Arrogant. Greedy. Unap- proachable.
Many consider these as just some of the adjectives used to describe today's pro baseball players.
Fortunately, there are still a few players who know how to act like professionals. Though at different stages in their careers, junior Ryan Wardinksy and New York Yankee reliever John Wetteland share a respect for the game and a common love for baseball.
Two seasons ago, Wardinsky had the opportunity to meet and work with the 1996 world series MVP.
A Yankees' fan, Wardinsky jumped at the chance to spend time with one of his idols.
The pair were introduced through Wardinsky's teammate, sophomore Devin Rich, who had a relative that lived next to Wetteland in Albuquerque, N.M. Through this connection, Wetteland agreed to come to the Flathead Valley to run a clinic for a select group of players, including Wardinsky.
Although many big leaguers are associated with the antics of the Albert Belles of the world, Wetteland is a great role model, said Wardinsky.
"He's really down to earth," said Wardinsky. "And he's extremely modest. That's something that made me like him more."
Christianity and dedication were two subjects Wetteland emphasized. In addition, Wetteland taught Wardinsky a new pitch.
"He showed me how to throw a slider," said Wardinsky.
Did this meeting result in Wardinsky's impressive results for the Lakers in the last two seasons? Wardinsky's not sure, but opposing pitchers might think differently.
Last season, Wardinsky brought consistency to a Kalispell Lakers AA team which finished two games under .500. He hit at a .348 clip, played three positions including center, short and third and swiped 25 stolen bases. He even pitched a little with 33 strike outs in 54 innings.
"He's got some great tools and a tremendous amount of potential with his attitude and athleticism," said Randy Shipman, manager of the Lakers. "He's extremely dedicated and committed. He's not only an incredible baseball player, but a nice young man."
Wardinsky started little league at age seven - part of a Cenex team that lost one game in two years.
After the minors, Wardinsky played for the Semitool team before going on to Babe Ruth.
As for now, Wardinsky feels his greatest moment on the diamond came in the 13-year-old all-star game, where his team won the state title and he was named the state MVP.
Wardinsky proved his skills in the summer All-Star competition, and decided to skip his last year of Babe Ruth to play for the Lakers A team.
"The competition wasn't as good," said Wardinsky of Babe Ruth. "I benefited from playing with the older kids."
The transition from Babe Ruth to American Legion was smooth, said Shipman: "He didn't miss a beat. He was one of our best players on the A team."
Last season, Wardinsky, along with junior Brett Morton, was moved up to the AA Lakers, making a formidable double-play combination.
"It's a unique situation," said Shipman. "It's pretty rare that two 16-year-olds start on varsity."
Wardinsky attributes part of his success to his coaches.
"I've been very fortunate to have extremely good coaches in every year I've been in baseball," said Wardinsky. "That's helped me a lot."
The Lakers begin their schedule April 19, and Wardinsky has an optimistic outlook for the season.
"We should have a pretty good year," said Wardinsky. "Our pitching is good. I play along side Brett Morton, the best second basemen in the state."
Wardinsky talks about the best, but modesty often keeps him from mentioning himself.
"He's got several scouts looking at him as a junior," said Shipman. "He went down to Fresno State (for a camp). He did outstanding. It will probably open a lot of doors for him. He can go a long ways."
Recently, Wardinsky has been scouted by two community colleges in Pima and Mesa Arizona, as well as Fresno State.
"My goal, obviously, is to make it to the bigs," said Wardinsky.
Up until now, Wardinsky has cleared all the fences. It would take a grand slam to go all the way. But Wardinsky is optimistic; he might meet Wetteland again, only this time for real.
Said Wardinsky: "It would be an honor to be on the same field as him."