Dear Alex,
What happened? I remember being an 8 year old kid, passionate about the sport that you had become famous for, and I loved watching you play. Don't get me wrong, I'm a Sox fan, so Nomar was obviously the preferred shortstop, but you were elegant. You were artistic. You played the game beautifully and it was amazing to watch. You were younger than I am now when you came into the league. Just a kid. Just like that 8 year old kid I once was. I guess a part of me still wishes I was that naive 8 year old....
You did what everyone does: when your contract expired, you ran for the money. I didn't blame you for that. You were still possibly the most amazing ballplayer I had ever watched. You were playing for that crappy team in Texas, so I didn't care. And you went there for SO much money.. What was it, like 252 million? I'm 21 years old and I'm freaking out about finding a big boy job next year, meanwhile you've been a millionaire since you were my age. But it wasn't enough. I guess that one sentence pretty much sums it all up, nothing was ever enough.
And then Texas wasn't cutting it so you split. Went to New York. At first, I was so pissed because the Sox had been in the discussion of acquiring you and it fell through. Now you were the enemy. You were the scumbag who put on pinstripes. I no longer admired you, I thought you had become selfish. You were starting to lose touch with baseball, and with the beauty that you once played it with.
And then you admitted to my worst fear as a fan: using steroids. I know many people don't mind steroids, they think it adds an element to the game and raises the bar. My problem is that it takes away from the purity of the sport. I wouldn't be able to make comparisons to Jimmie Foxx or Ted Williams knowing the modern player had an unfair advantage. How would DiMaggio feel if somebody got a hit in 57 games because they took a pill that helped them. How did Aaron feel in 2007?
And now this Biogenesis scandal. This is the icing on the cake. You have become possibly the least likable person in baseball history. To me, you are worse than Pete Rose. Worse than Roger Clemens. Worse than the 1919 Black Sox.
I just read today that there are now allegations that you, or a member of your entourage, ratted out the rest of the guys from Biogenesis. Alex, all I want to hear is the truth. For me that has been the worst part. You've fought every allegation and denied every accusation. Everyone knows that it's true. Nobody doubts that you've cheated the game that gave you so much. There is literally one thing you can do that will ever redeem you in the eyes of the people:
And that is to be honest.
You will never be that same 20 year old kid on the diamond. Blowing bubble gum, hitting home runs, and goofing around with Junior. You will never be looked at as potentially the greatest hitter to ever play the game. I hope that 100 years from now, you still will not be in the hall of fame for how much disrespect you have shown the game. But if you were to admit to this. Admit to all of the atrocities you have committed, I could find in my heart to forgive you.
But I will never forget it.
Friday, August 16, 2013
My Thoughts on Egypt
The comparison I made about the way the rest of the world is handling the crisis in Egypt is a pretty basic one: it's like if there was a fight at recess and the principal and all the teachers just stood around watching.
I definitely do not consider myself an expert on foreign policy. Or even a novice for that matter. I know nothing about political strategies, international relations, or how governments work. I have been following along this Egypt story for sometime now. I get it, the protesters weren't happy with Morsy so they booted him. Now his supporters aren't happy with a military government so they're in uproar. Again, these are issues that we kind of take for granted because we are living in a first world country, where we can't imagine this kind of thing happening. A civil war is on the cusp and everyone is ideally watching it. I just read this morning that some of the larger countries in the EU are going to hold a phone conference to discuss what future actions to take.
...So now it's like a school yard fight were the teachers and principal are all debating whether or not to get involved....
Again, I don't know much about this subject so I'm not going to rant for as long as I usually do. I think something needs to be done. I do not necessarily think the United States is solely responsible, but the UN needs to get together and figure out a course of action soon, or else we're going to be looking at extended chaos and turmoil.
I definitely do not consider myself an expert on foreign policy. Or even a novice for that matter. I know nothing about political strategies, international relations, or how governments work. I have been following along this Egypt story for sometime now. I get it, the protesters weren't happy with Morsy so they booted him. Now his supporters aren't happy with a military government so they're in uproar. Again, these are issues that we kind of take for granted because we are living in a first world country, where we can't imagine this kind of thing happening. A civil war is on the cusp and everyone is ideally watching it. I just read this morning that some of the larger countries in the EU are going to hold a phone conference to discuss what future actions to take.
...So now it's like a school yard fight were the teachers and principal are all debating whether or not to get involved....
Again, I don't know much about this subject so I'm not going to rant for as long as I usually do. I think something needs to be done. I do not necessarily think the United States is solely responsible, but the UN needs to get together and figure out a course of action soon, or else we're going to be looking at extended chaos and turmoil.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
My Thoughts on Immigration Reform
I've mentioned before that one of my best friends, Priscilla, moved to the United States with her family from Kenya when she was a toddler. While she speaks Dholuo (I have no clue how to spell that) and is very in touch with her Kenyan roots, she always has considered herself to be a member of this country. Her family is well educated, both her parents have great jobs, and she and both her older brothers have been successful. This family fought to obtain their citizenship for the longest time. It was not until her brother Paul chose to join the Navy that they were all actually granted citizenship.
Now, maybe it's just me, but that seems pretty selfish. To me, that's basically the United States saying, "We do not want these wonderful contributing members of society to be a part of this country... Unless it can benefit us directly". I understand that is how the world works. Very few people will do anything for someone else unless they can get something in return. Herein lies the problem with our immigration system in the US.
Republicans and Democrats in Washington are continuously bickering about how to go about fixing this flawed system. Republicans are calling from greater border control and Democrats want the path to citizenship to be loosened. My question is, why can't we have both?
On the one hand, I do think that it is far too easy for people to just sneak in and live normal lives here as illegal immigrants. We have a system of laws set up to prevent this, and for whatever reason, these laws are often neglected. There are far too many people taking advantage of the American way of life without paying their dues. It is not fair for those who work hard every day to make up for it.
However, the thing I don't understand is why we can't just grant them citizenship? I'm not saying anybody who wants to can become a citizen, but the process that we have now is far too difficult. I've seen some examples of the questions that they pose on the tests, and I can say with 100% certainty, if I had to take one of those, I would be deported instantaneously. Why can't we ease up on these tests? People clearly want to be here, that's why they immigrated here to begin with, why don't we reward them for their determination to assimilate to the US? Why did it take my friend's brother's willingness to risk his life for this country before we responded, "Okay, we guess you can stay".
All this being said, I do think that border control has to increase as well. I think both sides have great ideas, but why do they refuse to work together?
As I've said, I grew up in a very diverse town. Everybody I knew, whether they were Brazilian, Puerto Rican, Mexican, white, black, Asian, Jewish, Christian, or whatever, they identified with these ethnicities/religions/nationalities. However, every single one of them is proud and happy to live in the United States. Whether they were legal or not, they considered themselves American. So why can't we allow that to be the case?
Now, maybe it's just me, but that seems pretty selfish. To me, that's basically the United States saying, "We do not want these wonderful contributing members of society to be a part of this country... Unless it can benefit us directly". I understand that is how the world works. Very few people will do anything for someone else unless they can get something in return. Herein lies the problem with our immigration system in the US.
Republicans and Democrats in Washington are continuously bickering about how to go about fixing this flawed system. Republicans are calling from greater border control and Democrats want the path to citizenship to be loosened. My question is, why can't we have both?
On the one hand, I do think that it is far too easy for people to just sneak in and live normal lives here as illegal immigrants. We have a system of laws set up to prevent this, and for whatever reason, these laws are often neglected. There are far too many people taking advantage of the American way of life without paying their dues. It is not fair for those who work hard every day to make up for it.
However, the thing I don't understand is why we can't just grant them citizenship? I'm not saying anybody who wants to can become a citizen, but the process that we have now is far too difficult. I've seen some examples of the questions that they pose on the tests, and I can say with 100% certainty, if I had to take one of those, I would be deported instantaneously. Why can't we ease up on these tests? People clearly want to be here, that's why they immigrated here to begin with, why don't we reward them for their determination to assimilate to the US? Why did it take my friend's brother's willingness to risk his life for this country before we responded, "Okay, we guess you can stay".
All this being said, I do think that border control has to increase as well. I think both sides have great ideas, but why do they refuse to work together?
As I've said, I grew up in a very diverse town. Everybody I knew, whether they were Brazilian, Puerto Rican, Mexican, white, black, Asian, Jewish, Christian, or whatever, they identified with these ethnicities/religions/nationalities. However, every single one of them is proud and happy to live in the United States. Whether they were legal or not, they considered themselves American. So why can't we allow that to be the case?
Monday, August 5, 2013
Baseball Special: Citizens Bank Park
Park #4 was Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia today. We got to see the heated NL East rivalry of the Braves against the hometown Phillies. I do not exaggerate when I say that this was possibly the most boring game I've ever seen at the park. I think things would have been different if the Phillies were good, but due to their poor season, the park was lifeless. The fans were not into it, the team was just as indifferent, and we watched as the Braves took this game 4-1 with ease.
For me, the highlight of the game was the ninth inning of both halves. In the top, I got to see Papelbon pitched. This was the first time I've seen him throw since he left the Red Sox, and it was little bit nostalgic for me. He didn't run out to Hells Bells, he didn't fist bump the security guard, he didn't throw 97 mph heaters and he got booed by everyone in the park (probably because of his interview where he was quoted as saying, "I didn't come here for this" - in reference to the terrible season the Phillies are in the midst of). But I still loved watching him pitch. His intensity was unbelievable and it was the reason he was so exciting to watch in Boston. In the bottom half, I got to see Craig Kimbral throw for the first time. He is a beast, totally worth the hype. He was hitting 97-98 consistently on the radar gun and he had all the fiery passion that I used to see in Papelbon. I look forward to years of dominance from him going forward.
The park itself was nice but nothing to write home about. I did think the view from our seats was pretty, and the park had cool features, but in general it was very plain. The food was average and there was not much diversity in this department. There were no exciting peanut vendors like we saw at Camden. There was no personality to the park.
That being said, I had a great time. This trip has been fun and I've been able to see parts of two cities that I had never experienced before. This was probably the last park we'll see this year, but it was certainly fun taking this road trip.
For me, the highlight of the game was the ninth inning of both halves. In the top, I got to see Papelbon pitched. This was the first time I've seen him throw since he left the Red Sox, and it was little bit nostalgic for me. He didn't run out to Hells Bells, he didn't fist bump the security guard, he didn't throw 97 mph heaters and he got booed by everyone in the park (probably because of his interview where he was quoted as saying, "I didn't come here for this" - in reference to the terrible season the Phillies are in the midst of). But I still loved watching him pitch. His intensity was unbelievable and it was the reason he was so exciting to watch in Boston. In the bottom half, I got to see Craig Kimbral throw for the first time. He is a beast, totally worth the hype. He was hitting 97-98 consistently on the radar gun and he had all the fiery passion that I used to see in Papelbon. I look forward to years of dominance from him going forward.
The park itself was nice but nothing to write home about. I did think the view from our seats was pretty, and the park had cool features, but in general it was very plain. The food was average and there was not much diversity in this department. There were no exciting peanut vendors like we saw at Camden. There was no personality to the park.
That being said, I had a great time. This trip has been fun and I've been able to see parts of two cities that I had never experienced before. This was probably the last park we'll see this year, but it was certainly fun taking this road trip.
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Baseball Special: Camden Yards
So today my dad and I went to Camden Yards in Baltimore to watch the Orioles take on the Mariners. With the exception of a wrestling tournament I went to in Florida when I was in high school, this was the farthest south I've ever been. Being from New England, I literally considered myself, geographically, in the 'south', and my opinion was not halted by the plethora of southern accents I heard. It was a fun game, the Mariners ended up winning 8-4, but we got to see my boy Manny Machado put one out, Matt Wieters helped my fantasy team with a home run and for some reason Justin Smoak decided to have the game of his career. I would definitely not be exaggerating when I say that Camden was the best park I've been to thus far.
I'm not going to bore everyone with dull details and play-by-play descriptions of the game. Instead I'm going to bore you all with details concerning why this trip was unique. First, I'll start by talking about the peanut guy. I don't know what you technically call this guy, but he's the guy who walks up and down the aisles throwing beer, water, and peanuts to the lucky attendees who sit in his section. This guy was a riot. Before the game started I went to the bathroom and on my way back in I could hear this guy yelling, "PEANUTS, PEANUTS, WATER, WATER, BEER, BEER, BEER!" This performance was on repeat for the 3 minutes it took me to fight through the line and get back to my seat. My dad and I started discussing how long this energy charade was going to keep up before we found him passed out leaning against the wall near the entrance of the park. I predicted the fourth inning. He lasted the whole game and was thoroughly entertaining throughout.
One thing that was really cool was the national anthem. When the singer belted "Oh say! Does that star spangled bannnneeerrrrrrr..." The entire ballpark echoed in unison "OH" at the start of the line. Apparently that's a tradition at the park. They do it to commemorate their beloved O's. Something I would never have known without going to the park (or if somebody told me, but there's no fun in that).
The last awesome aspect was the bachelor party that was there. It was 10 guys or so of various ages with Orioles themed shirts which said "Team Groom" on the back. They were awesome! Every half inning they would stand up and hold up signs in an attempt to get their boy (the groom) on TV. It was really cool seeing how into it they all were, and I really think that that would be an ideal bachelor party. You and a handful of other guys, having a few drinks, watching baseball and celebrating the end of one's solidarity. Nils, Jack: take notes. That would be an AWESOME bachelor party.
Tomorrow we're heading to Philly to catch the Phillies play the Braves on Sunday Night Baseball. This was an awesome trip to an awesome park though. Also, the Red Sox beat Patrick Corbin and the D-Backs, so it was an fantastic night.
I'm not going to bore everyone with dull details and play-by-play descriptions of the game. Instead I'm going to bore you all with details concerning why this trip was unique. First, I'll start by talking about the peanut guy. I don't know what you technically call this guy, but he's the guy who walks up and down the aisles throwing beer, water, and peanuts to the lucky attendees who sit in his section. This guy was a riot. Before the game started I went to the bathroom and on my way back in I could hear this guy yelling, "PEANUTS, PEANUTS, WATER, WATER, BEER, BEER, BEER!" This performance was on repeat for the 3 minutes it took me to fight through the line and get back to my seat. My dad and I started discussing how long this energy charade was going to keep up before we found him passed out leaning against the wall near the entrance of the park. I predicted the fourth inning. He lasted the whole game and was thoroughly entertaining throughout.
One thing that was really cool was the national anthem. When the singer belted "Oh say! Does that star spangled bannnneeerrrrrrr..." The entire ballpark echoed in unison "OH" at the start of the line. Apparently that's a tradition at the park. They do it to commemorate their beloved O's. Something I would never have known without going to the park (or if somebody told me, but there's no fun in that).
The last awesome aspect was the bachelor party that was there. It was 10 guys or so of various ages with Orioles themed shirts which said "Team Groom" on the back. They were awesome! Every half inning they would stand up and hold up signs in an attempt to get their boy (the groom) on TV. It was really cool seeing how into it they all were, and I really think that that would be an ideal bachelor party. You and a handful of other guys, having a few drinks, watching baseball and celebrating the end of one's solidarity. Nils, Jack: take notes. That would be an AWESOME bachelor party.
Tomorrow we're heading to Philly to catch the Phillies play the Braves on Sunday Night Baseball. This was an awesome trip to an awesome park though. Also, the Red Sox beat Patrick Corbin and the D-Backs, so it was an fantastic night.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)