Overwhelming Consensus: Orlando Hudson  by Coby DuBose, Dec. 17, 2005

Call him special. Call him talented. Coin him classy and mark him gritty. Orlando Hudson can be described with many words. When Webster wrote his classic dictionary, he undoubtedly intended it to be used as a descriptive guide for people like the Toronto Blue Jays' Gold Glove winning 2nd baseman. Growing up in a small town in rural South Carolina, the "O-Dawg" made a name for himself at a young age and used determination to follow, and arrive at his dream in a grand fashion.

Arguably the best defensive second bagger in baseball for the last 3 years, Hudson was finally rewarded for his play by winning the 2005 AL Gold Glove Award. He became a regular on highlight reels, while providing occasional power and committing only six errors on the season. Not bad for a guy who was once a 43rd round draft pick of the Blue Jays. Hudson's trail to success has led him through St. John's High School, where he starred as a Blue Devil, Darlington High, where he donned the Falcon purple, and little known college Spartanburg Methodist in the upstate of South Carolina. He was an all-star in three sports in high school, starring on the field and making an impact off of the field all the way.

I was blessed to have been able to be an active participant in the development of this great athlete. As the waterboy for most of his high school teams, I got an everyday look at the way in which Hudson committed himself and the work ethic which has become a staple of his game. He was never flashy and still returns home every off season, where he spends time with his family and harvests fish from the same pond he did as a 12 year old. Hudson can be seen, with his smile and genuine nature, at the local restuarants, where he still takes the time to talk to kids and be a mentor.

Hudson is up for arbitration this offseason, and it appears as if he will finally recieve what he is worth. Quickly becoming the face of the lone Canadian franchise, Orlando only made $480,000 last season, well below the league median for his position. Predictions have suggested that Hudson may draw close to $3 Million per year in base salary because of his numbers and defensive prowess. If Hudson were playing in New York, Boston, or Chicago, writers would likely be writing songs and poems to his praise. While in Toronto, however, Hudson will likely keep doing what has made him succesful for the last 25 years.

Major League Baseball and professional sports in general are in need of more people like Orlando Hudson. His play on the field is matched only by his prowess in the community. As a rare breed of player who will leg out a triple, dive into the stands, and limp home after a shot to center field, Hudson has certainly carved his niche in the world of professional baseball. His down to Earth nature and unlikely background have made him a sure bet to continue his success. As his star rises, however, do not expect Hudson to forget his South Carolina roots, where family and friends still remember a smiling point guard and hard-nosed quarterback.