It’s game night in Campanelli Stadium in Brockton Massachusetts, home to the Brockton Rox.
In addition to the usual minor league antics fans flock to the park, located about 25 miles from Boston, to get autographs from famous players.
One young fan declared, “I have Manny’s. Pedro’s. And D’Angelo’s.”
He isn’t talking about Manny Ramirez, a retired Red Sox slugger, or Pedro Martinez (a former Hall of Fame pitcher and ace). He’s referring to their sons.
Manny Ramirez Jr., just 19 years old, is on his way to Florida junior college this fall. He’ll be missed the rest of the season due to an injury.
Ramirez Jr. said that “CBS Saturday Morning” cohost Dana Jacobson thought it was the best thing to come here. “This is like a once in a lifetime event. It’s quite amazing to behold.
Manny Jr. plays alongside childhood friends D’Angelo Ortiz Jr., and Pedro Martinez Jr. Back when they were children, Manny Ramirez (or Big Papi) Ortiz, Pedro Martinez Jr. helped Boston win its first World Series title for 86 years.
Martinez Jr. stated that it felt like a movie. “It feels so fake, like this is actually happening.”
Martinez Jr. – who’s 21 – was the first to join the Rox.
Martinez Jr. stated that it sounds planned but was actually not. “I was the only person who showed up last year. “I ended up returning and boom, we had a whole new dance team.”
Jose Senior, Pedro Senior’s nephew, is also in the crew. Jaden Sheffield (son of nine-time All Star Gary Sheffield) and Kade Folke (whose father Keith closed out Red Sox’s 2004 World Series victory are also included.
Jacobson shared the following: “I think of you dad in that final out,” Jacobson told Foulke. Do you remember a moment when you saw it first?
Foulke explained, “I only really remember a photo of us together on field and after World Series. It was me weeping and I was in his arms.” It’s something I grew up with.
“Jose,” Jacobson asked. Jacobson was curious.
Jose Martinez stated that “the knowledge that it comes with.” “He knows exactly what steps to take and what I should do. He is a great partner.
The hardest?
Martinez said, “The expectation.” “The expectations are on a whole other level.”
This season, the dads have spent time at the club sharing their tips and stories from decades ago.
Keith Foulke, a member of the grounds crew, was helping us when we visited.
“How difficult was it for you to groom not only your son but also some of your former colleagues’ sons?” Jacobson asked him.
Foulke stated, “It’s been amazing.” It’s great to be a big league player, but it comes with many challenges. It’s a privilege to be a mentor for young athletes and make their path easier.
Children say that there are both ups as well as downs to their dads being around so much.
Kade Foulke said, “It is really fun, but also sucks very much.” He really helps me with all aspects of the game. But at the same, he’s almost always there for me.
“The other, like, Kade’s father tried to help me work out some throwing motions, and I had Manny, Manny’s Dad come and help in a cage. He kind of saw some aspects that my dad was trying and wasn’t communicating in a manner I understood,” Jaden said.
Martinez Jr. explained that sometimes you don’t want to listen too your dad.
Although they don’t expect to be treated differently, these next-generation players are able to find comfort in fellow teammates who understand exactly what they’re going though.
Martinez Jr. stated that “What keeps it like a human is the fact we can make jokes about them.” “Keep it normal, we’re human.”
Source: CBS News
