Mondesi Apologizes for Profane Attack

In an unexpected outpouring of emotion, outfielder Raul Mondesi broke his silence to The Times on Sunday about his recent expletive-filled diatribe and requested forgiveness from Dodger fans for his major lapse in judgment.

Mondesi for the first time acknowledged that his comments about General Manager Kevin Malone and Manager Davey Johnson were highly inappropriate for many reasons, especially considering he is a role model. Mondesi hopes the public doesn’t measure him only on what occurred Aug. 11 in Montreal, explaining he was momentarily overwhelmed by his frustration stemming from the Dodgers’ disastrous season.

Not that fans should excuse what he did, but Mondesi said he wants them to know he is sincerely sorry.

However, Mondesi, who hit his career-high 32nd home run in a 10-7 afternoon victory over the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium, declined to discuss his trade demand. Mondesi said he and his agent, Jeff Moorad, will address that privately with team officials after the season.

Mondesi also declined to comment about his feelings toward Malone and Johnson, preferring to focus on apologizing to the fans.

To better express his feelings, the native of the Dominican Republic spoke in Spanish and his comments were translated by Eugene Mato, his longtime friend and business associate. On fan appreciation day at Dodger Stadium, Mondesi moved to mend fences before the season finale at Dodger Stadium that also may have marked his last game there as a Dodger.

“I really feel bad about this,” the right fielder said softly. “I feel bad that this has happened and that I used [foul] language and said those things. I know I’m a role model, and you shouldn’t use that type of language when you’re a role model, especially if you are.

“That wasn’t right and I want the fans to know that I’m sorry about that. I’ve always loved the fans and that’s why I feel really bad.”

Once among the most popular Dodgers with fans, Mondesi has been booed vociferously at Dodger Stadium since attacking Malone and Johnson verbally while demanding to be traded.

The familiar chants of Rauuuuuuul quickly turned to boos as fans turned against Mondesi. The fans’ booing has been traumatic for Mondesi because of his strong bond with them throughout his six-plus strong seasons at Chavez Ravine.

Although the reaction toward him has been more mixed recently, Mondesi accepts that some fans remain upset with him. He has been unable to speak about the situation until now because of his emotions.

“The fans have always been there to support me,” Mondesi said. “The fans have been great to me every year and I’ve always played hard for the fans, and I think everyone knows that. I don’t think I have to tell them that.

“I’ve just tried to continue playing hard this year. I just want to finish up the year as best I can. That’s all I’ve tried to do.”

Mondesi had never before experienced the roller coaster of emotions he has this season. From the high of hitting two home runs--including an 11th-inning game-winner--in an 8-6, opening-day victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium, to his outburst in Montreal, Mondesi has had a dizzying and painful ride.

Ironically, he’s also having a career season statistically.

With 32 homers and a personal-best 33 stolen bases, Mondesi is the only player in the major leagues to reach the 30-30 plateau, accomplishing the feat for the second time. He has already established a new single-season mark with 92 runs batted in.

His batting average, though, is only .250--45 points below his career average beginning this season.

Despite his all-around stats, Mondesi is not impressed.

“No, I’m not satisfied,” Mondesi said. “The bottom line is that the team didn’t [have a good season]. That’s all that matters.”

Mato interjected at that point. He said the team’s failure has turned Mondesi into a different person.

“I don’t think anyone was more disappointed in the outcome of this year than Raul,” said Mato, who has known Mondesi since 1992. “I’ve never seen Raul as emotionally down as I’ve seen him at a lot of points this year. He really believed the team had a chance to go all the way.”

Mondesi said a few good things have occurred this season.

“Sometimes in bad years good things happen,” Mondesi said. “My family, friends and teammates have been very supportive.

“I appreciate the support [left fielder Gary Sheffield] Sheff has given me. Ever since Sheff came to the Dodgers, he has [counseled him]. He is a great teammate and a great friend. People who say we’re not a team don’t know what they’re talking about.”

The Dodgers begin a season-ending trip on Tuesday against the San Francisco Giants and finish against the Houston Astros on Oct. 3. Mondesi and Moorad will meet shortly after the team returns to Los Angeles before meeting with Malone to discuss the future.

“I don’t know if I’m going to be back or not, but I want the fans to know how much they’ve meant to me,” Mondesi said. “Even if I end up some place else, I don’t think I would ever find a better group of fans. They will always be in my heart. Always.”

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