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About The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (April 21, 1997)
Mitch Sherman Erstad takes it all in stride on path to top KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Nine tired baseball players, half-dressed and dirtied with grass and tobacco stains, encircled a pair of tables in the Anaheim Angels’ clubhouse Sat urday night, eating off paper plates, playing cards and talking quietly. Seven more Angels ate near their oversized lockers at Kauffman Stadium after Anaheim’s 7-3 loss to Kansas City. Two players talked with a small group of reporters and several others headed in and out and of the showers at the far west end of the contemporary locker room. Then there was Darin Erstad. The first pick of the 1995 Ma jor League Draft faced his locker, staring at his gray and navy blue No. 27 jersey. He didn’t talk. He didn't smile. He just thought. Soon Erstad stood. He peeled off His white T-shirt, unveiling an up per body noticeably larger than it was two years ago when he last wore a Nebraska uniform, and he headed for the shower, never altering his trade mark, tight-lipped expression. That is Darin Erstad. If Anaheim had won Saturday, he would have acted the same way. If Erstad had knocked in the winning run or col lected four hits, he would have acted the same way. Kansas City ace Kevin Appier, a seven-year major-league veteran, tormented Erstad the way the 22 year-old Angel someday soon will baffle opposing pitchers and manag ers. He’s already started his hit pa rade, batting .333 through 16 games in his first full big-league season. He shows the poise and wisdom reserved for veterans, yet in many ways he’s still a lot like a rookie. Three hours before flying out to left field in his first plate appearance Saturday, the humble youngster chatted with three reporters near the office door of Anaheim Manager Terry Collins. wnar are you, a nero around here or something?” Angels’ first base coach Dave Parker barked in Erstad’s ear while reaching for a cup of coffee. “You get some hits already? “What all do you talk about? It can’t be your looks.” Erstad took the razzing in stride, much like he does everything else. Even life in Los Angeles hasn’t rattled die impossible-to-faze Erstad, who has chosen down-to-earth Fargo, N.D., as an offseason home. And after a year' in Southern California’s fast lane, he still doesn’t do much more than drive to and from Anaheim Stadium every afternoon. “I have no interest in going out and seeing the sights,” he said. “But I’m happy. I just want to play. If we’re winning, great. That’s what it’s all about” For Erstad, there is nothing else. Sherman is a senior news-edi torial major and a Daily Nebras kan senior reporter. Ryan Sodemjn/DN DARIN ERSTAD tries to tag the Kansas City Royals’ Dip Roberts on Saturday. Erstad has adjusted well to playing first base this season, Anaheim manager Terry Collins said. Erstad grasps new position By David Wilson Staff Reporter KANSAS CITY, Mo. — All Darin Erstad wants to do is play. When newly hired Anaheim Manager Terry Collins called him last winter and asked him about moving to first base, Erstad—who had never played the position be fore — saw his opportunity. “They all told me that he could run and that he’s going to be a good outfielder,” Collins said. “But we had a good outfield and I wanted to get him in the lineup.” With the help of future hall-of famer Eddie Murray, Erstad learned the new position and com mitted no errors in spring training. The 22-year-old also batted .274 and knocked a team-high four home runs, cementing his spot in the Anaheim lineup and establish ing himself as one of the Ameri can League’s best young hitters. An offseason trade sent gold glove first baseman J.T. Snow to San Francisco—opening up a spot in the lineup. Collins wanted Erstad to fill die hole. “I was pretty much told that (the position) was mine to lose;” Erstad said. “But I had to prove that I could play there. Fortunately, I was good enough.” Sixteen games into the season, Erstad is batting .333 and has proven himself as a solid defensive first baseman. He's got a different makeup than a lot of young players." Terry Collins Anaheim manager -—- I “He’s already made half a dozeaoaJstanding plays,” Collins , said- “This is no longer a conver sion. This guy is a good first' baseman.” Murray, who has spent the ma jority of his 20-year career at first base, agreed that Erstad is a natu ral at the position. “There have been very few things that I’ve had to teach him,” Murray said. “I just try to get him to think ahead of time — to know what you’re going to do with the ball before it’s hit to you. “I think if anybody came and saw him play first base at this par ticular time, they wouldn’t believe that he had just come over there. He’s just really taken to it” Erstad said he’s enjoyed learn ing from Murray. “Eddie Murray has been great,” Please see ERSTAD on 10 Eight Huskers picked Booker highlights selection of eight players in NFL Draft. By Mike Kluck Senior Reporter Relief, excitement and happiness were the emotions of eight former Nebraska football players as they learned their foot ball careers will continue in the National Football League. The eight — which was the most Comhuskers taken in the NFL Draft since 1980 when the draft was 12 rounds — all said they are look ing forward to the chance at continu ing their football careers. “I’m prepared to play,” former Husker comerback Michael Booker said. Booker wa$ the highest M5 plafyer&tected timiyeirT§1di«ft'bb1: ing the 11th overall selectibh by At lanta. Please see DRAFT on 11 Nelson sticks two titles By Gregg Madsen Staff Reporter Two feet, one mat and no hops, wobbles or shakes. In gymnastics, those ingredients i • ; :< 1 ■ —. ... - ■— Please see NELSON on 11 ’• . :' 1 . :, .. *
