We all like it when someone says something good about us. One of the most enjoyable athletic comments made about me came from a local sportswriter while I was a high school football running back. Writing a preview article of an upcoming Westchester High School (Los Angeles) football game, he referred to me as a "break away threat" at halfback. I enjoyed that comment. One of the highest compliments paid to a baseball player at any level of play is to say that he is the type of player who will "lay out" for his team. "Laying out" is a reference to going horizontal, diving, being willing to give the maximum effort and bodily sacrifice, if need be, for a team victory. It is also a strong metaphor for those who are willing to go the extra effort for others. There are those who, regardless of their role, who can be identified as one who is willing to "lay out". Those who have a well nurtured passion for the game of baseball appreciate, applaud and honor those who "lay out" as a way of life. These are the ones who inspire us the most. They challenge us, in a positive way, to increase our effort at living well.
There are four individuals inspiring me to write Laying Out. Two I only know from a distance and two I know well. We move from the least known to the most known with the recognition that all are deeply respected. Many of us will attest to a great love for the game of baseball. I am always more than a little uncomfortable with using the same word, love, when describing a game, food and my wonderful wife, Christine! In English we say we "love hamburgers" and we "love grandma". It seems shallow and silly. The ancient Greeks had a solution built into their language. They had at least four words for "love". Therefore, the ancient Greek would never say he "loves" the Olympic Games with the same word used to express his "love" for his family. In fact, the "love" for family and spouse are even distinguished! Respect is a significant component of love, so deep respect for the game is a form of loving baseball. It is clear to me that my "love" for baseball is also relational. It is the people in the fabric of the game giving the whole experience such passion and significance as well as the dymanics of the game itself.
The first important person on the Laying Out list is Mr. John Jordan "Buck" O'Neil. I first "met" Buck O'Neil through Ken Burn's phenomenal video history on baseball. Mr. O'Neil's genuine smile, keen insight and compassion for others were apparent.
From the video series I began to read more and more of Buck O'Neil. His life and story woven into the fabric of the game of baseball is inspirational. A talented, motivated and passionate baseball player, Buck O'Neil was excluded from the major leagues simply because of his race. One would expect that kind of cruel exclusion would leave a man bitter. Not Buck O'Neil! He said on many occasions, "I was right on time." Reading his story of life in the Negro Professional Baseball leagues is inspirational. We all need to be more like John "Buck" O'Neil when it comes to baseball and people!
The next individual was recently characterized by Tony La Russa as the "toughest player" he has ever managed. That is an incredible comment! David Eckstein has made professional baseball a successful career already glittered with two World Championship rings by his consistent laying out. Eckstein gives 100% all the time. Watching David Eckstein play reminds me why I enjoy the game so much. He plays it right. The fact he was released by the Angels and then
became the World Series MVP makes me wonder about the soul of major league baseball. Eckstein reminds us how important whole heartedness is, no matter what the endeavor! I actually had the privilege of meeting David Eckstein while he was playing SS for the Angels. We were introduced by a mutual friend at a coincidental meeting in a restaurant in San Francisco. Already an established major league player, David jumped up and enthusiastically shook my hand with grace, sincerety and class. I was the one who had to tell him to please be seated and finish his lunch! David Eckstein is a first class professional and gentleman who will always lay out for his team. He is the type of grown up man I want my son to become!
The next initial inductee to the Laying Out web blog is an young man I am proud to call a good friend. Daron Sutton, a former radio and TV announcer for the Angels and Brewers, has recently come on board with the Diamonbacks. Having known Daron since his own playing days in high school, college and the minor leagues I can personally testify to his passion for playing the game right. In the present tense I have observed first hand how Daron "lays out" in diligent preparation, careful insight and sincere respect for the game he reports. Daron cares deeply about his family, but he also cares about the people in baseball and the fans. He earns the respect of the broadcast team working behind the scenes. Daron treats people with genuine honor, regardless of their rung on the ladder of life and thus has become a vital link between the game of baseball and those who enjoy it. 
Diamondback fans are in for a terrific treat when Daron goes to work because he makes a habit of laying out to bring his very best to his constituency.
The last tribute of this posting goes to my favorite of all. As a matter of fact, he is my all time favorite baseball player! If he plays, I am there. Peter Zippi, my eleven year old son, is my favorite baseball player of all time. Petey is the most singular inspiration for this column. He throws right, hits left and has a genuine heart and enthusiasm for the game of baseball. Of course my deep affection for him goes way beyond baseball. Peter has always been a well of enthusiasm when it comes to hardball and we enjoy something special about the game. Last Spring, in a crucial game determining second place in our local Templeton Little League with the extra incentive of staying in the hunt for first place, Peter went horizontal in two consecutive innings making diving ca
tches in centerfield with two outs in both innings and the go ahead runners on base. Although one of only two ten year olds in Templeton's Major League, Peter laid out twice and help secure his team's victory. Laying out says something special about his character. I am always proud of him, but that day is forever etched in my heart. Peter and Daron are the reasons I picked the D-Backs header to the web blog. Daron will announce for the D-Backs and Peter will once again this Spring play for the Templeton Little League Diamondbacks. Baseball has contributed to the well being of fathers and sons in America for decades. It is more than a game, it is about important relationships with the one I am blessed with between me and my all time favorite baseball player!
Four distinct individuals, each one different. A wonderful African - American man who recently went to be with his Lord, a much younger man who will take his familiar place at shortstop this Spring to help his team defend their World Championship, a dedicated man who will step in front of the camera and behind the mic to bring us the game we enjoy and an eleven year old anxiously awaiting the next time he can put on the uniform to play the game! What do they have in common? All that is good, beautiful and true in the game of baseball and life. Bitterness has no place in the game, heart and determination still rings the bell of achievement, people are important and enthusiasm makes a great teammate! It is not just the the game we love, it is each other!
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. Jesus of Nazareth
influence and impact of the D-Backs bench coach. Recently, Micah Owings headed up to the plate in a pinch hitting role and promptly took the first pitch deep for an opposite field homerun to tie the game. In the post game victory interview Micah indicated the last person he spoke to before heading up to the plate was "Gibby". Arizona bench coach Kirk Gibson is a huge reason for the young D-Backs great success. The next time a TV camera scans the dugout take note of two things. First, young D-Backs are always standing near Kirk Gibson. In fact, the closer and more intense the game is, the more are standing near him. It's all business and his presence seems to radiat focus and success. Second, notice how the faces of the young D-Backs reflect the Gibson "game face". We can see it in Mr. Gibson's eyes and the eyes of his apprentices. Manager bob Melvin's cereberal, almost magical management skills instill confidence in every Diamondback while Kirk Gibson's passionate intensity brings competitive greatness to this team. What better mentor to teach the right way to play baseball. Kirk Gibson is the significant influence from the bench!
play the game than the young and talented Arizona Diamondbacks? This bolg, Laying Out is dedicated to those willing to give their all out effort. The Diamondbacks streaking start is a statement that last year was not enough. They are driven. The heart of the D-Backs is more important to me because it signals the resurrection of real baseball in MLB. No one more epitimizes the Laying Out heart more than Doug Davis. No public self pity, no grand standing and no whinning. Doug simply did his job, helped his team and went absolutely as far as the doctors and his body would allow. No selfishness, just passionate team play! Happily, baseball is back and we all look forward to the healthy return of #49!
