Lake Erie second baseman Drew Saylor has not had the season at the plate he wants. He entered the game hitting just .213. His RBI single in the 8th inning ended on 0 for 20 streak.
Most player would understandably head straight for the locker room. Not Saylor. While most of the Crushers take time to greet the fans and sign autographs. Few come close to Saylor's dedication to the fan base especially the youngsters.
It takes Saylor a long time to make it to the locker room. Every time it looks like he has signed the last glove, shirt, seat cushion and even a shoe, another youngster files up and that attracts more kids.
Saylor always smiling not only signs, he interacts and talks to everyone.
"It is something I love to do," Saylor said. "Hopefully they aren't looking at the stats. They come here for that type of interaction. I remembere when I was their age I wanted anyone's autograpgh. Anyone who took the time to see who I am - that's what I try to do. I try to remember that."
Saylor says the interaction with the kids takes some of the sting of frustration away.
"Absolutely it does," he said. "It gets you to realize it is just a game and if you try to take it too personal or try to hard. They are out here trying to have fun. It gives you a chance to step back and reavalulate everything.