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Fernando Vina
Daily Diary
JULY 25, 1998
When he arrived in Denver to appear in his first All-Star Game, Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Fernando Vina was joined by about six family members, including his 7-year-old son, Jordan. Vina, who never married Jordan's mother, spends a great deal of time with his son both during the season and in the winter. He especially likes bringing Jordan to the ballpark before games so they can play catch and work on Jordan's hitting. Vina talks about his relationship with Jordan with TSN correspondent Drew Olson.
I love having Jordan around as much as I can. It's tough during the season, because we're always so busy. But I love it. When he's not around, I just have an empty feeling, like there is something missing. When I'm on the road, I call him every day to keep and touch and see what's going on with him.
I like to bring him to the park whenever I can. Sometimes, I worry that he might get in people's way, but I really love exposing him to this atmosphere as much as I can. I was very fortunate to get to the major leagues as a player. I'm very grateful for the opportunity, and I just want to have him around as much as I can to share the experience with him.
How many people can say that their father plays in the major leagues? Not too many. You see guys like Barry Bonds and Ken Griffey Jr. and Bret Boone, they all grew up around the game. I don't know if Jordan will be a big-league player some day, but I'd like to give him every opportunity to do it if that's what he wants. I'll do whatever I can to help him."
He's a good player already, for his age. He is one of the best players on his team. My dad (Andres) works with him a lot. My mom and my dad watch him when I can't be around, so that works out really well.
I just want to be a part of Jordan's life and stay involved and help him any way I can.
The Sporting News
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