The Heart of Sport Blog

I think we all should take a moment out of our busy day to thank Manny Ramirez for his latest adventure.

Manny has given us a great opportunity to draw some lines in the sand for those out there that call themselves fans.  There are huge differences in philosophy among fans and Manny has given us the opportunity to identify the true “lovers of the game” and ferret out those who really just don’t get it.

If you are among those who think that Manny’s batting average justifies all else, please raise your hand, because you need to be identified, maybe even tagged with one of those little metal bands around your ankle.  The tag would read, “I don’t really understand the concept of team, but don’t I look cool in my $300 jersey that I bought instead of paying child support last month”.

Get a clue.  No one is bigger than the team.  And when a player visibly loafs his way through a game, he is insulting every player that has stepped out of a dugout.  Worse than that, he sends a message to our children that effort is only something that is given from a selfish motivation, not because others (your team) will benefit from it. 

Today in Oklahoma City there was a memorial service for Bobby Murcer.  Bobby was a good player, not a great player.  But Bobby played every inning for his team, not for himself.  Isn’t that the way we want our kids to approach the game?  Players like Manny have made it very difficult for little league coaches to get the attention of today’s youth.  

So give it some thought.  If you really think that Manny’s actions were ok for the game because he was a great hitter, then make sure you don’t ever take on the role of youth coach, or big brother, or school teacher.  Because you just don’t get it.

So thanks, Manny, for letting us get a look at those who think the price of character  can be paid for with self-centered behavior instead of effort and a team first work ethic. 

Actually, they’ve never been that hard to spot.

dwillis

Last night’s homerun derby at Yankee Stadium had some very special moments even before the first pitch was lobbed to the plate.  In an interview with an espn reporter, Texas Ranger player Josh Hamilton professed in front of 55000 live fans and millions watching television that the reason for his success was the work that Jesus Christ had done in his life.  Hamilton’s story is an amazing one, from being the first player picked in the draft in 1999 to a complete collapse under the addiction of heroine, cocaine and alcohol.  Josh is not the only story like this  in pro sports and it is refreshing to hear him put his testimony out there on a big stage for fans to hear and hopefully reflect upon.

Also surprising was the comment by one of the espn personalities who said ,” it’s a tough night to be an athiest”.  This comment was made after Hamilton had smashed the homerun derby record with 28 bombs in one round, and then gave credit to God for his success on and off the field.

Great stuff!

dwillis 07.15.08

Remember when you would see kids playing catch when you drove through a neighborhood? 

Remember when work-up was the best way to get everyone, regardless of age, size or skill into a game?

Remember the smell of a new glove and how important it was to put a ball in the pocket and tie it with a shoestring over night?

Remember when you had no idea how much money your favorite player made but you knew he would run out every ground ball?

Remember when opening day was a holiday?

At The Heart of Sport we are determined to keep these memories alive and well for the generations to come.

Thank you Mike Shanahan, coach of the Denver Broncos for telling children that being consistent in small things, even in personal things, is what makes Champions.