Thumbnails | Next player The Say-Hello Kid: Sean Casey (who?), a 24-year-old former NCAA batting champ and Mr. Nice Guy, leads the NL in batting average. Batting practice is baseball's daily version of a Shriners' convention, and Sean Casey knows how to work the room. Unlike most other players, who navigate gingerly through the swamp of coaches, reporters and hangers-on around the cage, Casey, the Reds' glad-handing first baseman, wades right in. A pat on the back for an out-of-town writer. A handshake for a member of the Cinergy Field grounds crew. A wave to an opposing coach. The 6'4", 220-pound Casey looks them all in the eye, smiles and calls them all by name. "Everyone he ever meets, he remembers the guy's name," says Cincinnati shortstop Barry Larkin. "He's one of the most sincere guys I've ever met." Says Reds general manager Jim Bowden, "If Sean ran for mayor, he'd win." The only people Casey hasn't killed with kindness are opposing pitchers. Through Sunday Casey, 24, was leading the National League with a .429 average, was fourth in slugging percentage (.683) and third in hits (27). He also led the league in affability. "I know I like it when someone says, 'Hey, Case, how you doing?'" he says. "So when I walk by someone, I try to say hello." -- Stephen Cannella Issue date: May 3, 1999 Photograph by John Biever Sports Illustrated on Baseball | Team-by-Team Reports Rookie of the Year Watch | SI's Inside Baseball Archive

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