PHILADELPHIA — If you’re searching for somebody to root for in this frustrating Rockies season, look no further than Clint Barmes.
The 29-year-old infielder from Vincennes, Ind., is simply one of the most genuine, straightforward, likable professional athletes I’ve ever covered. He’s also incredibly passionate about his job.
Unlike many of his fellow major- leaguers — including a few higher- profile teammates — Barmes is always available to the media. Home run or strikeout, hot streak or slump, picture-perfect double play or booted grounder, Barmes never dodges after the game. Ask him a question, he’ll look you directly in the eye and answer it.
If you don’t give a hoot about his relationship with the media, you should know that few players are as fan- friendly. I’ve seen Barmes work the autograph line in spring training, interacting with fans, making them feel special. He is, plain and simple, a pro.
Friday night, when the Mets’ Jose Reyes rammed his shoulder into Barmes’ right knee, I feared the worst. It turns out that Barmes should be back in about three weeks, maybe sooner.
Barmes burst into our consciousness in spring 2005 as the Rockies’ starting shortstop — becoming the first rookie in major-league history to hit a walk-off homer on opening day, taking San Diego closer Trevor Hoffman deep at Coors Field.
Barmes batted .410 that April and was still hitting .329 when he broke his left collarbone June 5.
From that point on, Barmes struggled. When shortstop Troy Tulowitzki emerged as a star last season, Barmes was demoted, spending most of 2007 at Triple-A Colorado Springs. But he showed the Rockies he would do anything and everything they asked, including learning the nuances of playing second base. When Tulo went down this season, Barmes stepped up.
Barmes was by far the Rockies’ best position player in May, hitting .391 with three homers, seven doubles and 11 RBIs before hobbling off the field Friday night.
Barmes will look you in the eye and tell you that his wife, Summer, and his 8-month-old son, Wyatt, have become the most cherished part of his life. They have given him perspective, and it seems to me he’s not quite as hard on himself as he used to be.
So, as the Rockies’ disappointing season heads into an uncertain summer, remember there’s a guy worth watching, a guy worth rooting for.
