Mets' Curtis Granderson Leaving His Mark In Hometown
CHICAGO (CBS) -- One of the key Mets players breaking Cubs fans' hearts so far is a Chicagoan -- outfielder Curtis Granderson.
Despite being a Cubs killer, he's beloved here at home. CBS 2's Jim Williams takes a closer look at one of the real good guys in the world of sports.
Granderson lives here in the offseason. Now, he's trying to beat the Cubs in the NLCS, but he's devoted to his hometown.
On the campus of the University of Illinois-Chicago is a beautiful ballpark: Curtis Granderson Stadium.
"It's neat to have my name on something that's going to be here for very long time," Granderson said two years ago when the ballpark was dedicated.
His parents, former CPS teachers, were there with him.
"Just great people," is how UIC baseball coach Mike Dee describes the entire Granderson family. Granderson played for Dee a little more than a decade ago.
"He was one of the most coachable kids I've ever been around," Dee said. "You didn't have to talk to him about something twice. He was a tireless worker."
It's a work ethic that made Granderson a star in the major leagues. He donated $5 million to the UIC, an extraordinary gift from any athlete to his or her alma mater.
"The biggest gift a pro athlete is ever given to his university in any sport," Dee said.
But Dee says Granderson doesn't just write big checks.
"Most of the things he does go completely off the radar," he said.
He mentors young people, has a foundation and insists that public school and Little League teams play at Granderson Stadium for free.
"He does love this city there's no question about it," Dee said.
Though he's hurting the Cubs now, Granderson will soon return to Chicago in the offseason, with deep pockets and a generous spirit.
"He's just a really grounded, good human being," Dee said.
Granderson graduated from UIC. Education is just one of his passions.
You almost want to cheer for him against the Cubs.
