Shawon Dunston Jr. embraces his namesake

Giving it back
He's been around the top of the game his whole life.

He skipped around the Giants' clubhouse often during the 2001 and 2002 seasons, the latter when they won the National League pennant. Dunston, a career .269 hitter with 150 home runs for 10 different teams, was a reserve outfielder on those San Francisco squads.

Those were some of his son's fondest memories.

"Seeing my dad hit a home run in the World Series was very cool," Dunston Jr. said. "So was being around one of the greatest players ever (Barry Bonds)."

These days Dunston Jr. has bonded with the younger Giants – Buster Posey, Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain – when he visits his dad.

Dunston coaches during all home games for the Giants, occasional away games and often instructs for the franchise's Single-A San Jose squad. Dunston Jr. wasn't with the Giants when they won the World Series in Texas last season but he did ride in the parade with his dad, mom Tracie and three sisters.

"That was a great day both as a Giants fan and a family experience," Dunston Jr. said.

Carrying his dad's name does create pressure, though.

"I didn't feel it as much as a youth but in high school it's definitely there. People know who you are and want to show you up. I try to just give it back but at the same time not let it consume me," Dunston Jr. said. "I'm fortunate because of the talents my dad and mom gave me, but I'm my own person too."

No argument there from Diatte. He's been around Dunston Jr. since he arrived at the private K-12 school in the seventh grade.

"He's a very good kid," Diatte said. "Very personable. He's polite, says the right things and all (his teammates) enjoy being around him."

He thinks the burden Dunston Jr. feels is probably more than he lets on.

"No one knows how hard it is to be him," he said. "Few know what it's like to be in a big league locker room and how that affects him. He very much wants to be a successful baseball player. He puts it on himself."

What are his strengths and weaknesses?

"He's a great defensive player, has incredible speed and excellent pop in his bat," Diatte said. "He needs to work on his arm strength and making sure every at-bat counts."

Dunston Jr. goes to his dad for advice about as often as dad seeks to give it.

"It's definitely 50-50," Dunston Jr. said. "I'm 18 years old and stubborn sometimes. He'll come to me just when he thinks I need it."

Diatte said Dunston has always allowed him to do his job.

"Shawon Sr. has been awesome," Diatte said. "He lets us do the coaching and he talks to his son after the game. He's hands off but always very personable and very helpful."

As far as Dunston Jr. with his teammates?

"He's just one of the guys," Diatte said. "They treat him like anyone else. They don't care what his name is."

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