Bengal News
Up-and-coming Phillies outfielder Shane Victorino visits Bengals practice
The talented 5-foot-9, 27-year-old spoke to the players for nearly an hour, answering questions and extolling his beliefs about the game of baseball, effort, dealing with adversity and attitude. His presence was an exciting experience for the players and the coaches alike.
“Shane basically got in touch with us and let us know he’d like to come out and speak to our guys,” head coach Derek
“We hope that his words hit home to our guys, especially about effort, attitude and appearance. To succeed in our division, which is the toughest in the city, we’re going to need a stellar effort from every player on our roster, from top to bottom. We’re hoping this is another moment of growth for these young men.”
Victorino observed the team during defensive situations, before the players huddled up on the infield grass to listen to the lifetime .274 hitter.
“He was a pretty cool guy,” 6-foot-4 sophomore Kris Bryant said. “I learned to do well in school and to work hard to keep getting better. He talked about the winning streak the Phillies went on last year and told us, when that happens, to stay on it. He looked really small and I was surprised that he really made it to the big leagues, but obviously he had some skill. It inspires me to work a harder and the same for the guys who don’t have the size too.
Victorino batted .281 last season for the Eastern Division champion Phillies, stealing 37 bases, scoring 78 runs, belting 12 home runs – including an inside-the-park home run – and driving in 46 runs. He was one of the main reasons the Phillies were able to allow another local, Aaron Rowand, move on to play for the San Francisco Giants. Rowand won a Gold Glove last year in center but Victorino – one of the fastest players in baseball – will now take ove
r. “This is a guy who is going to have
great success in the league,” head assistant Kevin Fiddler said. “He’s not a
big guy, but he makes up for it in heart and effort. I hope our guys can
benefit from meeting and interacting with a guy who is no bigger than any one
of them. He’s a true player and a walking example for them to learn from.
“We’ve had more than a few pro players come out and work out with our guys. Shane was the first to sit them down and lay it all out there for them as a man. Nothing has a bigger impact or more credibility than a man who has made it already. It was a great experience for our guys.”
With tryouts just a short time away, the players were able to get a little bit of inspiration from Victorino. Now, the question remains: will Victorino’s message sink in? That question and many more will be answered when the Bengals open the season, March 6, against Basic.
“This is a defining season for our seniors and our program,”
