"Every team needs a guy like this"
Over the years, as a broadcaster you come across numerous athletes that all come with their own skills set, personalities, quirks, etc... I think it is fair to say no two athletes are the same in that regard. One athlete may be a nice guy, but terrible at the plate. Another guy might hit the cover off of the ball, but can't buy a friendship over the summer because he's too much of a primadonna. This season, the Canadians have quite the cast of characters. Some good, mostly great with the occasional oddball. It's tough over the course of a short-season summer to say that each and every single player is the greatest guy in the world, but for the most part - the C's that are still on the field are a pretty good group of guys.
Travelling on a bus for hours on end can show you the 'good' guys from those who have an ugly side. What goes on the bus, simply put, stays on the bus for the most part. But, I will say, I have come to enjoy a number of players and their personalities, like LHP Trey Barham. The stocky left-hander out of Virginia Military Academy is the type of guy you enjoy travelling with and playing alongside for the simple fact he doesn't sweat the small stuff. He is as even keel a person as you will ever meet with a great sense of humour and some pretty decent skill to boot. Why focus on Barham? Because over the years I have seen college player after college player come in after a long season in the NCAA, and then have to play another 76 games on top of that AND instructionals after the season. It makes for a long season - and it is nearly impossible to keep your cool over that stretch. But Barham does. And that makes him a good example of how a first year pro should handle himself. Don't worry about the stuff you can't control and simply keep your chin up for the stuff that happens to you over the course of the season.
Wednesday night, for the first time this season, Barham got touched up pretty good against the NWL's best team, the Spokane Indians. Barham gave up five runs over three innings and gave up a home run to a friend of his in the process. It was simply a night to forget. Yet at the end of the night, Barham wasn't kicking things, busting lockerroom stalls - he was simply himself. It happens to the best of them - and in this game of baseball - you have to be as consistent as your are good. And Barham has shown early in his pro career to be both.
Rob Fai
