CATCHING A LAKER OF LOVE INDIANS VETERAN ENJOYS ROLE AS TEACHER, SURVIVOR.

Byline: Matt McHale Staff Writer

Tim Laker doesn't play much anymore, just 29 games this season as the backup catcher for the Cleveland Indians.

For all he knows, a recent visit to Angel Stadium might be the last time his family makes the trip down from Simi Valley to watch him play in the big leagues.

``There is no reason to worry about stuff like that,'' Laker says. ``It's more important to live for today than worry about something you can't control.''

At age 34, Laker never lived up to the scouting reports given before he was drafted by Montreal in 1988. But now with his sixth major-league organization, Laker is an inspiration to everyone he meets.

He survived several life-threatening colon operations in the winter of 2001-02 and resumed his career with the young and improving Indians. He has been a central figure in the development of starting catcher Victor Martinez, who already has 17 home runs and 77 RBI in his first full major-league season.

Although he has just 83 at-bats and a .217 average, Laker made the team because manage Eric Wedge wanted his leadership and mentoring skills to influence Martinez. Wedge, a former catcher who managed Laker two seasons ago in Buffalo, saw his value then, and picked him as the Indians' backup over highly touted Josh Bard.

``Tim is someone who will manage one day in the big leagues,'' Wedge said. ``He doesn't get a chance to play everyday but he is very valuable to us. He has a terrific grasp of the game.''

Laker credits part of his contribution to the perspective he learned during a four-month medical ordeal that began in late 2001.

Just 32 and preparing for his first full season with the Indians, Laker went to Simi Valley Hospital for a routine intestinal exam.

He returned home but got sick and quickly was admitted to the intensive care unit. He went into cardiac arrest with a collapsed lung, kidney failure and liver damage. For 10 long days, doctors feared he would not survive.

Hospital staffers asked his wife Ginger whether she had power of attorney and whether the couple had their affairs in order.

Later, he transferred to UCLA Medical Center for more surgery. Although he lost more than 50 pounds during the ordeal, Laker made it back by the end of the season.

During the Indians' last trip to Anaheim in May, he visited the family of a patient he met in the hospital. He sort of remembers the two watching the January 2002 Super Bowl between the St. Louis Rams and the New England Patriots.

``It was the one where the Rams won,'' he said. ``Wait, no they lost. That's how out of it I was at the time. I can't even tell you who won the Super Bowl that year.''

Laker laughs. He says seeing old buddies from the hospital gives him a clearer picture than many of his teammates can see. Going 0 for 4 at the plate no longer seems so disappointing.

Something like showing Martinez how to pop out from behind home plate and follow through on a throw to second carries a special thrill.

``He has helped me a lot with a lot of things,'' said Martinez, who represented the Indians at the recent All-Star game in Houston.

Laker says he has not had any health concerns recently and plays regularly at 225 pounds. Fried food, a staple in most ballplayer diets, is out and always will be.

``I know I want to stay in the game, whether it is as a coach or manager,'' he said. ``After all I've been through, I have a greater appreciation than ever.''

Matt McHale, [phone]

matt.mchale(at)dailynews.com

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