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Sheffield To Dukes: 'I Just Want To Help'

Published: May 29, 2007

ST. PETERSBURG - Elijah Dukes, starting his first game at Tropicana Field since last week's events, received a subdued mixture of cheers and boos when he batted in the first inning Monday.

But someone in the other dugout is pulling for him.

"We all need somebody to help us through our youth," Tigers star - and Tampa native - Gary Sheffield said.

Sheffield knows Dukes. It's more than the Hillsborough High connection. They've worked out together in Tampa in offseasons. They talk now and again, though not about this latest incident. Sheffield said he wants to hear Dukes tell the story, though he won't ask him for it.

"I'm no authority figure, like you've got to listen to me," Sheffield said. "I just want to help him.

"I just don't want it to get out of control," he added. "When you start with the threats and the guns, that can get out of control. If you're talking about arguing with the umpires or something you're later going to regret, all of that can be fixed. … When it starts going a little higher, then it gets a little scary for me and I get nervous."

Sheffield reached the majors at 19, three years younger than Dukes was when he hit the majors this season. Sheffield has had his share of reputations. He has also put up potential Hall of Fame numbers, including the 465th home run of his career Monday.

"It saddens me because it's starting out this way for him," Sheffield said. "When I get the phone calls, and I get them regular about him, it saddens me."

Sheffield's advice?

"He's a homegrown kid. If he gets out in the community and people get to know him here, they'll gravitate to him and love him like they should, then he'll start doing the right things."

Martin Fennelly