Unassuming Gordon a Dodger on the run
Shortstop wants to ‘play my game and see what happens’
PHOENIX — He might be a rising star and is considered a potential catalyst of the Los Angeles Dodgers, but shortstop Dee Gordon remains deferential.
He says “Yes, sir” and “No, sir” when talking to everyone from Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti to senior news reporters.
Pivotal player
Gordon, 23, talks in reverence about Dodgers greats, recently rushed across the field to shake hands with former stolen-base king Maury Wills and knows the game’s history as if he went to sleep with a baseball encyclopedia under his pillow.
“The thing I like about Dee the most is he’s so respectful of his teammates and the history of the game,” Dodgers outfielder Anthony Gwynn said. “There are not a lot of young guys who got to the big leagues like this and are as seasoned as he is.
“To see him as good as he is and as humble as he is, I personally appreciate it.”
Gordon, the son of three-time All-star pitcher Tom Gordon, has the potential to be one of the most dynamic players in the game. He showcased his skills last week, bunting for a base hit and timed in 3.79 seconds to first base. He stole second, reached third on a throwing error and scored on a groundout to shortstop, giving the Dodgers a 1-0 lead without the ball leaving the infield.
“That’s the kind of impact he has on this team,” Gwynn says. “He’s a ball of energy. He keeps this locker room young.”
Gordon, raised by his grandmother after his mother, Devona, was murdered when he was 6, says Devona always will be an inspiration. He was in first grade at the time of the murder, but he still has deep memories and even used part of his signing bonus for a headstone for his mother’s grave. “I’ll never forget my mom,” he says. “I remember everything. All of the things we did together.” For Cactus and Grapefruit league box scores, go to baseball.usatoday.com
Now, here he is, making everyone back home in Avon Park, Fla., proud. He has four uncles who plan to come to his opening day. His grandmother, Annie Gordon, plans to watch from home. Dad already visited for a week in spring training and plans to come out again soon.
“I just want to go out there, play hard, help this team win,” Gordon says, “and make a name for myself. I think this is going to be an awesome year for us.”
Gordon can ensure it will be a special year if he plays the way the Dodgers envision. He hit .304 with 24 stolen bases in 56 games last season. Considering he stole 179 bases in his two full seasons in the minors, there’s little wonder why Dodgers AllStar center fielder Matt Kemp calls him “the most exciting player in the game.”
Gordon is embarrassed by the accolades and simply says he’ll work hard to be his best. He spent the offseason working on defense with Hall of Fame shortstop Barry Larkin and came to Arizona 1½ months early for spring training.
“I’m just going to play my game and see what happens,” Gordon says. “I’m not going to rush it. But I know I’m ready to go.”
And if he ever gets the courage this year, he does have one request for the Dodgers’ new ownership group. He wants to play a game of one-on-one. With former Los Angeles Lakers star Magic Johnson.
“I think I can take him,” Gordon said, smiling.