D-backs' family day a big hit with players

By Anthony Fenech / MLB.com | 07/18/11

PHOENIX -- "Little X" just wanted to run the bases.

"We ran around once," D-backs first baseman Xavier Nady said of his son, Xavier. "And he was wiped out."

The D-backs held a family day gathering in right field for the players and their children after Sunday's win over the Dodgers.

"It was cool," Nady said. "When you have a chance to let the kids run around and be around other kids, it's always a good time."

Everyone took a family picture, some -- like "Little X," as the D-backs call him -- ran the bases, others took batting practice in the outfield and some were too small to venture on their own.

"I like family day, because I get to spend time with my kids on the field and take a good picture," said D-backs catcher Miguel Montero.

Montero's son, Angel, was stuck in his dad's arms during the get-together, just like during the All-Star Game media availability, when he poked at microphones.

Starting pitcher Joe Saunders was there with his two daughters, Mattea and Avellina.

"It gives us a chance to take some pictures and gives them a chance to have a smile on their face," Saunders said. "It's a lot of fun for them and it makes us smile too, which is nice."