May 25
Baseball is a game that brings smiles to the faces of youngsters.

Often, we debate whether athletes should be role models. We ask whether they should carry themselves in a bigger way than just starring on the field. Let me share with you the experience of 9-year-old Nicholas Conforti, who enjoyed a dream of an evening at the ballpark on Wednesday.

	The Rangers have had a rough year, but Alex Rodriguez still took the time to reach out to a 9-year-old baseball fan this week.

Here is what happens when a superstar reaches out in a positive way to bring a smile to a youngster's face. Nicholas' dad, Art, is a friend of mine. The Confortis joined me for a trip to the Texas Rangers-Tampa Bay Devil Rays game.

I can hear screams asking why I would want to see those two teams! Tampa Bay's pitching has been pounded left and right, while the Rangers have been a disappointment.

Let me tell you, it's Major League Baseball, baby! I love the white ball, the bats, players in their uniforms – it all gets me juiced up! The adrenaline is flowing when I watch the baseball pros go at it!

I am lucky enough to have the advantage of strolling on the diamond during the pregame activities. I love shooting the breeze with some of my favorites. It's not bad having four box seats right next to the visitor's dugout! I paid for those tickets, writing out the check for $19,000, baby!

Nicholas, who plays Little League baseball here in Sarasota, Fla., was excited when I told him he was going to see Alex Rodriguez play. He had no idea that the journey was going to be more than just watching the game. I didn't make any promises to him, but I knew the plan was in the works to share some time in the clubhouse with Alex and the Rangers.

I only wish that everyone could have been there to see the smile on this youngster's face. He was ecstatic, and he couldn't stop talking about his meeting with A-Rod on the ride home. It didn't matter that Alex didn't drive in the winning run or make the big play.

Nicholas felt he had met the greatest player ever. It wasn't about ability. Sitting by Rodriguez's locker before the game, the youngster received advice about the importance of reading. Alex made a deal; he said he would send an Alex Rodriguez book to Nicholas, and in exchange, he wanted a written report on what he read.

Talk about motivation, baby! Here was a kid who was so excited. Nicholas was in baseball heaven. Then during batting practice, Alex flipped his bat and glove over for Nicholas to hold.

Nicholas found a friend, and he also left with baseballs signed by Alex Rodriguez, Ivan Rodriguez, Rafael Palmeiro and Andres Galarraga. They were superstars not only as players but also as men who haven't forgotten what it's like for a kid to dream. They knew about how special this experience was, the magical moment to meet major-league players.

Nicholas said, "Alex Rodriguez is a regular guy! He talked to me about school and not just about baseball."

As Nicholas said later, "Alex Rodriguez is a regular guy! He talked to me about school and not just about baseball." I often tell athletes that they should understand what they mean to the kids out there. The way they act and carry themselves can help a youngster find success in life. The role model starts with mom and dad at home, though the person in uniform has a special meaning.

It was great to see Alex Rodriguez, a multimillionaire who takes more heat than anyone because of the cash he was paid, having such a special role. It's beautiful to see. Remember, he didn't force anyone to give him that money! He went out and put up numbers by the age of 25 that won't be seen again for many years. Rodriguez just got what the market was willing to offer and took the dollars that anyone else would have accepted.

It's nice to see he hasn't forgotten where he came from and where he started. Not only did he provide some balls, hats and a bat, but another surprise also came during the game. Palmeiro came strutting over, without anybody asking for anything, and handed Nicholas a brand-new bat.

Thursday morning, I got a call from Nicholas' father. He told me that his son couldn't sleep all night, that he was holding the bats and balls, thinking about the special night he just enjoyed.

ABOUT the DEVIL RAYS
A writer came up to me before the game and asked why I wanted to be there at the game.

Major League Baseball was the simple answer. Fred McGriff, Greg Vaughn, Gerald Williams, John Flaherty and company are guys who have to be appreciated. I have great admiration for the man currently leading the team. That's right, the manager, Hal McRae, is a former tennis buddy from when I lived in Bradenton, Fla., before I moved to Sarasota. He is a competitor, a tremendous DH during his playing days.

McRae has matured so much in the role of manager. He is more accessible to the media than ever before, and he has phenomenal patience. His poise in handling a young team that is going through a tough, tough time makes him the perfect manager for the Devil Rays.

The addition of John McHale to the front office is a positive one. He can make decisions to bring the success that's needed. People shouldn't forget my buddy, Vince Naimoli, who brought baseball to the Tampa Bay-St. Petersburg area. Vince is excited to have a former Notre Damer on board. With the young people assembled in the farm system by Chuck LaMar, I believe things will turn around for Tampa Bay. I have been there from the inception and I will enjoy every moment.

To me, it's a big W to sit and watch Major League Baseball. It is the big-time, something special. It certainly was special for Nicholas Conforti!