All-Star break is time to chill

Nick Christensen

Monday, July 14, 2003 | 9:40 a.m.

As the heat sizzles on in Southern Nevada, baseball players nationwide are getting their first -- and in many cases, only -- vacation of the long season.

After playing in Las Vegas' sweltering heat -- 118 degrees in the ninth inning Sunday -- the Las Vegas 51s probably deserve a couple of more days off to relax, refresh and rehydrate.

They sweated it out Sunday in a 2-0 win against the Iowa Cubs at Cashman Field, laboring towards this week's All-Star break, and Thursday's home return against Colorado Springs.

Thursday's game marks the beginning of the home stretch -- only 45 more games left, assuming nobody is plucked by the Dodgers for September's expanded rosters. The team has only one more off day between Thursday and the end of the season, Sept. 1. Manager John Shoemaker has seen his family only once since the season began in April. His wife and two daughters are in Las Vegas this week, visiting from Vero Beach, Fla.

"We have so few days off in this league, and there's a lot of travel and hot weather involved, so mentally and physically, you're often fatigued," Shoemaker said. "A break for three days is welcomed by everyone."

Particularly new arrival Tarrik Brock, who was called up from Double-A Jacksonville on July 4. Brock hasn't seen his sons since spring training started in March.

"I can't wait to go home to Tarzana (Calif.), to spend time with my wife and children," he said.

Second baseman Joe Thurston also was headed for California. "I'm takin it to 'da house!' " he exclaimed with the most excited face he has shown all season.

"The All-Star break is always a positive. It's good to give guys who work hard breaks."

Iowa slugger and former 51 Phil Hiatt said that while getting away from the park for a few days is good for the team, he admitted it's easy to get a little rusty, even over the short three-day stretch.

"Everyone's going to be a little off, because your body is so used to being in rhythm," he said. "But we need a break. You do get sick of coming to the yard. We need a break to clear our heads and relax."

One guy who won't get a chance to relax is Las Vegas outfielder Bubba Crosby, who along with Koyie Hill will fly to Memphis for the Triple-A All-Star Game.

"You can never be upset about being on the All-Star team," Crosby said. "But three days off would be nice."