There may come a time when Robin Ventura decides he is ready to return to baseball in some capacity, but three years after officially ending his 16-season Major League playing career, he is doing just fine doing what he's doing: nothing.
OK, not exactly nothing.
Ventura, 40, is keeping himself busy being a husband and a father. He's making up for lost time, stolen away by spring training dates, long West Coast road trips and the everyday grind of a demanding 162-game schedule.
TRANSITION
Although Ventura admitted the first year away from the game was a tough transition period, he has settled in nicely back in his native California.
"It's great. I'm enjoying spending time with my family and coaching a few of my kids' teams and being involved more in their lives," said Ventura, whose final big-league game was with the Dodgers on Oct. 10, 2004. "Any time you do something for 16 years, there's going to be an adjustment with change. Baseball has always been such a big part of my life, but nothing is more important than your family."
Ventura and his wife, Stephanie, both grew up in California, and their respective families are still close by. They have four children, so Ventura figures to be in demand as a recreational coach for some time.
"It's something I'm enjoying. You miss a lot with baseball, so this time has been an adventure for me," he said. "Jay C. Upchurch
