division rival Dodgers’ camp… welcome back west, Adrian. We’ve missed you.

Get the book on this website on the One on One Store page (signed copies available) or on amazon.com and bn.com

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Please share the site with your sports fan friends, young people you’d like to have hear from their “heroes”, or other athletes to show a mantra and mission to “Perpetuate the Positive. BE Part of the Good Sports Story.”

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