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darkcloud4579 · 07-23-2003, 02:16 PM

Hi, I'm Sean "P-Diddy" Combs, and you're watching... STV!

WELCOME TO S-TV....HOME FOR SPORTS

On today's MAKING A STAR...we take a closer look at LA Dodgers outfielder Rocco Baldelli

Rocco, 33, is a five-time All-Star with the LA Dodgers. Let's examine his career progression and see how he was MADE A STAR

Rocco was a younger player and came up with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, an expansion team that entered the AL in 1998. In 2005, the D-Rays as they were known packed up and headed to Indianapolis to become the Indianapolis Racers.

Rocco was traded during that first season to Los Angeles and while the Racers have had some success since leaving Tampa, Rocco says the trade "saved his career".

"You know, playing there wasn't that hard. It was just tough because we were always losing. Even in our new city, it felt like a huge stigma that we were that sorry team that left its old city because we sucked. It was good to get out of there and into a new place, because the expectations on me in Tampa were just too overwhelming."

After a few years of developing, Rocco became known as one of the most explosive players in the game, for his offense and defensive prowess. He won two Gold Gloves and made his first all-star game in 2008.

"That was the most awesome feeling, to be among all those great players. Its truly the highlight of my career, short of an elusive title, to be part of the all-star team, seeing those guys and being recognized as one of the best in the game."

Rocco has made the all-star team each of the past three seasons and shows no signs of slowing down. Signed until 2019 to a deal that's paying him over $17 million a year, Rocco says he'd be content to retire as a Dodger.

"There is so much history associated with this team. I mean, imagine my name being put up there with the all-time greats like Campy, Jackie, Sandy and Rocco? It's mind-boggling to think about."

Despite that, Rocco says his ultimate goal is to bring a championship to the club while he's still there.

"We've got too much talent to keep falling short. I really hope we can pull something together in the next year or two. It's tough, because the league more and more competitive every year. But we'll be able to manage. I know it."

That's all for MAKING A STAR for today. Got a star you want to see profiled? Contact us! PEACE!

07-23-2003, 02:16 PM	#259
darkcloud4579 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 8,711	STV NETWORK Hi, I'm Sean "P-Diddy" Combs, and you're watching... STV! WELCOME TO S-TV....HOME FOR SPORTS On today's MAKING A STAR...we take a closer look at LA Dodgers outfielder Rocco Baldelli Rocco, 33, is a five-time All-Star with the LA Dodgers. Let's examine his career progression and see how he was MADE A STAR Rocco was a younger player and came up with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, an expansion team that entered the AL in 1998. In 2005, the D-Rays as they were known packed up and headed to Indianapolis to become the Indianapolis Racers. Rocco was traded during that first season to Los Angeles and while the Racers have had some success since leaving Tampa, Rocco says the trade "saved his career". "You know, playing there wasn't that hard. It was just tough because we were always losing. Even in our new city, it felt like a huge stigma that we were that sorry team that left its old city because we sucked. It was good to get out of there and into a new place, because the expectations on me in Tampa were just too overwhelming." After a few years of developing, Rocco became known as one of the most explosive players in the game, for his offense and defensive prowess. He won two Gold Gloves and made his first all-star game in 2008. "That was the most awesome feeling, to be among all those great players. Its truly the highlight of my career, short of an elusive title, to be part of the all-star team, seeing those guys and being recognized as one of the best in the game." Rocco has made the all-star team each of the past three seasons and shows no signs of slowing down. Signed until 2019 to a deal that's paying him over $17 million a year, Rocco says he'd be content to retire as a Dodger. "There is so much history associated with this team. I mean, imagine my name being put up there with the all-time greats like Campy, Jackie, Sandy and Rocco? It's mind-boggling to think about." Despite that, Rocco says his ultimate goal is to bring a championship to the club while he's still there. "We've got too much talent to keep falling short. I really hope we can pull something together in the next year or two. It's tough, because the league more and more competitive every year. But we'll be able to manage. I know it." That's all for MAKING A STAR* for today. Got a star you want to see profiled? Contact us! PEACE!*