Manny Ramirez, a recently traded leftfielder from the Boston Red Sox to the L.A. Dodgers, has been receiving a lot of coverage-and it hasn’t all been too good.

Ramirez, a future Hall of Famer, appears to be (let’s say) an attention grabber. He has, especially in recent weeks, made some fans, teammates, and management a bit frustrated by his on-the-field antics (Yes, using a cell phone is on this antics list! And yes, jogging [instead of running] to first base.). But, along with his clowning around, Ramirez has proven to be one of the best at his position (And, he knows it!).

I’m a little in between on this because the man is a beast on the field and that’s undeniable… But, how far is too far (as far as performing in order to get reactions)? He hasn’t hurt anyone (Uh, well, except that fight in the dugout, which involved another teammate and staff member.)… So, do you get a pass just because you’re gifted and talented? I mean, I guess sometimes that is how things seem to go (Obviously!), but should this be the case? Is it such a big deal? For me, (along with, of course, balance) I’m all about embracing one’s personality and like Hubby so eloquently said the other day, he wouldn’t want to kill someone’s spirit.

So, big deal or not such a big deal at all?

Carlos Zambrano is one of baseball’s best… Positioned as a starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, he is (like a great number of professional athletes) tremendously skilled. And, for this great skill, he has won the Silver Slugger Award (This is the “you’re really great at what you do” award.). Along with being very calculating in his play, Zambrano is also very much known for his-let’s say-excitement for the game. A little display of emotion never hurts, right?… You know, a little exuberance with a win (By the way, they won over the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday night) or a little frustration after a loss.

Carlos Zambrano

I, for one, am a bit competitive (I think growing up with four older brothers didn’t help much, either…) and emotional when it comes to winning and losing… (Uh, no Honey, I don’t want to share that time during Scrabble when I completely lost it!). Sorry-I’m back… Anyway, I really like winning (Doesn’t everyone?), so I can definitely relate to Zambrano’s need for speed out there on the field!

When it comes to winning and losing (both are reality), are you a laid back or an overly exuberant winner or loser? How about your significant other?… And, of course, it doesn’t have to be just about sports, y’all!!

Yeah, it was pretty hard to think of a situation where all of those pitching qualities (especially the solid throwing fundamentals stories were concerned…) came into play. What I did remember was the actual development of this blog.

I knew I wanted to talk about sports and give it a positive approach, but all that leads up to being able to actually blog is a different story…

I had to keep in the forefront of my mind what my goal, indeed, was. I had to remember why I was staying up really late when I knew I had to get up really early for my other job. There are very small details that end up meaning a great deal when you want to deliver a wonderful package to your readers… I think that was the biggest thing… I wanted to give something that was visually relevant and worth reading.

I’m happy with the current stage of my sports blog (I realize that it’s still developing and I actually like that.). I want to be the source of assistance to understanding sports and an encouragement to making that relationship even better because of your new-found knowledge… Now, come on… you have to be accurate, dedicated, intelligent, and strong to make this happen (Smile!), right? And, well, if I have to throw something to make this happen then so be it (Smile… again.)!… You really should read the previous post so you can put my throwing stuff into context… Hilarious!

I really think Lester’s story was an inspiring one… it is another example of our inner strength to thrive and be more than what we ever imagined. The irony of his position is encouraging, too.

As a pitcher, he is the most important player on the team (I’m sure the short stop argues this statement.). A pitcher can determine the outcome of a game… Lester’s role on the field can easily be paralleled to the same traits he carried into his potentially life-ending disease (What are they you might ask?… I’m glad you asked.).

A pitcher has to be:

Accurate,

Have solid throwing fundamentals,

Dedicated,

Intelligent, and

Strong.

The traits above for this very valuable position aren’t all that a pitcher needs, but it definitely helps you to put into perspective that player on the mound and his role with the team.

So hey, do you have a “pitcher’s mound experience” where the related traits had to come into play in your own life? Hmmm… I’ll think of one to share, too!

I know we’ve been on a Boston kick, so there’s no reason to deter from that now (smile!)… but, this story is one of courage, fortitude, and endurance… and, one that I couldn’t help but share.

Boston Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester (amazingly) returned to the team after recovering from cancer. I am so excited about this story because Lester made a choice-even after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma-to fight the disease and to return to baseball, the sport he loved.

Photo by Guano. (CC)

Enduring chemo, which he admits sucked (uh, yeah!), speaks volumes to his determination to get into game shape (If you didn’t know, chemo tends to do the counter of one being able to remain in any type of desired shape.) and be a valued part of the team.

Lester’s winning spirit is one for the books… He didn’t allow his illness to strip him of his dreams and his happiness. You shouldn’t either… choose to make it!

For the father who loves all sports, enjoy the line up this weekend.

For the husband who wears his favorite baseball cap, the remote will remain where you can see it.

For the son who schedules life around the finals, happiness is there because (at least) you plan.

For the brother who won’t take that jersey off, the load to go into the wash will wait until Monday.

For the nephew who wants that golf bag, a gift card will reach your mail box just in time.

For the cousin who dreams of being drafted, dreams do come true.

For the neighbor who drops by “for sugar”, but really just loves the big screen, there is a seat waiting.

For the friend who tells the score, you’ll have a listening audience.

Happy Father’s Day… Let the sports-weekend-good-times roll!

What’s your Father’s Day gift to all (or maybe just one!!) the fathers in your life?… Uh, and fathers, what is your hearts’ desire for your special day?