An Interview with...Shawn Green

By Diane Stanley
February 6 2003

I guess all little boy's dream of becoming a famous ballplayer at some point in time. To step up to the plate for their favorite team and hitting the game winning home run. To strike out players like Jose Canseco or Barry Bonds. For some little boys that dream comes true.

I have been lucky enough to get to meet, and become friends with a few of these very lucky not so little boys. Today I will bring you the first part in my series, "The Life of A Ball Player." As Gary is my son he knows that I am in contact with a few players, and that they have agreed to tell us a little about life on the other side of the fence. The interview was done via private chat, but was written, as a face to face interview would have been. We both thought it read better that way.

First of all thanks for doing this interview for us. Most people have no idea what it's like to be on the other side of the game. I guess many see it as a 7 month a year job, that is really just a game, that pays mega bucks. Please tell us what it's really like.

Q: Now that your season is over what is the first thing you are likely to do?

A: Sleep. The season takes so much out of you. Playing almost every day is very strenuous. Actually the first few days I'm always very unsettled even though I love being home with family and friends when you are so used to being on the move it's difficult to settle to begin with.

Q: Once the season is over do you get bored with so long off?

A: The chance would be a fine thing. I usually take about 3-4 weeks to rest and just hang out. Maybe take a vacation or something, but then there is always work to be done.

Q: What type of work is this?

A: My main focus is charity work. Although you can do some during the season you can give it so much more in the off season. I play in several golf tournaments, attend fundraisers, and play in softball games that type of thing. It's great knowing that I can "use my name" if you like to help some great causes.

Q: What are your favorite charities?

A: I have quite a few, but the main ones are heart and stroke, and AID'S research.

Q: What other things do you do apart from the charity work?

A: I try and spend as much time catching up with fan mail, signing autographs etc. I try and have things back in the mail within 4-6 weeks during the off season, but it usually takes much longer during the season. I always return things that are sent to me with an S.A.S.E.

Although a lot of fans think otherwise many players do think a lot of their fans and like to do something in return for their support. We know we rely on them to keep the game alive, although we don't like to be reminded of it each time we honestly don't have time to sign an autograph before a game. It's true that every team has a meeting before a game. If you are not there on time you can land in big trouble. Some managers will even sit you for the game if you are late. I always try and sign a few autographs before each game, but sometimes it's just not possible. Most of the guys are happy to sign a thing or two if you mail it in though.

Then of course there are my family and friends. It's great just to be able to drop in on them whenever I want and just have some fun time. They are all a very big reason that I got where I m today. I owe them all a lot.

I go back to my old high school and coach a little baseball whenever I can. I love doing stuff with kids. I try and pass on a few tips and make sure they always remember that it has to be fun. If the fun goes they should move on to a different sport.

I also like to do all types of outdoorsy things. Swimming, hiking, golfing (or trying to golf,) and sometimes just going for long drives or being alone. I also like going to movies, and dinners out with my special lady.

Towards the end of the off season most teams will have a caravan where members of the team including managers and coaches will travel around promoting the team. This usually takes up about a week or so. I really enjoy taking part in this as it gives me a chance to meet fans from all over the country. We visit schools, do charity dinners, and try to gain fan interest in our team. I try and take part every year.

Finally there is the promotional work I do. A little advertising etc.

Q: How do you manage to keep in shape over the winter?

A: I work out all winter. Apart from the first few weeks when I explained I just rest. I spend a lot of time every day working out. I also have my own personal trainer whom I see several times a week. We decide what we are going to work on, and he works out the plan. When I'm starting on something new he's always with me to make sure things are done correctly. Once I have the program down sometimes I will work with his assistant.

The team strength and conditioning coach gives you a plan to work by too. He usually visits you at home shortly after the season is over. With some teams they will work on it before the season is over. By enlarge though most coaches like to see that actual facilities that you have available to you before you start on your own personal plan. Every players is different, depending on the position he play's, if he's a pitcher or if you have suffered a recent injury. If you have had a problem with a certain area he will give you excersizes to make that area stronger so, as hopefully the problem will be avoided the next season.

The guys who do not dedicate themselves to a strict work out plan in the winter often come into spring training very out of shape, and sometimes struggle to make the team. I just don't feel good when I'm not on a regular program so maybe it's a little easier for me. I have worked with my own personal trainer since I was about 15 or 16.

Q: Do you watch the play offs?

A: Yes. It's my dream to get there one day myself. Even though I'm not there having played in both the NL and the AL I will know some of the guys on all of the teams. It's good to be able to cheer your friends on.

Q: Who do you think will win the World Series?

A: It's time for a change so I will say either the Cardinals or the A's.

The Cards have been on fire. Edmonds has been amazing. If they can keep this up they should be unstoppable.

The A's have a great young team on a low budget. They have the heart to make it if they can just beat out the Yankees.

Well I think I have taken up enough of your time. Once again I would like to thank you on behalf of myself, the Dugout Staff, and all of our visitors for letting us in just a little of what life is like on the other side of the fence. Enjoy the rest of the off season. I'm sure we can all see it's not the 5 month vacation some of us thought that it was.

Thank you for inviting me. It's still my dream job even though it is a lot harder than a lot of people think. Still I'm not complaining. I know I'm very lucky to be where I am today. Thank you all for your support. Hope you all enjoy the off season too.

Diane originally wrote and conducted this interview for her son, Gary Stanley, for his Toronto BlueJays site.