Giles brothers feel mutual pride

by Mark Bowman   --   MLB.com  --  June 8,  2003

 

As he stands in the outfield this season, Brian Giles is beginning to hear opposing fans refer to him as "Marcus's older brother."

Braves second baseman Marcus Giles -- the younger sibling of Brian, who is a standout Pirates outfielder -- has certainly established his own identity this
season and is beginning to be recognized more for his play than for simply being "Brian's little brother."

"I am extremely proud," Brian Giles said regarding his little brother. "They think they are ragging me, but I think it's great. He's making a name for himself.
Hopefully, he can establish himself here and play here for a long time."

If they had their way, the two brothers would have an opportunity to spend more time together as teammates in Atlanta. But Brian remains under contract
with the Pirates and is due approximately $7 million during the final two years of his deal.

"I've got two more years left, and then I can call my own shots," Brian said. "We'll see what happens."

Heading into this weekend's series, Marcus is hitting .320 with seven homers and 32 RBIs. His older brother, whose overall offensive statistics were bettered
only by Barry Bonds last year, was disabled by a right knee injury earlier this season and is currently hitting just .270 with five homers and 24 RBIs.

"He says he's been getting a lot of grief from people that are reminding him that my numbers are better," Marcus said. "But just wait until he gets some more
at-bats."

Brian, who is hitting .323 with 14 RBIs in his past 17 games, certainly isn't sulking because his little brother has better numbers than him. Instead, he takes
great pride in seeing what Marcus achieved this season. "I'm happy for him," Brian said. "After everything he had to go through last season, it's great to see
him get off to the start that he's gotten off to."

Marcus seems to have gained an even greater mental resolve while bouncing back from a 2002 season during which a severe ankle injury cost him his role
as a regular. At the same time, he had to endure the pain which resulted from the death of his firstborn, who died less than three weeks after her birth.

But these are certainly happier times for the Giles family. Marcus and Brian were joined in Atlanta this weekend with their parents and sister, who traveled
from San Diego. This is the first time the entire family has been together since Marcus's wife, Tracy, gave birth to Arringtun Mae Giles on May 5.