Tatford Ready to Lead

June 25, 2008   ·   Patrick Hickey, Jr.   ·   Jump to comments

Spending most of last season on the bench at Keyspan Park, Jeffries Tatford didn’t have much to smile about.

Not that he was the smiling type anyway.

Never a man of many words, Tatford’s silent demeanor matched his no nonsense approach to the game.

However, the Cyclones backstop/ first baseman never got the playing time needed to show the sellout crowds at Keyspan Park just how good he could be, making him look more like an outsider than member of the team.

Sporting a flat top haircut throughout his rookie season in pro ball, Tatford may have looked like a marine, but with a .169 average and only seven RBI in 28 games, the 23-year-old performed more like a member of the ROTC.

Now entering his second season with the Clones, Tatford is in better shape than ever and has developed as both a player and a person. Growing his hair out and learning to be more patient at the plate, the former tough guy looks more like a young Paul McCartney than a professional ballplayer.

Regardless of his new hairdo though, Tatford is ready to stand out in the same crowd he got lost in last season.

According to Cyclones skipper Edgar Alfonzo, Tatford was one his best players in extended Spring Training, hitting over .300 with an on-base percentage close to .500. If his stats weren’t enough to convince you of his newfound confidence, Tatford too believes his time in extended was beneficial to his development and something that looks to pay dividends for him in Brooklyn this season.

“This season is different,” Tatford, who’s currently hitting .286 with four hits in seven games this season, said. “I spent some time in extended Spring Training and got a lot better both physically and mentally. I learned a lot about the game and first base and catcher. I’m more prepared.”

Ready to put last season behind him, Tatford is currently sharing starting first base duties with rookie Nick Giarraputto and is determined to show his teammates he can perform with more playing time.

“I lifted a lot in the offseason,” he said. “I concentrated on my upper half and it’s helped out a lot. As long as the situation stays as it is, I see myself getting some at bats at first base and DH. Hopefully I get some good at bats in. We’ll see.”

Tatford also knows that with more time on the field, more responsibility off the field is needed as well.

Despite looking like a free-spirit this season, ready for a late brunch in Williamsburg at a moment’s notice, Tatford has no problem being a leader. If a problem arises this season, Tatford is prepared to help any of the new players adjust to life and baseball in Brooklyn.

“In extended, I felt like I was a leader and I think it’s carried over to this team,” Tatford said with a smirk. “I definitely feel like a leader.”

Now that’s something to smile about.

Photo by Ron Hatcher

Links:

Box Score to Cyclones 4-1 loss last night