Last night when Prince Fielder hit his 50th homer, I mentioned that with his 50th bomb, he his dad, Cecil, become he only father son tandem in history to each hit 50 in a season. Of course, I wasn't the only person to realize this and someone mentioned it to Prince. With the recent history between the two, that went about as well as you'd expect. Fielder said he had no intention of keeping the 50th home run ball, but was hoping for No. 52.
"My dad had 51 (as a season high)," Fielder said. "Then, he can't say anything."
Fielder was not happy about comments his father made in a magazine article earlier in the year, claiming his son never would have been a first-round draft pick if he hadn't paved the way. The two haven't spoken for years and that rift apparently has widened.
[...]
"That's why I'm so passionate about playing. I don't mind people comparing me to him but I'm a completely different player. One day I want people to mention my name and not have to mention his."
As for the recent comments from his father, Fielder said, "You've got to look at who's saying it. Let's be honest. He's not really the brightest guy."
What a grudge! Prince is 23, has 50 homers, and may well be the National League MVP this year and all he's worried about is that people think the only reason he ever got a shot was because of his dad. Who cares why? No one ever begrudged Mike Piazza for being a family friend of Tommy Lasorda. Prince needs to realize that the only reason people compare him to his dad is because people liked Cecil and now they like Prince. It's not a bad thing.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-26-2007 @ 3:05PM
Bruce Ciskie said...
With the feud the two are embroiled in right now, I don't blame Prince at all. He doesn't like talking about his dad, and yet that's all he ever hears about.
I'd probably snap back at some point.
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9-26-2007 @ 3:19PM
jim keys said...
Cecil and Prince I go all the way back to Toronto with you guys.I wish I could really speak with both of you guys, I sadden me to hear of this fued. I have two sons on myself. Our relationship is total respect with each other. I know Prince has been hurt by his fathers mistakes. But I hope Cecil and Prince can keep thier difference in private. I am a big fan to both guys Please try to reconcile. Prince help your dad. Know matter what happen he is srill your dad. Cecil you need to take steps to get your family some counciling. Dr Phil can you help
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9-26-2007 @ 3:29PM
Jordi said...
"all he's worried about is that people think the only reason he ever got a shot was because of his dad"
Completely not true.
Cecil gambled away the family fortune while Prince was in high school and was involved in a bitter divorce with Mrs. Fielder. I think Prince doesn't think Cecil was a good father. He has his reasons, whether or not we as fans liked Cecil. It has nothing to do with being a 1st round pick. Prince's talents would have shown through regardless.
A little research goes a long way.
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9-26-2007 @ 3:44PM
ken said...
prince has a right to feel the way he want to his father is a dirtbag deadbeat who dropped him and his mother like pieces of garbage .and prince is going to make more money than his father ever dreamed of.TAKE CARE OF HIS MOTHER WHO WAS THERE FOR HIM ALL THE WAY.HE KNOWS WHAT HIS SON IS GOING TO MAKE AND WANTS SOME THATS WHY HES TAKING CREDIT FOR HIS SUCCESS.WHAT A DIRTBAG.
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