Game still hasn’t worn out genes

To commemorate Father’s Day -- and to promote a link reading, “Take Dad to a ballgame: Buy tickets now” -- MLB.com published a heartwarming story about the remarkable 30 sons of former major leaguers who have played in the big leagues this season.

The legacy has been handed down from Cecil Fielder to Prince Fielder, from Ken Griffey Sr. to Ken Griffey Jr., Felipe Alou to Moises Alou, Bob Boone to Aaron Boone, as well as from Gary Matthews Sr. to Gary Matthews Jr.

And of course, Bobby Bonds to Barry Bonds.

“It’s genetics. It’s all genetics,” Bonds said.

Oh, is that what all the legal wrangling is about?

Trivia time

At least six sets of fathers and sons have played in the same U.S. Open. Who were the most recent to do it?

Do the math

We’re not saying there’s anything to the talk that some ballplayers fudge their birth date to seem younger. But as noted by Fark.com, the official bio of Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jose Mesa says he was born in 1966 and the oldest of his six children was born in 1974.

A word from Joshua Wooden

Enough cynicism for a moment.

In the book “My Personal Best,” with Steve Jamison, John Wooden, now 96, remembers his father.

“He was a living model of his own ‘two sets of threes’ -- brief instructions that he felt were basic to decent behavior. My brothers and I heard his two sets of threes often while growing up -- not as often as we ate oatmeal, but enough that we remembered them: “ ‘Never lie. Never cheat. Never steal,’ was his first set. ‘Don’t whine. Don’t complain. Don’t make excuses,’ was the second set.

“He believed you should do your best, and if the results were unsatisfactory, keep quiet about it and work harder next time.” Try it.

More from John Wooden

“Parenting is the most important profession in the world.”

Short night, short series

LeBron James became a father for the second time early Thursday when his girlfriend, Savannah Brinson, gave birth to the couple’s second son, Bryce Maximus James.

The Cleveland Cavaliers star was at the hospital when the baby was born at 12:51 a.m. and he still made the shoot-around that morning before Game 4 of the NBA Finals. James had 24 points and 10 assists in Thursday’s game, but went 10 for 30 from the field.

Teammate Larry Hughes was hopeful before the San Antonio Spurs completed the sweep that “bringing another life into the world will maybe give us life.” Or look at it this way: At least James didn’t have to go back to San Antonio.

Because of the sweep, he got some sleep.

Trivia answer

Jay and Bill Haas, in 2003 and again in 2004.

And finally...

From the archives, in honor of every father who changes a diaper today, former major league player Jimmy Piersall on how to manage the task: “Spread the diaper in the position of the diamond with you at bat. Then, fold second base down to home and set the baby on the pitcher’s mound. Put first base and third together, bring up home plate and pin the three together.

“Of course, in case of rain, you gotta call the game and start all over again.”

Thank goodness for Pampers.

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robyn.norwood@latimes.com