Bridging cultural divides in sports and in life.

A fascinating article in The Los Angeles Times about Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and his fully bilingual upbringing:

"Born in the United States to Mexican parents, Gonzalez is fluent and literate in English and Spanish, having been raised on both sides of the border in a blend of the cultures.

"I'm Mexican and I'm American," he says.

That's evident in his tastes. While he admired how former Dodger Fernando Valenzuela broke down cultural barriers, his childhood hero was San Diego Padres Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn. Gonzalez watches both football and futbol, supporting the San Diego Chargers and Mexican striker Javier Hernandez. He sings to his 13-month-old daughter in Spanish during the day and watches reruns of "The King of Queens" at night."

Very interesting, especially with the changing demographics in America today.

Sandy Koufax, Hall of Famer, gives New York Mets reliever Bobby Parnell some pitching tips | NYPOST.com

How awesome would it be as a professional baseball player to hear that Sandy Koufax wanted to meet you because he heard so much about you (Zack Wheeler/Matt Harvey) or he took an interest in your pitching (Bobby Parnell) and wanted to offer some advice?