"It started out with white cleats, because other kids wore black cleats, but the stirrups didn't start until I was about 12 or 13, and ever since, it just kind of stuck," said Graham, a Rule 5 Draft pick. "It's to stand out, and there's a reason for it."
As Julie remembers it, Graham was a shortstop in Little League in their hometown of Livermore, Calif., when he first went to the white cleats so she could spot him on the field. He moved on to the stirrups shortly thereafter, and she's appreciative he has her in mind when he does it.