Great Role Model
My favorite ballplayer right now is Sean Casey, first baseman for the Cincinnati Reds. He’s been with the Reds since ‘98 and has definitely left a mark not only on the team but the city as well. Offensively, he’s not considered a star ballplayer, though he is consistent and hard working. He doesn’t hit many home runs, but instead hits for average and simply getting on base. He’s a good defensive player, not committing many errors and providing leadership from hit position.
He’s also the friendliest guy on the team, chatting up anyone who may make it to first base with friendly conversation.
What really endears me to Casey, other being a fan of Third Day (he received an autographed guitar from the band members a few years back), is his leadership off the field. He’s not loud and obnoxious like many athletes tend to be these days. You don’t hear him complaining about teammates, coaches or management decisions. Instead, he’s volunteering for the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Neediest Kids of All, Make-A-Wish Foundation and many other organizations. You can see why he’s earned the nickname “The Mayor.”
When Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc on the Gulf Coast, Casey wasted no time in offering his help.
From The Dayton Daily News:
Just as they did for 9/11 victims, the Reds are donating a day’s pay to a relief fund for Katrina victims. All team members signed on, which amounts to about $230,000.
Sean Casey awoke Reds media relations director Rob Butcher Friday morning at the team hotel and said, “We have to do something. We have to do something for these people.”
Casey called a clubhouse meeting before Friday’s game to make the plea and the Reds are the first team to pledge a day’s salary, just as they were the first for 9/11.
The total donation from the Reds’ will be about $230,000. Casey’s portion will amount to nearly $43,000.
He didn’t stop there, however. He’s also signing copies of Oh Say Can You Sing.
Casey, who is one of several Major League Baseball players featured on the CD, sings Toby Keith’s hit song How Do You Like Me Now? The CDs will be sold to the public with the proceeds going towards relief efforts.
Gestures like this from the Casey and the Reds make me proud to be a fan.
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Sep 8th, 2005 at 01:06:30
*cough*…Berkman’s better..*cough*, *cough*
Sep 8th, 2005 at 07:03:56
OK, Jen, fill us in on what Berkman has done…
Sep 8th, 2005 at 11:34:32
Berkman is a very sweet, very down-to-earth guy. He’s donated a lot of money to Methodist Hospital for stroke research. Every year he donates a lot of tickets to home games, food vouchers, and time in the locker room for underprivileged children. This group of children are called “Berkman’s Bunch” which I’ve had the privilege to chaperone for the past few years. It’s great. He gives kids who have never been to a game the opportunity to do so and to meet a player. He autographs anything the kids ask him to.
Berkman is just a really great person who doesn’t let his $10 million salary get to his head. He’s a positive role model and always makes sure to give back to the community. And he, and most of the Astros, has taken a lot of time and money to help with Hurricane Katrina relief.
Not to mention, Berkman made his MLB debut 2 years after your man Casey, but has 56 more career home runs. Also, Berkman has 2x the number of home runs as Casey for this season!
Sep 8th, 2005 at 11:48:07
Sounds like our guys are pretty similar. Casey also has a group for underprivileged children, called Casey’s Crew, that’s similar to Berkman’s Bunch.
Yeah, yeah, I know Berkman has better number as far as homers, but what about average
Sep 8th, 2005 at 15:29:30
Berkman is still my favorite player, but I just found a new player to add to my list of favorites: J. Hardy of the Brewers, for obvious reasons!
Sep 8th, 2005 at 22:31:01
Yeah, the whole team is like that. It’s like when the kid was at a ballgame at GAB and his grandfather had a heart-attack. Griffey took the kid to the clubhouse, and the rest of the team joined in to help him get through the hard time. Felipe Lopez even gave the kid the helmet he wore in his the all-star game and autographed it. If you missed it, the article is Grandpa Stricken in Stands. I’m really glad the Reds are so great in giving back to not only the community, but whoever needs it!!
Sep 9th, 2005 at 18:04:12
The Astros give back, too! They’ve hosted a lot of Katrina relief stuff.