By: Russell Shaffer

Feliz Dia del Padre – that means Happy Father’s Day in Spanish (at least it does, according to Google Translator). Regardless of what language you speak, Happy Father’s Day (which is this Sunday, June 16)!

I can’t think of a holiday more appropriately celebrated during the heart of baseball season. Like millions of kids have for generations, I developed my love of baseball from my dad. In his day, my dad was said to be a pretty good shortstop and was even invited to Spring Training by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the late 1950′s. That wasn’t as attractive of a proposition financially back then as it would be now, and my father instead opted to go into the Air Force the proceeding winter.

Despite that often later scrutinized life decision, my dad loved baseball and taught me how to throw and bought me my first glove. He was at most of my Little League games and spent countless hours waiting in the car while my buddies and I worked the aisles of local card shows. He drove my mom and I from our home in Ohio to Arizona for Indians Spring Training (the first time they trained there) where together we met his boyhood hero, Bob Feller, and I spent an inning sitting in the Tribe bullpen during an exhibition game against San Diego. He took me to dozens of Indians games, including pulling me out of school early to catch the final Opening Day at Cleveland Municipal Stadium in 1993.

Even though he has been gone for eight years now and wasn’t without his flaws, I always remember my father fondly each spring as they begin to chalk the baselines and the umpire shouts “Play Ball!” for the first time. I hope I can pass on the same love of the game to my daughter (5) and son (7 months) that my dad instilled in me.

In honor of Father’s Day, this week’s “Free Agent Friday” will highlight a few unheralded Padres who could help your fantasy lineup. A big thanks to J.D. who did a great job last week with Free Agent Friday while I was on vacation.

Happy Father’s Day to all you dads creating a lasting legacy by fostering a lifelong love of baseball in your sons and daughters!

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