Whitfield From page 1D "I'm just staying within myself," he said. "I was getting too anxious at the plate but now I'm seeing t the ball a little longer." Long is the best way to describe Whitfield's minor league career. A native of Minden, La., he was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays after graduating from high school in 1983. He spent four years in the Toronto system, averaging 11 homers and a .245 batting clip in three full seasons. Whitfield was released by the Blue Jays in 1987 and sat out the entire year before starting a comeback in 1988 as a free agent with the Silver Sox. He slugged 18 home runs in about half a season with Reno that year, was picked up by Cleveland and spent the last two weeks of the season with Class AAA Colorado Springs. He made the most of his AAA opportunity, batting .284 with four home runs in 19 games. "That was a great experience," Whitfield said of Colorado Springs. "There I was just one level below like to advance (to AA) atter a the majors. It was a major setback strong month or two," he was going back to class A the next quoted as saying. season.' Whitfield has settled down, howBut through every disappointment, Whitfield has maintained a ever, and is hoping to move up by virtue of his strong season. good attitude. He broods privately, he said, but doesn't let his anger "Whitfield plays hard everyday show on the field. His quick smile and does whatever it takes to help and good play have made him a fan the team," Brown said. "I think he favorite at Moana Municipal has a good shot at AA next year. Stadium. That depends on Cleveland, though; When Whitfield found out in that's their say so. The organizaApril he would be coming to Reno tion knows what kind of person he he reacted angrily. "Hopefully, I is and that plays a big part in this can tear up the league again. I'd game.'