One More "Quack" at Getting Back to the Majors
By: Jeffrey Valfer
TeenNewsNet Editor
Every time Carl Everett comes to the plate could be a step closer to getting back to a place he has already been. Everett, a 14 year veteran of Major League Baseball, has had stints with the Florida Marlins, NY Mets, Houston Astros, Boston RedSox, Texas Rangers, Montreal Expos, Chicago WhiteSox and Seattle Mariners. Known as a five tool player, Everett came into the majors as a highly touted outfielder, with speed and left-handed power.
During his career, he not only helped the WhiteSox win a World Championship in 2005, but has a lifetime .271 AVG, with a total of 1,304 hits, 202 homeruns, and 792 RBI’s in 4,809 at bats. For most, just getting the chance to play in the majors would be enough. Why then is Everett, who already has gotten a lot out of the game both personally and financially, still trying to make it back? How much more baseball is left in him? After all, he does turn 37 next month.
According to Everett he still has plenty to offer, and backed that up last year leading the Atlantic Independent League Long Island Ducks offense with 24 home runs, 97 RBI’s and posting a .312 AVG in 104 games. "In our field we have the human error," explains Everett with conviction. "If you based things on computers a lot of these young guys would never play. Julio Franco has proven age is just a number. I guess whoever decided; chose what number a guy should be done [retired]. . It’s unfortunate for a lot of players that they get put in that category. And for me? No one could out run me when I was younger, so now I’m stuck with the fast guy syndrome." As scouts remember Everett for his speed, he feels they now are lacking interest as he no longer is as quick footed as he used to be. However, Everett thinks they are blind-siding themselves. "A lot of guys out there can’t run. I can still hit and play the outfield."
Although Everett does not feel he needs to regain some of his speed to make it back, he did still adopt a different training program which he says has given him a lighter and stronger physique. Ducks Manager, Dave Lapoint immediately noticed the difference. "I think there are a lot of [Major League] teams that could use Carl Everett. If I’m a scout I am definitely going to watch him."
If there is no interest, then Everett has decided to retire after this year. Perhaps that may not be such a bad thing as he has already shown signs of what he may be able to give back to the game that has given him so much. He has never forgotten the day 15 years ago as a 21 year old rookie with the Marlins. Cardinals legends Ozzie Smith and Willie McGee took the time to call him into the visitors dugout before a game to give him advice. Today, Everett feels he has the responsibility to do the same. Besides letting his teammates pick his brain, Everett has taken 22 year old outfielder Estee Harris on as his "pet project." As he feels Harris has talent that most current minor leaguers do not, he is working with him on his biggest flaw. "He doesn’t present that look at times," explains Everett, "at times he gives a false appearance."
When Everett speaks about his desire to pass down wisdom he seems very comfortable with the role. He especially wants to help youngsters that are minorities and economically deprived still be able to play baseball. "Someone helped me, so now it’s my turn. We can always give dollars, but when we give of ourselves it means more to kids. I place a responsibility on those who made it. In our community in Tampa we have so many ballplayers of color who made it, so I think it’s our job to continue that on."
Therefore, if Everett doesn’t hit another home run in the majors we could be writing next about the ones he is hitting on behalf of the youth of Tampa.
