So, think about it ... Johnny Damon has been
signed by the New York Yankees.
Johnny Damon!!! He's been a poster-child for the Red Sox, and as they won the World Series in 2004, he could be considered a "Yankee-killer;" one who helped break the
curse. I'm just assuming that's important to Red Sox fans. I've never been to a game at Fenway, but from Tv and radio it's apparent that the fans all around Boston are some of the most loyal, dedicated, passionate beer-guzzling baseball lovers around. So, Johnny wants more $ ... I guess we all get that by now. I guess he needs to look around (maybe). And, yet, he settles on the clear, undisputed, deadset RIVAL of the BoSox - the
pinstripes.
I am kinda surprised by this. I like the Red Sox, and I like Johnny Damon. I'm not a die hard fan by any means, but I've sensed some energy and fun around how they played to win it all in recent years! And, Johnny was a VERY high profile player - an "icon" for the BoSox. Now, like I said, he will don that dispised uniform of NY.
... so, what's the point? ...
It immediately causes me to question the value of a team, a uniform, and a sense of place and belonging. Aren't sports and competition usually dealing with US versus THEM? Do the lines here not become clear? Are they not
important?
How does one merely step over that invisible but essential "line," put on a new jersey, shake hands with new teammates (very recently these guys were enemies), and then turn to face the old team - now new competition? And, don't teams print and sell jerseys and market players as "representing" the city or whatever, with the intent that those players gain the admiration of kids who are cheering for the stars of "their" team? Johnny moving to NY just removes another piece of the Jenga puzzle of
Baseball as Greatest Game. (fyi - Alex Rodgriguez's situation is similar! While with TX, one NEVER got a sense that he cared at all about the town and the people. And then what? ... yep, right to NY. We now have an MVP whose status (I think) ends on the field. BUT - haven't the greats always been strategic/careful about what happens "off" the field too? Don't we all esteem that "it's more than just a game"?)
I don't like it.
Yet, I can fathom it when I consider the money, the intent of free agency, and when I am quickly reminded that this MLB is just another damn
corporation! It is 99.9% about $$$$$$ or personal FAME. Loyalty is increasingly embodied LESS by the jersey worn and MORE by the dark, bitter skoal manuerved around the players' gums for a few minutes, then spat-out upon the diamond's bright grass (grass that was likely designed and kept up with by someone with a sense of loyalty - like
these guys)!
(furthering the metaphor, I'll go ahead and link to
skoal - I may never be able to link to
them again!)
Okay - basically, I'm just glad to see some truth in these actions. I was surprised, but I'm coming around to realization now. I'll admit that it has been pretty easy to cheer for the Red Sox the past couple of years ... but I just wasn't really thinking things through. It's not just baseball; too many things in our current lives have a major lack of loyalty, sense of place, and a
community. I think we should exercise more care in what we choose to support.
I, for one, do not think community is some long lost dream. It's just hard ... really hard to pursue.
This guy is pursuing it, though!
Merry Christmas friends.
Peace and all good!
-s.o
