A True Professional: “My Man,” Aubrey Huff

In the movie American Gangster, Denzil Washington plays the role of Frank Lucas, a 1970’s drug-distributing gangster. Washington’s character says two words over and over again, “my man”. Often times, Washington’s character uses those words when he wants to communicate to another man he has done good work. While the drug game is different from the Major League Baseball game, the words are still applicable. While I was almost certain I was going to be writing my next article on “The Kid,” Aubrey Huff has inspired me more subtly to write about him. Recently on Sportscenter and during a Giants highlight in which Huff was extensively featured, I found myself saying to the TV almost immediately afterwards (in reference of Huff), “my man”. With that being said, this article is a tribute to Aubrey Huff and the factors that make him a true professional.

A true professional puts up numbers regardless of how much money they are getting paid. A couple days ago I witnessed Aubrey Huff hit two monster shots in a game; numbers 18 and 19 on the season, to go along with his above .300 batting average. I don’t want to sound like I know things, but Huff’s production is not a shock to me. While I do admit I did not think he would put up numbers this staggering, the man did jack up 32 bombs just 2 seasons ago while with the Baltimore Orioles. Therefore, it is clear the guy rakes. He puts up numbers. Not only that, but he was a bargain pickup. To just put the numbers into perspective, Huff is making 7 million dollars less this season than Aaron Rowand and is more than doubling his production.

A True Professional communicates well with the media and his fan-base. Being a former athlete, I am aware of the ego that comes along with having certain innate skills. While I do not condone third person references at the professional level (which have somehow been re-invigorated by Lebron and Co.), I do understand some ego inflation and believe it is a semi-integral part in being a successful professional athlete. After reading a couple of remarks written by Huff on his blog, it was clear that his perception is on point. He stated “ I know people are making a big deal about the year I’m having but I’ve had good years in the past. I just had them in Baltimore and Tampa Bay and nobody cared”. In this statement it is clear that he knows how to communicate objective remarks to the media/his fan-base without sounding cocky about his success. One other quote that I felt said a lot about him were his comments on playing for SF. He stated: “After playing on such awful teams for most of my career, I can’t tell you how happy I am to playing for San Francisco”. Even though his numbers are real nice and he could be focusing on why he is not getting paid more, he is choosing to focus on being grateful for the team he is playing on instead. Therefore, not only has Huff’s play has been impressive to me but also his positive perception.

Lastly, a true professional helps out his team however they need him to and exemplifies the role of a leader. Huff was playing Left field in tonight’s game versus the Marlins; during other games Huff has played right field and first base. Huff seems willing to play wherever the team needs him to. It is those types of players that make a true difference on teams (especially winning ones). Not only is Huff providing the numbers but he is also providing a crucial leadership quality that sets a healthy example for the younger players on the team.

To conclude, Huff is a true professional. His role on the Giants is highly instrumental to the teams’ current success. As well, his experience and leadership will provide a necessary quality to the team during the final stretch run. Unless a mysterious injury pops up that puts him on the shelf for the rest of the season, there will be multiple other times during the seasons final games where I am either in attendance or watching on TV and find myself saying “my man” after a Huff at bat.

P.S Props to Andres Torres and your recent success. While you have definitely become a “giwatpics” (guy I want at the plate in clutch situations) and an integral part of an 18-5 post-all star break record, my next article will not be about you. My next article will 100 percent be on “The Kid”. There is no way I can’t talk about the staggering numbers, work ethic, and 21 game hit streak (and its not even done with).