Making it home

"I've always said that what's more impressive about him winning the batting title is how he won it. He started the season off as a bench player and no one really paid a lot of attention to him. But he was able to work hard and he made it happen.

"He's a great guy to have in the clubhouse. No matter what kind of day you were having on the field, if you went 0 for four or you were losing the game, when Freddy came to bat you were hoping and praying for him to get a hit."

Those who have known Sanchez over the years, from his days playing in the Burbank Park, Recreation and Community Services Department, to Muir Middle School and Burbank High, are not surprised by his big-league success.

Over and over the same words are used to describe Sanchez: hard working, selfless, incredible work ethic, modest and desire.

As he left the ceremony at Burbank High, with everything that was done for him, Sanchez, in his inimitable style, was willing to lend a hand to help his old team.

"I am looking forward to working with the Burbank baseball program and with coach [Bob Heart] and the kids," Sanchez said. "Anything that I can do to help, feel free to call. I live right across the street. I'll be looking out the front window to see how you're doing."