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The Tigers' Jewish centerfielder makes the first
appearance of the season as an everyday player
and is thrilled to be here.

If they're old enough
to get married, they're
old enough to get their
own Jewish News

a

LONNY GOLDSMITH
Staff writer

abe Kapler knew
he wasn't going to
be in Toledo very
a His goal now
long.
is to prove that he doesn't
have to go back.
The 23-year-old Kapler
inherited the job of everday
centerfielder when his estab-
lished predecessor, Brian
Hunter, was dealt to Seattle
on April 29; Kapler wasted no
time getting into the groove,
reaching base via a hit in his
first five games and driving in
a run in his first four. He hit
the game-winning home run,
Gabe Kapler gets a hit.
his first homer in the majors,
on April 30, his first game
strive for," Kapler said. "From the
fan's standpoint it looks pretty easy,
back with the team.
but it can be a grind and wear on you
"I can't wait for the day when I can
know that I'm going to be in the line-
emotionally."
Trammell, Tiger legend and current
up every day," Kapler said before
hitting instructor, raves about Kapler's
Tuesday's home game with Anaheim,
intensity and willingness to learn. "He
his first Tiger Stadium appearance
wants this very badly," Trammell said.
since getting called up from the
"Even in the spring and early this sea-
Tigers' top farm club. Its a matter of
son, you can see that he'll battle the
getting used to playing every day here.
pitcher. He can look bad on a pitch
It's a mental adjustment to being in
and it doesn't bother him. He's very
the spotlight."
talented and has a great work ethic."
Kapler seems to relish the early
Bobby Higginson, the Tigers' right-
notoriety he's received, obliging the
fielder, has had the role of playing
kids and adults lined up at the railing
next to Kapler thus far.
next to the Tigers' dugout seeking
"He's a bit out of control in the
autographs after he gunned line-drives
field. He's very aggressive and wants
off coach Lance Parrish in batting
to go out and get everything,
practice.
Higginson said. "It'll take time for
Part of Kapler's learning experience
him to learn to play centerfield in
has included working with both
Tiger Stadium and other parks."
Parrishes — Lance and manager Larry
In Tuesday's game, Kapler struggled
— and coaches Alan Trammell and
on his first two chances in centerfield,
Juan Samuel. Each had 15-plus years
miscommunicating with leftfielder
in the major leagues.
Juan Encarnacion and shortstop Deivi
"What's impressive about it all is
Cruz — both of whom seemed to lose
the consistency and that's what we all

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