By JEFF CASPERSEN/Leader Sports Editor
Like any of his clubhouse mates, Joe McEwing would rather be in the big leagues. But the journeyman infielder isn’t holding that against anyone, nor does he take for granted his 2006 experience with the Round Rock Express.
“It’s been a lot of fun. It really has,” said the veteran, who has spent parts of nine seasons in the majors. “Obviously, you want to be in the big leagues, but this is probably one of the best times I’ve ever had, with the clubhouse chemistry and the best mix of players I’ve ever been around.”
Perhaps it’s that relaxed attitude that pushed McEwing to his best season since his days as an up-and-comer in the New York Mets organization.
Whatever the driving force, McEwing’s numbers are rock solid – he finished the regular season batting .315 with 10 homers and 46 RBIs in 112 games – and reinforce precisely what the 33-year-old believes: that he can still produce in the majors.
“I know I have a lot of years in me,” he began. “I don’t want to use the word I because I hate focusing on me, but I believe I’m having one of the best years of my career. Offensively, defensively, I feel as good as I ever have.”
Despite being the heart and soul of this Express team, McEwing found himself the casualty of a series of Astros’ organizational moves and was designated for assignment back in mid-July.
He cleared outright waivers and rejoined Round Rock only days later, but the move seemed to jumpstart McEwing’s bat. From his return to an Express uniform to the end of the season, his average jumped a whopping 41 points.
McEwing played coy when addressing the mid-season move.
“You can look at it two ways: You can only worry about things you control or you can go home,” he explained. “At this point in my career, if I’m not having fun and I’m worrying about things I can’t control, I’m going to be home. I’ve been very fortunate and thankful this game’s been great to me.”
McEwing definitely wears his love for the game on his sleeve. Always laughing, always smiling, the seasoned vet is going about the game as if he were a kid out on the sandlot.
And others take notice.
“I enjoy every day,” he said. “The biggest compliment I had was from the first base coach on another team. He said, ‘Hey, you’re having too much fun out there.’ I stepped back and I was just like, ‘Thank you.’ I am having a lot of fun, and other people notice that I’m having fun playing the game. It was just one of those moments.”
Infield mate Cody Ransom also enjoys McEwing’s pleasant, uplifting demeanor.
“Joe sets a great example for the guys,” the former San Francisco Giants shortstop said. “It’s fun to watch him do what he does, and he still has a great time.”
That infectious spirit has spread throughout the veteran-filled clubhouse, and it’s no wonder the Express fought their way into a battle for the Pacific Coast League championship.
“I think we’re very loose if we’re winning or losing,” said McEwing. “If we’re winning, we put the hammer down. If we’re losing, we know we have the opportunity to win. That’s the confidence we have in this clubhouse.”