Matt LeCroy was on Long Island getting ready for a game against the Ducks when he got the call.

It wasn't the call most Atlantic League players dream about. This wasn't another chance with a big-league organization.

No, this call was even better. It was from LeCroy's wife, Holly, who had just received word that the couple was going to adopt their third child.

It was a boy, Noah, and he's five weeks old.

"My wife called me and told me about the whole thing, giving me all the directives and that kind of stuff," LeCroy said. "We ended up saying yes and about seven days later she went and picked him up."

The LeCroys welcomed Noah into their home last month. Matt didn't get to meet his first son until the All-Star break last week, when he finally had time to fly home to Belton, S.C.

This is a unique baseball family. Matt and Holly decided to adopt their first child, Isabella, in 2004 when the couple was told they were unable to have kids of their own. The following year Holly unexpectedly became pregnant with their second daughter, Maggie.

Now there are three children, all ages three and under, roaming the LeCroys' house.

"I wouldn't mind having four or five," Matt said with a smile.

LeCroy's life and baseball career are at a different stage than many of his teammates on the Lancaster Barnstormers. His playing days are almost over and he has no burning desire to climb the minor-league ladder.

The former big leaguer has already seen the big time. He played parts of eight seasons in the majors, hit 60 home runs at that level, and made enough money to live comfortably.

Because of his demeanor and past success, LeCroy casts a giant shadow in the Barnstormers' clubhouse. The 6-2, 230-pound designated hitter is like a big brother for the guys who are just getting started.

Teammates respect him. Everyone likes him.

"Even when he was struggling, he kept the guys loose," manager Von Hayes said. "He makes them not take themselves too seriously. You've got to have that. You can't have guys fall into a rut or get down on themselves too much."

On the surface, this would seem an unfortunate end to an accomplished career. LeCroy was a first-round draft pick out of Clemson who quickly ascended to the majors with the Minnesota Twins. He has played in the playoffs at the highest level and has launched homers against some elite pitchers - such as CC Sabathia and Mike Mussina.

Today, LeCroy finds himself on an independent league team with a losing record. He's surrounded by teammates who haven't done nearly what he has done.

That doesn't keep LeCroy from enjoying himself. When the music is blaring after a Barnstormers win, he's usually dancing along with a big smile on his face.

He loves the game at any level.

"I play baseball to have fun," he said. "I have fun every time I go out. If you don't win, you have to figure out ways to do it. You can't be satisfied with being average or below average. You've got to play better. Hopefully, we can win the second half."

After struggling through the first two months with a shoulder injury, LeCroy has displayed his big-league talent recently. He's hitting .402 with three homers and 22 RBIs in 20 games since returning to the lineup full-time on June 25.

LeCroy will turn 33 in December. He knows the end is near and he knows questions about it are always going to surface. He hasn't decided if this will be his final season. It depends on whether he can continue to take the physical grind.

"I feel pretty good now," he said. "I'm not 100 percent. I'm at the age where you're never going to be 100 percent. I want to play, but if my body doesn't hold up, I'm sure I'll have to venture into something else."

That something else is managing or coaching. LeCroy had an offer to manage in the Washington Nationals' system prior to the 2007 season, but turned it down. He seems a natural fit to run a team. He knows the game well and has the kind of personality that will unite players behind him.

Before he gets to that phase, LeCroy spends his time in Lancaster. He spends his hours away from the ballpark trying to stay in touch with his wife and three kids. Holly sends pictures and videos to his cell phone and the family even uses a web cam so they can stay close despite the distance.

Whenever LeCroy's life as a ballplayer ends, he knows another great life is ahead of him.

Staff writer Jason Guarente can be reached at jguarente@LNPnews.com or 291-8777.