ESPN MAGAZINE

Imagine that you have to answer the same question forever. Imagine that it was born before you, that there was never a time when this question did not exist. Imagine that it changes form and context, tone and insinuation. Imagine that it mutates from idle curiosity to penetrating interest. It can be implied or overt, rude or meek, but it is always there. Its versatility is impressive; it can apply to your heritage, your attitude, your ambition, even the way you carry yourself. Imagine that this question is driven in turns by prejudice, ignorance and innocence. Imagine that you don't care about the answer, maybe don't even fully know the answer, even as you realize the question will never go away.

Imagine that at one of your greatest moments, after you have hit two home runs in a World Series game and sit before the media representing the entire world, the question arrives. Someone in the back, raising his hand like he has something indispensable to say, asks the question: By the way, Davey Lopes, what are you?

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