By FRANK CASH

Herald-Whig Sports Writer

HANNIBAL, Mo. -- When Curtis Ford was growing up in suburban St. Louis, Mo., there were always interesting visitors stopping by his house.

Having a former major leaguer for a father was a big reason for that. Curt Ford played six years in the majors, including four of those with the St. Louis Cardinals, including their 1985 and 1987 World Series seasons.

That led to regular visits from former Cardinals players such as Ozzie Smith, Vince Coleman and David Green.

"It was neat having them around," Curtis Ford said. "My dad is still good friends with David Green. They're still close."

The younger Ford is now carving out a baseball career of his own.

After starring at Parkway South High School and with Manchester American Legion Post 208, Ford has started in each of his first two seasons at Mississippi Valley State University.

Ford is spending this summer playing second base during the Hannibal Cavemen's inaugural season in the Prospect League.

Cavemen manager Jay Hemond is the son of former Chicago White Sox and Baltimore Orioles manager Roland Hemond. When Hemond was growing up, he got to rub shoulders with several major leaguers.

He also got a taste of that when played at the University of Southern California in the late 1980s. Some of his teammates included two of Don Buford's sons, Jim Campanis Jr. and Bret Barberie, who went on to a six-year career in the majors.

"You're getting to where you're seeing two- or even three-generation players," Jay Hemond said.

"There's no doubt that players who come from baseball families or who have been around former players are maybe a little more prepared to have success."

Even though Ford's on his own and playing college baseball, he still relies on his dad's advice from time to time.

Through the first two weeks of the season, Ford was hitting only .094. That led to a visit from his dad.

"He watched me play a couple of games and we talked a little bit about what I needed to do to get back on track," Ford said. "He told me I needed to keep my weight back a little bit when I was up at the plate. It helped a little bit."

In Ford's next game, he had two hits in a 9-6 victory over Danville. That was followed by a single and a walk the following night in a 6-0 loss to Quincy.

Despite his struggles, Ford has quickly become a fan favorite at Clemens Field. When he gets on base, he's a threat to steal bases and he has a solid glove at second bsae.

"It's been a lot of fun so far," Ford said. "I think the fans were ready for baseball after not having it for so long. They've made the rest of the players and myself feel very welcomed."

Jay Hemond loves Ford's attitudes and his positive attitude toward the game. He's certain that extends beyond the field as well.

"I was talking to Curtis' college coach (Doug Shanks) before he came up here and he told me that we would love him," Hemond said. "He told me Curtis is going to be governor one day. He's just that kind of person. He always has something positive to say and he loves being around people."

There's no doubt he grew up with some great role models.

--sports@whig.com/221-3365