Jerry Hairston Jumps to the Top of the Organization's List of Prospects

In September when Cal Ripken dutifully went through his pre-game ritual of signing autographs for fans gathered along the field box railing at Camden Yards, he frequently was joined by one—and only one—teammate: Jerry Hairston.

It is no coincidence that the rookie second baseman was the only Oriole to accompany the future Hall of Famer in catering to the fans, because, despite their differences in age and experience, Hairston and Ripken have much in common.

The two infielders grew up in baseball families. They both consider themselves genuine baseball fans, which, strange as it might sound, is not that common among major leaguers today. They both feel a responsibility to fans-again, something that is sadly out of the ordinary in today's big league world. And both players are committed to achieving a level of excellence that can be seen in the rigorous way they prepare to play the game.

Hairston is likely to emulate Ripken in another significant and rare way next season. In 2000, he probably will become in 2000 the first Oriole home-grown farm product to win a regular position on the team since Ripken ensconced himself as an everyday player in 1982.

Of all the Orioles rookies given try-outs in September, Hairston was the only one who proved beyond doubt that he is ready to be an everyday major leaguer next year.

With his hustle, gung-ho attitude, smooth fielding and promising ability as a hitter, Hairston, 23, has become an instant fan favorite.

“Since I've been here,” he says of his time in Baltimore following a call-up from Rochester, “the fans have shown tremendous support, not only for this ballclub, but for me personally. They've made me feel right at home. Even when I'm out around town having dinner, the fans have come up to me and say I've done a good job. I really appreciate that.”

That appreciation is reciprocated in the way Hairston genuinely responds to fans.

“Before I was a player, I was a fan,” the Arizona resident says. “I've always loved the game. My dad [former major leaguer Jerry Hairston Sr.] always signed autographs, so that's the way I learned the game. Big leaguers tend to loose sight of why we're here, the game is so competitive. But before we were big leaguers, we were Little Leaguers, and I never want to forget that. That was me out there [in the stands] 10 years ago, asking for autographs.”

Ask Hairston the biggest lesson he learned in the big leagues in 1999, and he doesn't hesitate to respond.

“The biggest thing I learned is that you've got to prepare for the game,” he says. “Being in the same clubhouse as Cal Ripken, Albert Belle, Brady Anderson and B.J. Surhoff, you see how they prepare themselves every single night. There's no such thing as an off day for them. They come to play every night, and not just to play. They come to win every game, more so mentally even than physically. I've learned from them. B.J., Brady, Cal and Mike Bordick work out in the weight room after every game. And before the game they're working out in the batting cages. Albert Belle is criticized a lot, but his teammates see how he prepares himself every night. He knows what he has to do to get ready. He's incredible. So, you're always learning in this game. If you stop learning, you stop improving, and if you stop improving, you're out of the game.”

Hairston's grandfather also was a big league player, making the young Oriole the first third-generation black major leaguer in history, wants to be ready for next season. He's given himself such a tough off-season agenda, it's really a misnomer to call it an offseason.

He went to Venezuela for six weeks of winter ball almost the moment the Orioles' season ended. Shortly thereafter he sustained a shoulder injury that ended his winter ball. He returned to the States to have the shoulder examined and planned to train with Ripken and Surhoff at Oriole conditioning coach Tim Bishop's physical fitness center in Columbia. And then in January Hairston will travel to Bradenton, Florida, to work out at another demanding physical training camp with Boston players Nomar Garciaparra, Trot Nixon and Lou Merloni.

Not what you'd call a winter of rest. But it's what Hairston wants to do. Because he has but one plan for 2000—to play second base for the Orioles. “You've got to be put in the fire,” he says enthusiastically about his career as a major leaguer. “I'm comfortable here in Baltimore. I'm relaxed. I'm having fun.”