Mike Cameron sits atop the dugout bench in Tacoma with a smile any Mariners fan would recognize from a mile away. He pounds a ball into the mitt on his left hand, as if he’s ready to get out on the field tonight. But Cameron isn’t here to play – he’s here to work in a brand new role.

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On April 26, the Mariners announced they had added Cameron to the player developmental staff as a special assignment coach. This is his first day in Tacoma. In fact, he was planning to visit the Class A affiliate West Virginia Power – much closer to his hometown of Atlanta – but instead he finds himself clear across the country, working on exactly what his title denotes: a special assignment.

Cameron pounds the ball once again into the mitt on his left hand, exclaiming in jest that he’s “getting the bad juju” out of it. Embroidered on the edge of the mitt: The name Mallex Smith, Cameron’s ‘special assignment.’

Smith, optioned to Tacoma on April 30, had been struggling with the Mariners both offensively and defensively. Cameron is here to help.

“I’m trying to get him in the mindset of catching the ball completely, totally all the time. He’s kind of a special case,” he says. “Just trying to get a feel for what he’s doing in the outfield, work on his routes. Get him in better position catching balls, to use his speed to his advantage.”

Cameron has belief in the young outfielder, and while Smith remains young, the time he’s spent in the big leagues will serve him well, according to Cameron.

“He’s 25, he’s experienced it. Once you’ve experienced some success, it’s always a beautiful thing to fall back on, to understand what happens on a daily basis.”

While he is focused on Smith today, Cameron is available to the entire Mariners developmental system. He’s clear that his expertise is available to all.

“I go everywhere and kind of mentor some guys. I have some specific guys I have to really focus in on, but obviously I’m here for anyone who needs some kind of assistance or help,” he says. “While Mallex is here they wanted me to get a chance to come here and see what he’s talking about.”

Anyone who has followed Cameron’s career knows why the Mariners would want him in this role. But what brought him back to the game?

“It’s first love, passion,” says Cameron. “I’ve been kind of standing aside to allow my kids to get themselves situated in life. This is kind of what I know.”

As for what he has to offer the youth on the Tacoma Rainiers roster, it goes back to fundamentals.

“There’s a way to go about your preparation, especially when you’re this close (to the major leagues) – it’s very important to have purposeful work ethic to do what you’re capable of doing on the baseball field daily.”

The Mariners want Smith back in the majors as soon as possible, not only for his upside, but to prevent burning an minor league option year, as well. With Cameron by his side and the support of the organization, the future looks bright for the center fielder.

As for Cameron? There’s no place he’d rather be.

“It’s special all the way around. After playing for eight ball clubs, this felt like home to me. I retired as a Mariner, it’s always special to me.”

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