Dads

In a game against the Colorado Rockies, on June 28, 2007, Houston Astros' Craig Biggio became the 27th player in Major League Baseball history to pound out his 3,000 career hit. The record hit came in the 7th inning of the game.

What caught my attention after his major accomplishment was a dugout photo, published in ESPN Magazine (July 16, 2007, page 20), of Biggio kissing his son, Conor, who serves as an Astros' batboy. I haven't been able to find that particular shot online. It is a classic.

Biggio has always been a great player with lots of heart, hustle and class, at least in my opinion.

But, photos following his 3,000th hit made it very clear that he enjoys a powerful relationship with his family. Conor; his daughter, Quinn; and his wife are all involved at the moment of his triumph. The photos included here, all shot by AP photographer David J. Phillip, document the sort of dad Biggio tries to be.

One thing I've learned in every community where I've lived and worked: kids need dads who care and who aren't afraid to make their love, care, commitment and concern known again and again. . . to the child.

But, it goes beyond the family.

Communities need fathers who care and who love their kids.

Need some proof? Ask a teacher or a police officer or a retailer or a community organizer.

Community health depends on strong fathers.

Suburbs.

Inner city.

Rural villages.

The nature of the geography or the demographics doesn't much matter. The needs and effects are the same.

Dads who love their families are prerequisite for thriving communities.

I suppose I am so sensitive to this reality because I've seen and known so many children and so many communities whose dads have let them down.

The reasons are important, and sometimes complex, often sad or maddening. But, the reasons don't matter much right here.

The facts are clear.

Dads need to step up the plate. They need to stay in the game. They cannot quit.

When committed to the joy of loving their kids, fathers will be champs with outcomes much more significant than 3,000 career major league hits! What we're talking here is "hall of fame" performance. . .day-by-day.