What was your welcome-to-the-big-leagues moment?
When the A's called me up [in 1997], I went straight to the ballpark from the airport. I didn't want to be late. I got there at 12 o'clock for a seven o'clock game. Everyone made fun of me.
Your most embarrassing moment?
Last year I ran off the field when there were only two outs. I thought there were three. A bunch of guys followed me. Follow the leader, I guess.
Your favorite off-day activity? Going to Miami, taking my daughter [Alexa, 7] to school and then spending the day with my wife and kids. [He also has a son, Miguel, 5.]
If I weren't in the major leagues, I'd ... probably be working in a factory in the Dominican Republic.
LAST WEEK
The 31-year-old Tejada suffered a broken wrist when he was hit by a pitch from the Padres' Doug Brocail, forcing an end to his streak of 1,152 consecutive games played, the fifth-longest in big-league history.
NEXT WEEK
Tejada expects to be ready to play July 7 when he is eligible to come off the DL.
PHOTO
MARK GOLDMAN/ICON SMI (TEJADA ACTION)
PHOTO
JIM ROGASH/WIREIMAGE.COM (TEJADA)
