Will Barry Bonds hit 70 HR's?
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Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Dana Point, CA
MJ-
I respectfully disagree. I can't argue with the fact that Barry has incredible skill. He is truly one of the great players of the game.
However, his job is not like most of ours. He is a professional athlete. As such, he is in the entertainment industry. At least that seems to be the justification for the high salaries in MLB these days. In other words, ARod can get $120MM because he is going to sell that many more seats at games and draw a bigger TV audience. I have no problem with that idea. If that's the case, then he has an obligation to the fans.
Even if I dismiss the notion of being paid as an entertainer, I question his moral obligation to the kids. It is the fans and the kids that pay his salary. Is it too much to ask for him to sign some mitts and balls? Again, this isn't the media talking. I have seen him on multiple occassions dismiss the kids like they are nothing to him. Maybe he had a bad day, but multiple occassions.
Finally, let's assume that he feels as you state and wants to be left alone to do his job. In that case, stay focused on the game when you're playing. No issues. But when kids line up outside the stadium and wait after the game don't be so quick to dismiss them. I honestly feel that professional athletes (MLB, MLS, NBA, NFL or whatever) have an obligation to the fans. Somehow that obligation gets lost in the translation all to often in today's environment (IMO).
My dad has fond memories of getting time and attention from Jackie Robinson, Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, etc. I can recall shaking Rod Carew's hand and getting autographs from Fred Lynn, Nolan Ryan and Catfish Hunter among others. I just hope that one day my kids are as enthusiastic about baseball as I am. And I hope that enthusiasm is encouraged by the players and not vice versa.
I respectfully disagree. I can't argue with the fact that Barry has incredible skill. He is truly one of the great players of the game.
However, his job is not like most of ours. He is a professional athlete. As such, he is in the entertainment industry. At least that seems to be the justification for the high salaries in MLB these days. In other words, ARod can get $120MM because he is going to sell that many more seats at games and draw a bigger TV audience. I have no problem with that idea. If that's the case, then he has an obligation to the fans.
Even if I dismiss the notion of being paid as an entertainer, I question his moral obligation to the kids. It is the fans and the kids that pay his salary. Is it too much to ask for him to sign some mitts and balls? Again, this isn't the media talking. I have seen him on multiple occassions dismiss the kids like they are nothing to him. Maybe he had a bad day, but multiple occassions.
Finally, let's assume that he feels as you state and wants to be left alone to do his job. In that case, stay focused on the game when you're playing. No issues. But when kids line up outside the stadium and wait after the game don't be so quick to dismiss them. I honestly feel that professional athletes (MLB, MLS, NBA, NFL or whatever) have an obligation to the fans. Somehow that obligation gets lost in the translation all to often in today's environment (IMO).
My dad has fond memories of getting time and attention from Jackie Robinson, Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, etc. I can recall shaking Rod Carew's hand and getting autographs from Fred Lynn, Nolan Ryan and Catfish Hunter among others. I just hope that one day my kids are as enthusiastic about baseball as I am. And I hope that enthusiasm is encouraged by the players and not vice versa.
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Regarding autographs:
I know of situations where fans expect many signatures in one setting only to sell or auction them off later. One person makes it a rule to sign only one item per person for this reason. This is largely an "adult" problem, however, and kids should be treated differently. Half the fun for them is in the chase.
[Edited by Pueo on 06-06-2001 at 04:17 PM]
I know of situations where fans expect many signatures in one setting only to sell or auction them off later. One person makes it a rule to sign only one item per person for this reason. This is largely an "adult" problem, however, and kids should be treated differently. Half the fun for them is in the chase.
[Edited by Pueo on 06-06-2001 at 04:17 PM]
