03-22-2007, 01:03 AM
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#1 (permalink)
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Greenville, N.C.
Posts: 176
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Uggla preparing for an encore
Quote:
JUPITER, Fla. -- "Uggla Mania" certainly caught on in 2006.
Cheering sections popped up at Dolphin Stadium. Fanatical disciples printed up "Uggla's Uglies" T-shirts. On eBay, "Got Uggla?" shirts and beanies sprung up and began selling for modest prices.
The Columbia (Tenn.) City Council joined the act, and in November, declared a "Dan Uggla Day," presenting the All-Star second baseman with a plaque and plenty of praises.
In a matter of months, Uggla emerged from a Rule 5 Draft unknown to an All-Star phenom at second base.
In so many ways, Uggla epitomized the improbable run the surprising Marlins enjoyed in '06.
The 27-year-old, like the rest of the Marlins, exceeded expectations to become one of the top second basemen in the National League. He earned respect for his gutsy "all-out" style of play and the energy he brought to the game.
Last season, Uggla paced the Marlins with 27 home runs. In the process, he set a rookie record for home runs by a second baseman, surpassing a mark previously held by Joe Gordon of the 1938 Yankees.
He also became the first Rule 5 Draft pick to be selected to an All-Star Game in the season after he was selected. A vote by his peers named him The Sporting News' top NL rookie.
Overcoming such long odds has made Uggla a natural fan favorite.
"I love it. They're excited about it," Uggla said of his faithful followers. "They get excited about the way that I play, and they're excited to come out and watch me play. Any time they are showing support, wearing one of my jerseys or shirts, that's definitely a little different. It's a little weird for me, but I love it."
Uggla admits to being shocked that special T-shirts have popped up in his honor.
"One of my buddies called me up one day, and said, 'I'm on eBay and some guy made a shirt that said, 'Got Uggla?' on it,'" Uggla said. "I started seeing those everywhere, too."
Uggla blossomed from obscurity in '06.
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The Official Site of the Florida Marlins: Florida Marlins' News
It would be great to see the All-Star put up the same numbers he did last year.
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Uggla preparing for an encore
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