Today in The Journal News
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Feb 25, 2009 
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For Jose Molina, baseball is difficult at times as he deals with the death of his father.
As you probably know, Jose is one of three brothers in the majors. He, Bengie and Yadier are all catchers. I knew his dad was their first coach and worked with kids in Puerto Rico literally until the day he passed away in October.
Such stories are hard to approach a player about. But when I saw that Bengie had talked about it, I thought I would ask Jose. We ended up having a great discussion and he showed me some photos along with passages from a book he is reading about life and death.
I think the story came out well, or at least I hope so. Benjamin Molina was a man who made a difference in the lives of kids and in some small way, I hope this story helps people remember him.
Meanwhile, A-Rod is ready for his first game on the road.
Pete, your story came out very well.
Thanks to Jose for sharing his story, and I hope that by doing so, it eases his grief a little bit.
That was a touching story Pete, thanks. I would hope the Yankees rally around Jose like they have for Arod.
Quality article about Molina. I hope he pulls through, he is a likable guy who plays hard.
Good story Pete. And a timely one for me. While both my parents have passed, today would have been my parents 70th anniversary. I bet their having one hell of a party.
top 100 prospects…
31 Austin Jackson
36 Jesus Montero
http://www.baseballamerica.com.....67698.html
Baseball is so much more than a game sometimes…
Correction:
1-Matt Weiters
2-David Price
3-Colby Rasmus
36-Austin Jackson
38-Jesus Montero
92-Andrew Brackman
Reading that story brought me to tears. It’s impossible not to root for Jose Molina. You can tell he is one of the original good guys. While baseball is often the release that players use to help them cope with any kind of pain or loss, it has to be a real challenge for Jose and his brothers since their dad was inextricably tied to the game they love.
Jose’s faith in God, love for the game, and support from those around him, will be the things that help him to heal. That and the knowledge that his dad is definitely watching down on him and is still there with him and for him, only in a different way.
God bless you Jose. Your fans are there for you too.
Pete- Great article. Although it was difficult trying to read through tears. I lost my Dad darn near the same way. It is somewhat of a hard road the first 6 months.
Sad story. To lose a parent suddenly is heartbraking, to lose a parent at all is sad. I hope Jose will look at the good in his fathers life (which sounds like plenty) and be comforted by the thought that his father was a good man who tried to do his best. All that Jose can do is continue in his fathers ways and lead a good life. No sorrow shall remain only joy. Good Luck Jose. (added by Mobile using Mippin)
Nice article on Molina.
It made me think about Doug Glanville’s article from last week speaking about his dad and about how much of an athletes personal life needs to be shared with the media and fans.
I guess only each individual knows the amount they’re comfortable with.
Great Molina article…lost my father when I was 20 and off at school. Will keep him in my thoughts.
Great to finally have baseball back, the feeling of spring almost here. These games are not about the winning but about the showing who has got the goods. I’m rooting for Coke, Melancon, and Aceves to make the team. Also, Gardner as the CF, his speed is needed, let’s hope he can hit. Cody Ransom over Angel Beroa (hope I spelled that right). Wang as the #2 starter (more starts) and A.J. Burnett as the #3. Good Luck to all the Yankees (and the fans too). Have a great day. (added by Mobile using Mippin)
I agree excellent article! Very moving.
Here is bengie’s blog if anyone wants to read it.
http://bengiemolina.mlblogs.com/
Loved the Jose Molina Article. It is touching and reminds you that these guys are only human too. My thoughts and prayers are with the Molina family.
I really started to like Jose last season and I hope he has some more good years with the Yankees. Backup catcher or not – he is a very good defensive player – and I am happy we have him.
I just finished reading Bengie’s blog entry, very moving as well.
You come to learn from personal adversity or the adversity of others that a father’s love and guidance are precious gifts that should never be taken for granted. You also learn that the opportunty to be a good father is a precious gift, never to be wasted; it is the most important job a man can ever have.
Today, fathers are portrayed as boobs, deadbeats, neanderthals and abusers even though these dads are by far the rare exception and not the rule. Jose should know that sharing the story about his dad keeps the spirit of good fatherhood alive and reminds us of the kind of father men should all strive to be, whether they had such a dad or not.
great writing Pete
Thank-you
Good story Peter. And my condolences to the Molinas. What with all the nonsense going on in the world it is comforting to know there are still people like Benjamin Molina out there. Unassuming, hardworking, but still willing to help others.
jennifer -
I just finished reading it, too. Very touching.
murphydog -
How right you are. When did it become okay to portray fathers in such a disparaging light? They have (as do moms, but moms are mostly off-limits as far as negative portrayals go) a difficult enough job as it is, without having to fight incorrect and demeaning caricatures.
That’s a lovely article, Pete. It comes across as very moving and respectful. Nice work.
Nice story Pete. It showed a side of ballplayers we rarely see. Mr. Molina certainly had a positive effect on his family. I wish Jose the best.
Thanks for the article, it brought me to tears. The Molina’s are easy to root for. May Mr. Molina rest in peace.
“For Jose Molina, baseball is difficult at times as he deals with the death of his father.”
What the phuck does that even mean Pete? For Jose Molina, baseball is difficult at times as he deals witht he death od his father? Huh?
“For Jose Molina, baseball is difficult at times as he deals with the death of his father.”
What the phuck does that even mean Pete? For Jose Molina, baseball is difficult at times as he deals witht he death od his father? Huh?
Well done, Pete. Condolences to Jose, his brothers, their mother and all the kids who have lost an inspiration.
Thanks for the note on Molina’s Dad.
The Molinas’ are indeed easy to root for.