JENNIE FINCH ADVICE TO BRIDES

Last Friday night, before her Mizuno clinic, I asked Jennie, after three months of marriage, what advice she would give to other brides, and brides-to-be.

An obvious high priority: doing whatever has to be done to maximize time together. They knew, given the demands of their separate careers -- the ups-and-downs of organized baseball and her commitments to USA Softball and the NPF – they would have time apart – and frequently have to go to great lengths to spend some time together.

Shortly after their beautiful wedding at Crystal Cathedral, where I took this photograph, Casey, who had reported to the Arizona Diamondbacks’ training camp, was sent down to the AAA farm club in Tucson, where they own a home.  A few weeks later, Jennie posted on her web site a glowing account of setting up house, having her own home.  Then, several weeks ago, Casey’s contract was sold to the Diamondbacks AA affiliate, the Tennessee Smokies, whose base is in Kodak, TN.

Unfazed, Jennie packed up and the Daigle-Finch combo set up house in Seymour, TN.  On Thursday, Jennie worked out at Pima CC and then at the University of Arizona in Tucson.  Friday, she flew to Richmond, through Chicago, to do the clinic.  Saturday, she flew to Pittsburgh, for another clinic.  Saturday afternoon would find her flying to Washington, DC, to catch a plane to Raleigh – “to watch my husband pitch” she said, with pride in her eyes.  Their home base is Tucson, but, to Jennie, home is where her heart is – and that’s with Casey.  Now, Jennie is making arrangements to work out in Tennessee.  Most definitely – standing by her man.

Casey had come up from the minors, so the Southern League per se holds no surprises – four hour bus rides, playing games in places like Zebulon, Chattanooga, Greenville, and Jacksonville.  A nice surprise: while playing down, Casey is paid 85% of his larger contract.  The other surprise: the Smokies wanted to use Casey as a reliever, then decided to put him into the rotation.  Whatever – they are prepared to deal with it – together.

You’ve got to be good friends – and that has to be a solid base – to enjoy time together.

You have to be selfless – recognize what’s important to each other – entertainment, dining, everything – and be prepared to compromise – particularly if you don’t really care about some activity and your spouse does.  Respect their likes and dislikes.

We leave our careers at the ballfield, Jennie says.  We don’t talk shop at home; sometimes, we just talk about goofy things.  We try to have fun together.

Despite her endorsements – Jennie just inked an advertising agreement with Gatorade – money is not only not a problem, it is not an issue. 

Speaking of fun, and knowing that my daughter is being married next month, Jennie said too many brides have such tightly structured affairs.  She wanted to have fun at her wedding – and anyone who saw all those Wildcats dancing in a circle knew they were having fun – Jennie Finch most of all.  Brides should have fun; it’s their party.

Babies – a big smile – the Olympics in 2008 has priority.  Jennie is obviously delighted when people bring their infants up to her, but she was that way in all the many years I have known her – patient, friendly, with the unique quality of making everyone she meets feel they have her absolute attention.  Some of her Olympic colleagues should emulate her patience with young players; she knows that autographed ball goes into a place of honor. You have to agree on priorities.  Flexibility is another strong point with Jennie.

While missing Casey, Jennie says she gets a thrill out of going to all these towns, meeting all these young softball players.  Jennie says she considers it a great honor to represent the USA abroad, and to bring that message home to these girls, whom she tries to inspire to be their best – on and off the field.

For all her fame, Jennie can still utter “amazing; can you believe that?” when she sees dozens of pony-tailed girls wearing uniforms bearing her name and number.  The modesty – like the smile – is genuine.  She speaks humbly of her accomplishments when she talks to these audiences – and expresses her gratitude for all the blessings God has bestowed on her – and when she’s home, she’s not Jennie Finch super-star, she’s Mrs. Casey Daigle – and mighty proud of it.  There has to be mutual respect, Jennie says..

And that’s the ultimate message Jennie gives to ballplayers – and to brides – be yourself.  RFH

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