Hargrove hits a 'home' run

01/30/2006
SEATTLE -- Hard hats and hammers replaced helmets and bats as tools of the trade on Monday when the Seattle Mariners took part in Major League Baseball's ongoing hurricane relief and rebuilding effort in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity International.
Mariners manager Mike Hargrove and his wife, Sharon; former Mariners catcher Dan Wilson; and Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels joined over 40 volunteers in biting cold and rain to begin construction of a 1,400-square-foot house that will eventually become home to a needy local family.
Hargrove, who helped to frame and sheet the exterior walls of the two-story structure, enjoyed himself on the construction site, and marveled at the speed at which the pre-cut lumber and walls went up.
"I've watched them build houses for Habitat on television, "but this is the first time I've ever been around it personally," Hargrove said as the third phase of "Major League Baseball Rebuilds" kicked off at Safeco Field. "I think it's a fantastic thing, I really, really do. And I think that the Mariners and Major League Baseball should be complimented a great deal on undertaking something like this."
Although he worked several construction-related jobs when younger, the manager was modest about his carpentry skills.
"I'm handy enough that I won't hit my thumb, maybe," he said with a laugh. "And if they're looking or a strong back and a weak mind, I'd fit in."
The Hargroves remained at the site for hours, sharing lunch with the volunteer crew.
Said Sharon Hargrove: "To come and just show up for a photo opp, that's never been either one of our styles. It's more fun to really get involved, and we want to give back."
Beginning Monday with the Mariners, Major League Baseball and 10 teams will build 12 homes that will benefit those affected by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma.
The homes will be built either near club ballparks or at Spring Training sites. When possible, the homes will be designated for displaced and relocated residents of the Gulf Coast region. The Mariners opted to build locally, and the home started Monday will occupy a lot in Seattle that has been donated by the City and will be managed through a land trust.
"The wonderful thing with this new phase is that we like to say the hurricane has blown the covers off poverty in America," said Karen Haycox, Habitat's international resource development manager. "The faces of people you saw in New Orleans and Florida, those are the same as people living in our own communities. With this new phase, we'll be making a difference not only in areas impacted by the hurricanes, but in own back yards, where clubs are located."
Former Mariners catcher Dan Wilson, who retired at the end of 2005 after 12 seasons with the club (and 14 overall), was on hand to lend his support. He and his wife, Annie, remain active with a number of community non-profit groups and causes.
"Habitat for Humanity is a great organization," he said. "And you can't think of a better partnership than Major League Baseball and Habitat to get together and do this at ballparks around the country. I think it's an amazing thing."
The Habitat volunteers who braved the elements Monday weren't there for a signed baseball or a photo with the Mariners Moose. Diverse in age and occupation, they all share a commitment to helping others.
"Probably the most rewarding thing you can do is build a home for people in need," said crew chief Mike Douglas, a 15-year Habitat volunteer. "I think that's our common goal for everything. It's so awesome when we see kids move into a house and get a place of their own that's warm, dry and clean."
Wilson pointed to the volunteers and said, "The people putting the nails in the walls over here are the true heroes. They're giving their time and all their hard work to make this happen, and those are the people who deserve all the credit."
The house, built on a corner lot outside Safeco Field, will be deconstructed and stored for several months, until the foundation is poured at its permanent location. The house will cost $70,000-$80,000 to build, and Major League Baseball has contributed $45,000 toward the project, with many system components, including pre-cut walls and sheets, donated by Armstrong Lumber Company, Inc. The homeowner, to be selected in February, will be required to contribute 500 hours of "sweat equity" in the building process and assume a no-interest mortgage.
Weather notwithstanding, all agreed the build was a success.
"The Mariners lent incredible support to our affiliate here and we're just thrilled," Habitat's Haycox said.
And should Hargrove ever tire of managing, crew chief Douglas has a job waiting for him, saying, "He looks awesome with a hammer."

Source: http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/