Joey Ballgame Is Ready To Play (Continued from Page Three ...)

Methodical in Media as Well as On The Field

Thurston’s style is intense, at first-glance a bit impersonal, although he warms up when the questions move off of his future and into the field and the past and personal.

Spring training and three years of notoriety in the minors has already given him a taste of the media. Joe seems to treat interviews much as he handles his field duties for the 51s. He avoids most baseball clichés, and makes his points much as he bats, with precision.

He is very aware of the opportunity to get a few key ideas out, particularly when it comes to his current situation with the Dodgers. He is obviously disappointed that he didn't make the team this year, given his accomplishments thus far in the minors, but he knows that showing the disappointment of a driven professional is unprofessional.

So when he is asked about his future with the Dodgers, a question asked far too often by visiting reporters, his line and tone remind you that he is trying to stay focused on the immediate, and yet he still would like the powers that be to know that he is ready for that shot at the bigs.

“It’s disappointing for anyone who is trying to make a big league team and doesn’t reach their goal. It was disappointing for me to work as hard as I did, and for someone to tell me that they think that I’m ready but I need a little bit more fine-tuning.”

He recovers by reminding us: “Then again, I went into it with an attitude of wherever I’m at, I’m going to do well and that’s where I’m supposed to be.”

Home In Sactown

In his off-time, Thurston kicks back by playing X-Box with friends and teammates, and watching a few DVDs. He and his teammates play virtual tournaments in Tiger Woods Golf when they’re on the road. Does he play the real game? Ever the perfectionist, he graciously defers to his teammates comments. “They told me to go out on the driving range for a year, and then come talk to ‘em.”

In the off-season he makes his home in Sacramento. He has a younger brother, Cameron, an 18-year-old sophomore at Solano J.C., and a sister, Susahna, 8. His father, Joe Sr., and his mom, Charlotte, catch his games in Sacramento and even come out to Vegas frequently to watch him play.

It should be no surprise that, both for average and homecoming, Joe likes playing Sacramento.

“I usually hit well against them here [at Cashman Field] and at their place. Plus I’m back home. It’s always good to see my family and friends.” Do his people turn out when he comes to town? “Thirty or forty every night,” Thurston says, relaxing for a moment with a laugh and a genuine smile.

Crystal Ball

The likelihood that Joey Ballgame will play for the Dodgers is excellent. Whether he spent a day guarding the bag at Chavez Ravine or never left the minors, one thing is clear: His greatness is already well under way in the AAA.

It starts with a meticulous work ethic and a commitment to his teammates. It ends with a gifted athlete, a disciplined man who can focus on the day to day tasks of being great at his position. A true professional, working to get the wins for whatever team that he suits up with nightly. Taking it one at-bat at a time.

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