Still a Favorite

There is nothing that is certain in baseball; in fact, players, rosters, and even the game itself is constantly changing. Each year stands on its own and few things transcend from year to year. For most of us though, there is a team, game, or even a player that transcends time. We will remember certain things fondly for our own reasons and these are the things that illustrate the beauty of baseball to each of us.

I recall the announcement of Robin Ventura joining the Mets in December of 1998. I had heard of Robin during his long tenure with the White Sox and was eager to see how he would adjust to being a part of the Mets. Needless to say it didn't take long for Robin to become without a doubt my favorite Met. (Yes, even David has to get a few more years under his belt to try and trump Robin.) Granted Robin was only a part of the blue and orange for three seasons, some of the best memories I have as a fan come from those three seasons. Beyond his career with the Mets, I continued to follow Robin from the Yankees to the Dodgers and even now in his post-retirement days.

Yes, it's lame but this guy was as cool as a cucumber. He had the driest sense of humor that at times got lost in the New York media who were seeking the flashy quotes, but he was as funny a guy you could find. Consider the fact that he started the mojo in Queens and mocked Mike Piazza in Yankee Stadium in the rain, he created a crazy culture during his tenure with the Mets. I can close my eyes and still see him making a play on a bunt down the third base line, where his body was parallel to the ground in his throw to first. He had that play mastered. What's better than all that, he was as selfless a ballplayer you will find, as the team always meant more than anything he did himself. (Exhibit A: post game comments from the Grand Slam Single).

Just recently an article was posted on Mets.com and Mlb.com discussing the ankle surgery Robin endured following his retirement in 2005. This article can be read its in entirety here. I was unaware of the procedure and despite knowing of his injured ankle and the pain he endured, I think many of us were unaware of the actual extent of the pain he was playing through. It is through this that as fans we should learn our lesson as we are quick to judge, thinking we all know what's going on with our favorite players. This game is not as easy as we make it from the comforts of our couch.

Robin Ventura may have had his career a bit shortened due to his injury, yet he was one of the gentlemen of the game. I know many Mets fans recall his time in Queens fondly and as easy as it is to get caught up in the present, it is these reminders that allow us to take a minute and appreciate the past. Robin has still been quite involved in the game as he has served as an ESPN commentator for the College World Series as well as appearances at White Sox Spring Training and Fan Fests. I hope for nothing more than to see Robin back in the big leagues someday, because the game can use a few more like him. We are blessed as Mets fans to have David Wright manning the hot corner these days, who will be one of the greats of his own time. Having him makes it a lot easier to adjust to a game without your favorite.