I'm not suggesting that parents control role models even if they could ---- BUT if you could and were given the task to do so who would you pick and who would you avoid and why?
Fungo
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I would pick Ripken, if he was still playing. My son picks ECKSTEIN...and hard to argue with that. Biggio would be good, as well. Basically, I like the guys that play the game "right"...and are outstanding on and off the field, and do not appear to be phoney (cough cough arod).
I would NOT want him to model Manny...because he does not appear to respect the game.
I would NOT want him to model Manny...because he does not appear to respect the game.
Two that come to mind with the Indians are Grady Sizemore and Victor Martinez who have shown the work ethic necessary to continue to improve. They are also positive team players as well as leaders.
Always liked Omar Visquel for the personality he shows on the field - the game just looks so much fun to him. Derick Jeter for the class he seems to have.
The following I won't mention by name but see if you can guess who I am talking about:
1) I don't want to talk about the past
2) I thought it was flax seed oil
3) I thought only if they injected you in the "butt" was there a problem
4) I thought my teammate was gving me a vitamin B-12 injection
5) I only took what was prescibed to me (prescription written by a Florida dentist for alleged pituitary tumor)
BTW - my son's favorite player growing up was Manny Ramirez and I must admit - I like Manny too
Sometimes a player's charm can cause you to look the other way regarding a supposed defect. No one is perfect and role models do not need to be perfect imho.
Always liked Omar Visquel for the personality he shows on the field - the game just looks so much fun to him. Derick Jeter for the class he seems to have.
The following I won't mention by name but see if you can guess who I am talking about:
1) I don't want to talk about the past
2) I thought it was flax seed oil
3) I thought only if they injected you in the "butt" was there a problem
4) I thought my teammate was gving me a vitamin B-12 injection
5) I only took what was prescibed to me (prescription written by a Florida dentist for alleged pituitary tumor)
BTW - my son's favorite player growing up was Manny Ramirez and I must admit - I like Manny too
Sometimes a player's charm can cause you to look the other way regarding a supposed defect. No one is perfect and role models do not need to be perfect imho.#6 - kids came trick-r-treating, so I chased 'em away and tryed to run 'em over with my SUVquote:The following I won't mention by name but see if you can guess who I am talking about:
agree on Eck, he earns "role model" status before you even get to his baseball stuff
add to the great sugestions above
# 21 Roberto Clemente
I'd suggest there is a big difference between being a "fan" of a favorite player ...quote:by CD: Sometimes a player's charm can cause you to look the other way regarding a supposed defect. No one is perfect and role models do not need to be perfect imho.
and elevating someone to "role model" status
Bee> - I understand what you are saying but I think players are role models regardless. I think I know where Fungo got the idea for this topic so I will quote him from the Manny Ramirez thread. You can argue it out with him regarding the semantics
quote:Manny IS a role model for young kids as is every super star athlete. They may not be the role model we parents would select for our children to look up to ---- but we don’t “pick” their idols and those they want to emulate.
One other thing comes to mind here as well...
You can pick out certain traits about certain players to emulate and I think kids are smart enough to understand the differences.
Emulate Manny Ramirez's swing and approach at the plate but hustle like Grady Sizemore. Have class and dignity like Jeter or Ripken but do not act like Milton Bradley.
We as parents can point out when there is something not to be emulated with certain players i.e, lackadaisicalness/air headedness (made up words) demonstrated by certain players.
You can pick out certain traits about certain players to emulate and I think kids are smart enough to understand the differences.
Emulate Manny Ramirez's swing and approach at the plate but hustle like Grady Sizemore. Have class and dignity like Jeter or Ripken but do not act like Milton Bradley.
We as parents can point out when there is something not to be emulated with certain players i.e, lackadaisicalness/air headedness (made up words) demonstrated by certain players.
This answer is a little bit off-line from the question I think, but I'm going to give it anyways.
My young daughters' baseball-player role model is a current AA ballplayer named Johnny Ash. He graduated from a local college in 2004.
They love Johnny Ash because ever since they can remember...when he was playing in college, he stopped whatever he was doing to talk with them, sign an autograph, ask how they were doing. He makes them feel like they're the only two kids in the world. He is articulate and smart. He is tremendously kind-hearted. And he is a very good ballplayer who may or may not make it to the big leagues.
Since his graduation, every year...our daughters look forward to the alumni game so they get to see Johnny Ash again. They respect him, they cheer for him, they look up to him, they would probably root for him if he hit against their brother...they love being around him.
I bet there are a number of kids along Johnny Ash's path through college and the minor leagues who feel the same as my daughters. Players like him make the game real to young fans. Players like him instill a love for the game and they instill a perception of 'goodness' about the character of the players in the game.
Yeah, its kind of a sappy story. But to my kids, Johnny Ash is the baseball player who locked them in as true fans of the game. He is their baseball-role model and I couldn't think of a better one.
My young daughters' baseball-player role model is a current AA ballplayer named Johnny Ash. He graduated from a local college in 2004.
They love Johnny Ash because ever since they can remember...when he was playing in college, he stopped whatever he was doing to talk with them, sign an autograph, ask how they were doing. He makes them feel like they're the only two kids in the world. He is articulate and smart. He is tremendously kind-hearted. And he is a very good ballplayer who may or may not make it to the big leagues.
Since his graduation, every year...our daughters look forward to the alumni game so they get to see Johnny Ash again. They respect him, they cheer for him, they look up to him, they would probably root for him if he hit against their brother...they love being around him.
I bet there are a number of kids along Johnny Ash's path through college and the minor leagues who feel the same as my daughters. Players like him make the game real to young fans. Players like him instill a love for the game and they instill a perception of 'goodness' about the character of the players in the game.
Yeah, its kind of a sappy story. But to my kids, Johnny Ash is the baseball player who locked them in as true fans of the game. He is their baseball-role model and I couldn't think of a better one.
I'll not argue, just point out the obvious .. a "role model" isn't a smorgesboard, it's a person -
and that kids don't consider role model traits chosing their favs/idols -
the basis youngsters use choosing favorite players -
1) because everyone else in my class likes him
2) he's always on tv
3) his baseball swing is really neat
4) thousands cheer when he plays
5) uncle Mike got me his uniform for my birthday
6) his basketball shoes are waaay cool
7) he's "best friends" w Bugs Bunny & Daffy!
they don't know - don't care if he gambles, throws g-friends out windows, shaves points, juices, etc
however, if that's YOUR role model standards, I'm ok with it
so I'll take Eck w/Wilt The Stilt only for his height & ability to "score" (on the court, that is
)
and that kids don't consider role model traits chosing their favs/idols -
the basis youngsters use choosing favorite players -
1) because everyone else in my class likes him
2) he's always on tv
3) his baseball swing is really neat
4) thousands cheer when he plays
5) uncle Mike got me his uniform for my birthday
6) his basketball shoes are waaay cool
7) he's "best friends" w Bugs Bunny & Daffy!
they don't know - don't care if he gambles, throws g-friends out windows, shaves points, juices, etc
however, if that's YOUR role model standards, I'm ok with it
so I'll take Eck w/Wilt The Stilt only for his height & ability to "score" (on the court, that is
)
Granderson, Polanco, and Kaline of the Detroit Tigers.
How can they be role models if you do not know anything about them other than what you read and hear on sports pages---what do you know about them personally
My role model was my Dad--nobody else
My role model was my Dad--nobody else
quote:Originally posted by Flintoide:
Granderson, of the Detroit Tigers.
Time will tell but watching Granderson off the field this last post season makes me he will make an impact in the lives of many kids. MLB should be very aware of this kids humble and well-spoken potential.
quote:TRhit quote:
How can they be role models if you do not know anything about them other than what you read and hear on sports pages---what do you know about them personally
My role model was my Dad--nobody else
I agree TR but this is a big world that is media driven and most of us live in this little protected corner where "good" people are easy to come by. I would rather see the thousands of kids outside our "box" who are looking for role model have a media driven "hero" than have to go to the "street" to get to know one personally.
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Avoid?...I agree with TR...those with whom they have no personal contact...
Why?...Simply because what we see is media fabrication...on the downside and on the upside...stories are manipulated for profits and for political gains more now than they have ever been....we often don't get the real story...and I am leery of having mine use a fabrication as a role model.
My pick?...Have argued this one before...I know they leave, I know they change...Coaches.
Why?...Personal interaction is the best teacher of character and values...watching the role model deal with the REAL everyday issues under great pressure...to fail and rise again before their eyes...to have your role model be there for you, to help, to shape, to guide, to develop, to model...and to conflict, and see how that works as well. One of the greatest values of sport is the interaction between coach and player. When it is done right is it life changing and priceless.
44
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quote:...role models...who would you pick and who would you avoid and why?
Avoid?...I agree with TR...those with whom they have no personal contact...
Why?...Simply because what we see is media fabrication...on the downside and on the upside...stories are manipulated for profits and for political gains more now than they have ever been....we often don't get the real story...and I am leery of having mine use a fabrication as a role model.
My pick?...Have argued this one before...I know they leave, I know they change...Coaches.
Why?...Personal interaction is the best teacher of character and values...watching the role model deal with the REAL everyday issues under great pressure...to fail and rise again before their eyes...to have your role model be there for you, to help, to shape, to guide, to develop, to model...and to conflict, and see how that works as well. One of the greatest values of sport is the interaction between coach and player. When it is done right is it life changing and priceless.
44.
Your using the word sappy hooked me justbaseball! 
Great post...the world would be much better with more people like Johnny Ash!
Your daughters were fortunate to find such a respectable and influential role model.
And 44...well said! I would guess that the players who are considered as good role models most likely had good, influential, coaches at some point in their career.
Great post...the world would be much better with more people like Johnny Ash!
Your daughters were fortunate to find such a respectable and influential role model.
And 44...well said! I would guess that the players who are considered as good role models most likely had good, influential, coaches at some point in their career.
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Exactly.
44
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quote:...players who are considered as good role models most likely had good, influential, coaches at some point in their career.
Exactly.
44.
Justbaseball:
Thank you for mentioning Johnny Ash. When my middle boy was just entering his little league days he was having a bad time with his temper. He would throw a bat or helmet if he made an out. He is autistic so he is a visual learner.
I taped a College World Series game and Johnny Ash from Stanford made an out and calmly went back to the dugout and put his helmet in the rack and sat on the bench.
I showed him that tape about 50 times and Voila.... his baseball days were able to continue (because they very nearly ended).. Even in school the next year if he started to get upset his teachers or helpers would say, "Johnny Ash" and he knew that was the cue to calm down...
Johnny Ash... thanks for reminding me of a story that may have slipped thru my memory bank....
Thank you for mentioning Johnny Ash. When my middle boy was just entering his little league days he was having a bad time with his temper. He would throw a bat or helmet if he made an out. He is autistic so he is a visual learner.
I taped a College World Series game and Johnny Ash from Stanford made an out and calmly went back to the dugout and put his helmet in the rack and sat on the bench.
I showed him that tape about 50 times and Voila.... his baseball days were able to continue (because they very nearly ended).. Even in school the next year if he started to get upset his teachers or helpers would say, "Johnny Ash" and he knew that was the cue to calm down...
Johnny Ash... thanks for reminding me of a story that may have slipped thru my memory bank....
44 agree
The impact coaches can have is tremendous.
The impact coaches can have is tremendous.
My Dad was also my hero but he was not a baseball nut. I doubt I would have understood the way the game should be played at higher levels without the likes Ernie Banks, Bench, Clemente in my day and my son idolized the likes of Robin Yount and Paul Molitor. None of these men we knew personally, but you can dream someday to walk in their shoes and dreams are the benchmarks that we set in our lives.
quote:Originally posted by justbaseball:
This answer is a little bit off-line from the question I think, but I'm going to give it anyways.
My young daughters' baseball-player role model is a current AA ballplayer named Johnny Ash. He graduated from a local college in 2004.
They love Johnny Ash because ever since they can remember...when he was playing in college, he stopped whatever he was doing to talk with them, sign an autograph, ask how they were doing. He makes them feel like they're the only two kids in the world. He is articulate and smart. He is tremendously kind-hearted. And he is a very good ballplayer who may or may not make it to the big leagues.
Since his graduation, every year...our daughters look forward to the alumni game so they get to see Johnny Ash again. They respect him, they cheer for him, they look up to him, they would probably root for him if he hit against their brother...they love being around him.
I bet there are a number of kids along Johnny Ash's path through college and the minor leagues who feel the same as my daughters. Players like him make the game real to young fans. Players like him instill a love for the game and they instill a perception of 'goodness' about the character of the players in the game.
Yeah, its kind of a sappy story. But to my kids, Johnny Ash is the baseball player who locked them in as true fans of the game. He is their role model and I couldn't think of a better one.
Looks like Mr. Ash may make it to the big leagues now that Biggio has retired. He batted .300 in the texas league.
Jonathan Ash
Not sure what a true role model is supposed to be, especially if one knows very little of them in private.
TR's post is a good one, a parents role is to be a good model for instilling values that are important for young people. rz's point is well taken, when children don't have parents that do this, better to seek out someone you look up to who sets a good example rather than finding them out on the street.
JB good post. How players in any sport interact with their fans makes them fans, not only of that person but of the sport. That's important for keeping a young players goals reachable to those who wish to play someday and to help strengthen the popularity of the sport in general.
I am not sure my son had a role model per se. He was a Maddux fan, but not as a role model, but as one he tried to model his game after. His favorite players when he was younger were those who stopped and took the time to talk to the kids and sign autographs instead of acting aloof. My son was in love with David Justice, until he met him in person one day and that was quickly the end of that.
Years ago Mike Lowell was big talk in our house. He had played in college, then drafted and reached MLB status. We felt that was an important "model" for son to follow to reach his goal.
TR's post is a good one, a parents role is to be a good model for instilling values that are important for young people. rz's point is well taken, when children don't have parents that do this, better to seek out someone you look up to who sets a good example rather than finding them out on the street.
JB good post. How players in any sport interact with their fans makes them fans, not only of that person but of the sport. That's important for keeping a young players goals reachable to those who wish to play someday and to help strengthen the popularity of the sport in general.
I am not sure my son had a role model per se. He was a Maddux fan, but not as a role model, but as one he tried to model his game after. His favorite players when he was younger were those who stopped and took the time to talk to the kids and sign autographs instead of acting aloof. My son was in love with David Justice, until he met him in person one day and that was quickly the end of that.
Years ago Mike Lowell was big talk in our house. He had played in college, then drafted and reached MLB status. We felt that was an important "model" for son to follow to reach his goal.
skipper...that's a great story and thanks for sharing that!
Of course Johnny Ash didn't know the specific consequence of his classy, well behaved, actions, but I'm sure he knows that people are watching...and that he is setting a good example.
What a gift he gave to you and your son...a lengthened baseball career and a usable tool in the classroom.
Way to go Johnny Ash!
Of course Johnny Ash didn't know the specific consequence of his classy, well behaved, actions, but I'm sure he knows that people are watching...and that he is setting a good example.
What a gift he gave to you and your son...a lengthened baseball career and a usable tool in the classroom.
Way to go Johnny Ash!
When I was a kid, I have lot of players that I fallow with admiration. I used to read everything that was writen about them. Two of them, specifically Mickey Mantle and Bobby Richardson. During all my childhood and rest of my youth and adult life, I never heard nothing negative about any of them (probably the baseball media on those days were not interested in destroy players who were not too cooperative with the press)
Some years later (exactly when he died), I learned that Mickey was an alcoholic and that he died from Hepatic Cirrosis. I don't think that if I did knew it that when I was a kid I were an alcoholic today, probably I were an alcoholic if my father were a drunk during my childwood.
In 1994 I was part of the coaching staff of Miami post 346 that won the American Legion World series at Boyertown, PA. I was happy that the invited orator for the event was Bobby Richardson. My son Luis was the second base of the team and I let him know that Bobby was one of my heros. Bobby at that time was an Evngelical Pastor, and I don't think that if I knew it that when I was a kid I did change my Catholic religion just because Bobby was protestant. My family was a stronger influence in my future behavior than my sport heros.
So, a kid may imitate and love the way Pete Rose played baseball, without become a gambler. And of course that any kid could have Dale Murphy as a hero and become later a gangster because some other factors aply. The difference is made by parents, by family, by examples.
Some years later (exactly when he died), I learned that Mickey was an alcoholic and that he died from Hepatic Cirrosis. I don't think that if I did knew it that when I was a kid I were an alcoholic today, probably I were an alcoholic if my father were a drunk during my childwood.
In 1994 I was part of the coaching staff of Miami post 346 that won the American Legion World series at Boyertown, PA. I was happy that the invited orator for the event was Bobby Richardson. My son Luis was the second base of the team and I let him know that Bobby was one of my heros. Bobby at that time was an Evngelical Pastor, and I don't think that if I knew it that when I was a kid I did change my Catholic religion just because Bobby was protestant. My family was a stronger influence in my future behavior than my sport heros.
So, a kid may imitate and love the way Pete Rose played baseball, without become a gambler. And of course that any kid could have Dale Murphy as a hero and become later a gangster because some other factors aply. The difference is made by parents, by family, by examples.
Baseball role models. I grew up with such a powerfull force in my life that no one could ever match it. Someone that would work so hard all day long but still find the time to get me to a practice or a game. Someone that would sacrifice the things he wanted to make sure I got the things I needed and wanted. A person that said what he believed and stood up for what he believed in. A man that at the age of 17 left the tobacco fields of Henderson NC and went to the mountains of Korea to fight for what he believed in. Later he found himself in the jungles of Vietnam as an advisor. He taught me the value of an honest days work for an honest days pay by having me do work around the house. He taught me to "Look a man in the eye when your talking to him" and that your word was the most important thing you have. He taught me to play the game with my heart and soul because in the end all you have is how you played the game. He taught me that your family is the most important thing you have. And your faith in God. He once told me "I never got the chance to play games. I had to go behind a mule and plow when I was 12. I fought for my country when I was 17 and I spent the rest of my life in the Army." "I want you to play games as long as you can. But if you do I want you to play them with all your heart". My dad taught me about life. He taught me that the most important thing a man has is his name and his word not what he owns. How does this relate to baseball? When I played sports I knew that it was a priveledge given to me by my parents and God. Something that others did not get to do. And I was going to do everything I could to prove myself worthy of this gift given to me. My dad was my Father , my friend , by Buddy and you better believe he was my role model for life. I spend every day trying to live up to his examples that he set for me. I will never measure up. There is no way. But at least I can know that I have tried with all my heart.
I never wanted to be anyone but my dad. I never idolized anyone but my dad. Those other guys were just ball players , rock stars or movie stars. My dad was my Hero. He fought for his country. He fought for his family. And he sacrificed so others could have what he never got the chance to have. I love you Buddy! And I miss you.
I never wanted to be anyone but my dad. I never idolized anyone but my dad. Those other guys were just ball players , rock stars or movie stars. My dad was my Hero. He fought for his country. He fought for his family. And he sacrificed so others could have what he never got the chance to have. I love you Buddy! And I miss you.
Powerful... 
!
It's nice to hear about guys like Johnny Ash. Sounds like a terrific role model...after hitting .300 at Corpus Christi (I had to look him up)....maybe we'll be hearing more about Mr. Ash.
Not sure its the same thing, but when I was young, a baseball coach pulled me aside just when I need it. My friends were headed down the wrong road, I was starting to get into trouble, etc, etc. Not sure why he did it...but he made sure I kept my focus on baseball and school. While many of my friends ended up in jail or worse...I was able to go to college(no baseball), begin a career, and raise a family. I never forgot that and several years ago reconnected to say "thank you" as I never did when I was younger. It meant a lot to him and even more to me.
Baseball is an amazing sport. Often the real role models are right next to you...it only takes years to realize it.
Not sure its the same thing, but when I was young, a baseball coach pulled me aside just when I need it. My friends were headed down the wrong road, I was starting to get into trouble, etc, etc. Not sure why he did it...but he made sure I kept my focus on baseball and school. While many of my friends ended up in jail or worse...I was able to go to college(no baseball), begin a career, and raise a family. I never forgot that and several years ago reconnected to say "thank you" as I never did when I was younger. It meant a lot to him and even more to me.
Baseball is an amazing sport. Often the real role models are right next to you...it only takes years to realize it.
Nice posts, Coach May and baseballguy
coach may
the way you feel about your father, very special when you put it to words.i'm sure most of us dads would want our sons to feel that way about us. i learned at a young age that the only thing that really belongs to us ,that we can give is our word. if your word is no good most likely niether are you. i've carried that through life and my bussiness, it is a powerful statement. thanks for sharing coach.
the way you feel about your father, very special when you put it to words.i'm sure most of us dads would want our sons to feel that way about us. i learned at a young age that the only thing that really belongs to us ,that we can give is our word. if your word is no good most likely niether are you. i've carried that through life and my bussiness, it is a powerful statement. thanks for sharing coach.
Nice post Coach May-
Your dad sounds a lot like my dad. We as parents were not a part of our sons coaching (the teaching of the game) coming up through baseball. We did however coach him how to be a good teammate, hustle hard, keep a good moral center, etc. We were pleasantly suprised when he began to fill out questionnaires , he would refer to his role models as his parents, or who was his greatest influence, etc. it was always one or both of us. Of course we found it quite touching, but also confirmed that the boy was listening all those years, even though we really didn't know it until then.
Your dad sounds a lot like my dad. We as parents were not a part of our sons coaching (the teaching of the game) coming up through baseball. We did however coach him how to be a good teammate, hustle hard, keep a good moral center, etc. We were pleasantly suprised when he began to fill out questionnaires , he would refer to his role models as his parents, or who was his greatest influence, etc. it was always one or both of us. Of course we found it quite touching, but also confirmed that the boy was listening all those years, even though we really didn't know it until then.
Athletes can only be role models on the field unless we really know who they are off the field. As a kid, on the field I admired Yaz and Rose. They played hard and their results exceeded their perceived ability.
My son admires players who play hard like Chase Utley. Today he was talking about what a great leader Varitek is. In college ball, of all the visiting players who have paraded through town Chris Cates has made the biggest impression. Inch for inch, Cates was one of the best college baseball players. video
My son admires players who play hard like Chase Utley. Today he was talking about what a great leader Varitek is. In college ball, of all the visiting players who have paraded through town Chris Cates has made the biggest impression. Inch for inch, Cates was one of the best college baseball players. video
Coach May, Your dad sounds like he was quite a man. He left quite a legacy--you! Thanks for passing it on.
Anyone who's a leader and a gamer. That's who I look up to!