Link of the Week (or Whenever): Doug Glanville

February 4th, 2009

February 04, 2009  — I should proffer my thanks to Jimmy Scott who’s been raving about Doug Glanville for a few posts now.  Since blogular hyperbole is nothing particularly special for him, it took me awhile to mosey over to the New York Times Op-Ed section. I’m glad I did.

Glanville is an Ivy League graduate, former 9-year veteran of the major leagues and currently owner of a number of business ventures. And as noted above, he writes.

His columns are more than smart; they’re elegant, insightful and inspiring. I particularly like his letter to Will Venable, who was called up to San Diego from Triple-A Portland last season. Part personal memoir, part history lesson and part congratulations—it’s the kind of letter to be saved away and every few years, taken out and read again. At least, I hope Venable did something like that.

Glanville writes beautifully about the price tag of being the best of the best. In reading his thoughts, I’m struck by a young man who’s spent a good deal of time facing his own demons, and come to terms with the fragility of our oh-so-human egos.

He offers a surprisingly intimate story about his relationship with Terry Francona. The title “Nice Guys Finish First,” is offered as an attribute of his old manager, however, yours truly got the impression of the real story being about the importance of mentorship to the developing career of a young athlete.

According to Scotty, Glanville’s working on a book. I’m certainly looking forward to it. Until then, I’ll be heading back to the NY Times website. Care to join me? Bye for now!

Entry Filed under: Game of Life,Major League Baseball