STANTONmarlinsfeaturee Posted April 6, 2011 Share Posted April 6, 2011 Miami Herald After the Marlins signed free agent John Buck in November, the catcher phoned Gaby Sanchez and asked the first baseman if he could have the number off his back: 14. Buck told Sanchez he would make it worth his while, giving him either an expensive watch or suit in exchange. But when Sanchez was told the reason why Buck wanted that number, he said he would have given it to him for nothing. “I would have probably done it anyway, just because I know that he has a lot of time in,� Sanchez said of Buck’s seniority — six years of major-league service to only one for Sanchez. “But when he told me the reason, it was a no-brainer.� Said Buck: “I definitely softened Gaby up with the story.� Buck wears 14 to honor a younger brother, Paul, who committed suicide in 2000. Growing up, John Buck always wore 11 while Paul wore 44. After Paul’s death, John Buck said he put the two numbers together to produce 14. “Also, his birthday was April 14, so those numbers kind of mean something to me,� Buck said. Buck said he was hesitant at first about asking Sanchez for the number, telling him, “I hate to take the number after you had such a good year.� Sanchez finished fourth in National League Rookie of the Year balloting last year. But Sanchez had no qualms about giving it up. After all, it was a number he hadn’t been wearing for long, and he had always preferred 15. But that number was taken by former manager Jack McKeon, who still suits up every now and then, especially during spring training. The Marlins, though, made an exception and allowed Sanchez to have 15. In the end, both players got the numbers they wanted, and Sanchez also received a thank-you gift from Buck: a Breitling Bentley watch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhxPhin Posted April 6, 2011 Share Posted April 6, 2011 nice story and very nice watch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheU Posted April 7, 2011 Share Posted April 7, 2011 very cool of Gaby to do... nice story! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Beinfest Posted April 7, 2011 Share Posted April 7, 2011 Buck seems like such a genuinely nice person. Respect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iowa Posted April 7, 2011 Share Posted April 7, 2011 I had never really seen Buck much before this season. Really surprised at how big of a dude he is. I know he won't walk much but I've been really impressed with how he battles at the plate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rabbethan Posted April 7, 2011 Share Posted April 7, 2011 Well, now I feel bad for ribbing Gaby at FanFest about changing his number. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Beinfest Posted April 7, 2011 Share Posted April 7, 2011 Failbethan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anonymous Posted April 7, 2011 Share Posted April 7, 2011 Man, I feel so bad for John Buck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schnellders Posted April 7, 2011 Share Posted April 7, 2011 Good way to make the new guy (Buck) feel welcome with a kind gesture. I know in some cases there would be players with massive egos who wouldnt give up their number, so fair play to Gaby. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhxPhin Posted April 7, 2011 Share Posted April 7, 2011 Buck seems like such a genuinely nice person. Respect. Yeah - he seems like he's a great clubhouse guy as well .... as long as he doesn't hit a .180 I think everyone is going to love this guy ..... if he keeps flirting with timely grand slams then he'll have his own shrine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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