In a storage unit in Pasadena, California, you can find notes from the day a future star began his rise.
Mark Kertenian, who penned them, knew Jeff McNeil possessed exceptional talent. His notes on a Saturday doubleheader in October 2009 were not long because, at a point, he trusted what he saw and opted not to waste any more ink.
Kertenian has observed a shameful amount of herd mentality in the player development industry, but McNeil has served as a reminder that a player's determination is the driving force. Norms can be shattered and those willing to think creatively may be rewarded.
In following and keeping in touch with the one now called "Squirrel," Kertenian has drawn a simple truth.
"You can remind them of what they're capable of, but he did not need a vision created for him," said Kertenian, who coached at Cal State Northridge when he recruited McNeil but now is an assistant coach with the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers. "He was willing to do whatever it took and he never stopped."
Those close to McNeil focus on his journey more than his current success as an All-Star utility man with the New York Mets. Kertenian and others use the story as an example of what can happen with grit and will, work ethic and confidence. McNeil received a small break many years ago, took advantage of it and never looked back.
The most important lesson might be this: Stay true to yourself.
McNeil, his supporters say, knew who he was and never changed _ for anyone. He's beloved because his road makes you believe in yourself and convince yourself that you, too, can do anything.
"He's the hero of the common man," said Vince Sagisi, a former Cleveland Indians scout who not only led Kertenian to McNeil, but was the first baseball man to believe in a skinny kid who had not played the sport in years.
