December 17 – Drop me a note with your baseball Christmas list at dbacksbooth@aol.com.

I quickly learned last week that there was a definite perk to joining forces with the Diamondbacks so early in baseball’s off-season. You see, instead of my first assignment at Chase Field being the home opener against the Reds on April 9, 2007, I was able to go to work at the ballpark four months earlier and was it ever memorable and rewarding.

Carlos Quentin, Connor Jackson, Chris Snyder, Tony Clark, Chris Snyder, Pitching Coach Bryan Price and Bullpen Coach Glenn Sherlock joined the Dbacks community affairs office and many team employees as we hosted the ninth annual Winter Classic. The classic opens the stadium to 400 or so local children, many of whom may find themselves in need, and big leaguers turn into Santa’s elves as one and all celebrate the holiday season together.

Glenn and I had a wonderful assignment, handing a brand new pair of athletic shoes to each and every youngster in attendance. In a few short months the cheer of the crowd will fill the stadium, but in December, there is nothing quite like the smile of a child, smiles so bright and filled with joy that they just may dwarf the impact of the gathered masses. Tony and Chris assisted in the fitting of the sneakers, while Carlos and Connor joined Santa for photos with the kids. 

One of the most impressive parts of the event to this new employee was the fact that nearly all of the shoes were paid for by team employees. Kudos to the community affairs staff, as well, the event was incredibly well organized. In giving of time and resources, the organization fulfilled what I believe is an obligation to its community.

Speaking of community, how rare is it when a major leaguer spends his entire career in just one? Jeff Bagwell made it official the other day when he called it a career after spending all 16 years with the Houston Astros. The 1991 Rookie of the Year and 1994 MVP should be calling the hall his new community in five years or so.

Consider a comparison of first baseman: Bags and Mark McGwire. Big Mac slugged 583 homeruns, had 1626 hits, 1414 rbi, 1167 runs, 252 doubles, 12 stolen bases while hitting .263 in his career. Bagwell slugged 134 fewer homers, yet had 686 more hits, 115 more rbi, 350 more runs, 236 more doubles, 190 more stolen bases and a career clip of .297. No other first sacker has gone 400hr/200sb in a career and when the time comes both of the original “Killer B’s” belong in the Cooperstown.

See you soon with our Christmas list for the big man.