Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's day to everyone in the Yard. Cool thing for me is that my dad's out here staying with me right now so I got to see him today and wish him a happy fathers day in person. He's had such an impact on my life, in baseball and beyond. He was my baseball coach growing up in Abilene so I learned right away how to play the game from him. Most of what I know in this game, I learned from him. I just fined tuned a lot of things when I became a professional. He always challenged me, made me realize the cerebral side of the game. He wanted me to play other sports as well to learn about competition in other aspects of athletics. He always emphasized competition. He also showed me what it means to work hard and work towards a goal. He inspired me when I was young and it has stayed with me today. I'm grateful for that. He was and is an intense dude. I think I get my intensity from him. He was never afraid to get on me or my teammates if we messed up. He was always trying to make us better and I respect that. Most of all he taught me how to be a man and go about my business as a professional. How to be a good teammate and a friend to others. We talk about once a start or once a week. Really don't get into detail about baseball or pitching, he is there for encouragement. Hope you all enjoyed your father's day today

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• dsiano6447 said June 15, 2008

  Hi John, How nice to have your dad staying with you. He'll get to see you pitching on Tuesday. Good luck on the game. Donna

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• jjackflash said June 16, 2008

  I'm sure your dad is very proud of you and your accomplishments, John. It is indeed special that he was able to come out to spend the day with you. So, when dad stays with you in YOUR house, do you still have to follow his rules?

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  • John_Lackey replied June 25, 2008

    My house, my rules! no, I'm kidding...Lot of respect for pops, he is in charge.
• lizmoses said June 16, 2008

  Your dad is awesome!

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• 1Halo_Luvr said June 16, 2008

  How cool is that having your greatest influence here to support you! It is so nice to hear about the respect you and your teammates have for their parents...like Jon's mom and Garret's mom. I am looking forward to watching you pitch again on Tuesday night. Maybe some Dublin Dr.Pepper will be in order for the win! Go get'em John....

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• Reneeskates said June 16, 2008

  my dad is a great man as well and i thank him for his hard work and his great character. finding a person of solid character these days is hard so i'm thankful for my father. great article john and be thankful you have an awesome dad-

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  • John_Lackey replied June 25, 2008

    thanks - I am very thankful for such a good influence in my life. Thanks for reading the blog.
• SpSpCards said June 16, 2008

  Its nice to read these stories by athelets about how they genuinely feel that their fathers greatly influenced their lives, never mind their careers, and as a dad of 3 boys and one girl who is currently seperated a lot from my kids , I can only hope they say the nice things your dad and others I have heard said are spoken of me...Hope you all had a great Dads Day !

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  • John_Lackey replied June 25, 2008

    My dad did they best he could as a father and a coach and that's all I could have asked for.
• nbhatia33 said June 16, 2008

  LOOK...I am on Cooper street in Arlington...UTA baby...I am glad you represent us well
  
  Alumni of University of Texas at Arlington 1998

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  • John_Lackey replied June 25, 2008

    UTA - nice! I miss those days....Thanks for reading!
• Haloluja said June 17, 2008

  Hey John....I go to a lot of Angel games....what is the best way to get your autograph?

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  • John_Lackey replied June 25, 2008

    Usually by our dugout along the LF line...that is the best access for fans at our yard.
• lizmoses said June 17, 2008

  I had forgotten all your many qualities, wish I was around a guy such as yourself, I believe in you alot in every aspect, go get'em champ.

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• jjackflash said June 18, 2008

  John: nice win tonight. The strike zone appeared a bit inconsistent - tight on the corners, and no low pitches, but he seemed to be calling strikes on pitches at the letters, so I guess it all evens out. Looked like you got away with a few hanging curves there, but they didn't really hit anything hard all night. So, kudos to you and the team. Keep it up!

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• lightitup said June 18, 2008

  Great game last night, Big John! You are quickly becoming the most dominate pitcher in baseball. What are your thoughts on the infield you have behind you? Can you see yourself pitching with those same guys behind you for many years to come?

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  • John_Lackey replied June 25, 2008

    I think we are tied for the AL lead in fielding pct. so obviously I feel good. These guys have great range and outstanding arms.
    Solid defense all around the infield. I can definitely see this guys with us for a while. Nice to see homegrown guys come up through the system.
• dsiano6447 said June 18, 2008

  Hi John, I watched the story of your life last night before the game. Your have a very nice family. You pitched a really great game. Was your dad at the game? Keep up the good work. Donna

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• lizmoses said June 18, 2008

  It must be hard to be away from your folks, but hopefully this message will cheer you up. Have a great day, and you got pals, good ones!

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• BrianC6234 said June 19, 2008

  Great game Tuesday night Lackey. But Wednesday night, yuck. I have to say I'm really happy with the Angels pitching this year. The offense, not so much. It seems like the Angels are wasting a lot of money on players who are doing nothing. The outfield is a waste based on their production. A majority of the payroll is going to four outfielders and the pitchers are doing all the work. I hope the Angels aren't spending so much on players who can't help the team win that they can't afford to re-sign you and K-Rod. It's obvious the only way the Angels will win is with pitching so Arte needs to start paying you pitchers.

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• lizmoses said June 20, 2008

  Hope the gang gets together soon, I know you guys always have a good time together.

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