DeShields duo in for 'special' Father's Day

CINCINNATI -- When the Reds and Rangers met during Spring Training in Surprise, Ariz., it was a cool moment for the DeShields family. Father Delino DeShields (retired) is Cincinnati’s first-base coach while his son, also Delino DeShields, is the center fielder for Texas.

Now that their teams are locked into playing a three-game series this weekend at Great American Ball Park, the intensity ramps up a few notches as does what it means personally for father, son and family. Then add that it’s Father’s Day weekend.

“It’s always great to see him. It definitely makes it more special that it’s Father’s Day,” the elder DeShields said before Friday’s game. “I don’t know how many of you have kids that play ball, but it’s nerve-racking. I’ve played in front of packed houses and did it all, but there’s nothing like watching your kids play ball.”

“I don’t think he’s ever seen me play on Father’s Day because he’s always been coaching,” the younger DeShields said.

Although they both share a first name, the two Delinos have different middle names. Of course, they also share the bond of baseball over their lifetimes. Father spent 1990-2002 as a Major League second baseman for five clubs. Since ’09, he has been a manager or instructor in player development for the Reds.

The Reds promoted DeShields to be the first-base coach on manager David Bell’s big league staff before the 2019 season.

The younger DeShields has been an outfielder for the Rangers since 2015.

“It’s not the first time we’ve been on the field together at this level, so it’s not too strange,” the son said. “Only thing that’s going to be different is him game-planning against me. He knows me better than anybody.”

This reunion on the field almost didn’t happen. Young DeShields has struggled this season and was optioned to Triple-A Nashville on May 24. He hit well there and was brought back by Texas on June 2.

Of course, the son consulted his father for advice.

“I told him he had to play better. This is the big leagues. There’s not much more than that,” the dad said. “I have to be a father first. That’s one thing I always have to be cognizant of when I’m talking to my kids about their games. I’m their father first. If I can slide in something about their game here and there, I’d do it. It’s always about their well-being and how they’re holding up. That’s first and foremost.”

The straight talk was appreciated.

“There’s time when he was coaching us, when I was little, and I was struggling, and he would like move me to the bottom of the lineup,” younger DeShields said. “It was always tough love, but he always challenged me. I really think it helped me get to the place that I am now. He’s always just a phone call away when [stuff] hits the fan or I’m going through a little something. He knows how to get me back on track.”

Bell, who was a third-generation big league player, experienced the dynamic when he played against teams managed by his father, Buddy Bell.

“We did it a few times. As a player, it’s no big deal. You’re focused on the game,” Bell said. “I remember my Dad saying it was tough for him to watch.”

Older Delino said he might have to go into the dugout tunnel when his son is batting against the Reds.

“I always want my kids to do well. That’s just as a father,” he said. “But of course, we want to win. I’m always pulling for our guys. I want him to do well too.”

The Reds and Rangers played exhibition games twice in March. The first time, Texas manager Chris Woodward forgot about the connection and rested his center fielder. He made sure he had him playing the second time.

“He is playing Sunday. I have it written on my lineup card, ‘Delino on Father’s Day against his Dad,’ 100 percent,” said Woodward, who also started the son on Friday. “It’s a little bit surreal. I can only imagine what his Dad is feeling. It’s got to be a proud moment to see your son walk up there.”

Making the weekend a little more special is that DeShields’ daughter, Diamond, will be in Cincinnati on Saturday night after the game. Diamond, a player for the WNBA’s Chicago Sky, has a game that day at Indianapolis and will be less than a two-hour drive away.

“I normally get to see them over the holidays. They’re all at home during the breaks. This time of the year, it’s rare,” elder DeShields said. “For me and my son to be able to share something like this, it’ll be something I always remember.”