Dave Winfield
Dave Winfield
David Mark Winfieldis an American former Major League Baseballright fielder. He is currently special assistant to the executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association. Over his 22-year career, he played for six teams: the San Diego Padres, New York Yankees, California Angels, Toronto Blue Jays, Minnesota Twins, and Cleveland Indians...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionBaseball Player
Date of Birth3 October 1951
CitySaint Paul, MN
CountryUnited States of America
To give you an idea what it feels like to be going in with some of the best baseball players of all-time, I mean it is fantastic. I have to say this about them, there are so many of these guys up here that were my role models, people I looked up to, people I wanted to be like.
There are a lot of people who influenced me, nurtured me, helped me along the way. But I can just recall looking back, the first time I got my baseball glove. Put it on the wrong hand, all those kind of things.
There are other people like Henry Aaron. Man, just for being the best and breaking records at a time when people didn't want you to.
The people in my life that were not only what I call heroes, but these are the people that overcame extraordinary circumstances in life.
Baseball realizes it's not the only game in town. You have to do these kinds of things to introduce people to baseball.
The people like the American Legion Post that gave us a chance to play. A place to play and a chance to play.
Everybody faces obstacles. And I looked to people who had been through many to succeed in life. Abraham Lincoln, born to a poor family, faced defeat through most of his life. Lost eight elections, failed two businesses, had a nervous breakdown, and still became president.
People I look to: again, Hank Aaron, man you challenged the status quo and the records of the game. Monumental feats in an era where people didn't like that.
Roberto Clemente, not only because you played right field like it was supposed to be played, but your humanitarian efforts will live on forever.
Now it's on to May, and you know about me and May.
I am truly sorry that a fowl of Canada is no longer with us.
But I'll tell you this, it started with my mother. I have to give her. God bless her and rest her soul. I had a good foundation at home, so when I was able to go off and do these things in baseball there was always support.
He didn't bask in fame or glory or the money he made. He relished in the notion that a little short kid from the projects in Chicago couldn't accomplish anything in life.
He was the first person I met in pro ball because we both wore a size 14 shoe. He had interesting comments on exactly how far to stand away from the plate. He introduced me to the importance of being prepared for everything that you do. I took that in, on calling games and accepting responsibilities as a catcher.