The Perfect Redemption Story is Missing a Conclusion
The
Yankees honored an unlikely candidate for the player of the month award for
May. This player clobbered six home runs and drove in 14 in May while hitting
.316 and slugging .571 with a .941 OPS. This player followed his acceptance with
a 2-for-4 game, a home run and collected two RBI. I would have never imagined
this player winning anything, or being successful one bit this season. Who is this player?
Alex Rodriguez.
A-Rod
went from being the bum of New York to writing an epic redemption story all in
one half of a baseball season. Turning 40 in a few weeks, no one expected the
slugger to rejuvenate his performance of old. Many, including myself, thought
the season long suspension was a knockout punch to a slated career. The
question that still remains is: Where do we go from here?
In
recent years, his career has been filled with hate, criticism, disgrace,
humiliation and any other word to describe what arose from his shameful conduct
with performance enhancing drugs. But, he is performing as good as ever, almost
like a rejuvenated career.
Treated
like an outlaw, Rodriguez is reaching milestones, carrying a team, and
performing like a player that would gain the acceptance of crowds everywhere. He
surpassed the best all-around player in the game (Willie Mays) on the home run
list and has continued to produce. Just recently he reached the 3,000 hit
milestone that would usually ensure a ticket into the Hall of Fame. At this
rate, other milestones are in the future. For Yankee fans, this is something to
cheer about, but what about the rest of Major League Baseball?
Unlike
other offenders like Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa, Roger Clemens, and many more,
A-Rod is still playing. The only time we hear and talk about the other
offenders is when it’s time to induct new members into Cooperstown. A-Rod is the only violator of that list who is
going out every day and working hard to redeem himself.
Rodriguez’s
work ethic is incredible. His appreciation for fans is incomparable. He is a
leader in the clubhouse. I also believe he is a class act in handling the
Yankees’ refusal to pay the $6 million milestone bonus. A-Rod is a natural
talent and is playing with class (right now).
Alex’s
performance seems like the perfect redemption story, but I still want to
witness one thing. A live apology to the fans of baseball, his teammates and
the rest, Major League Baseball, and the players union. If he can do this, he
deserves all the accolades, milestone bonuses, and a ticket to Cooperstown.
Article
By: Christian Kouroupakis
Follow
me on twitter: @Ck260
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up with our blog: @BronxBomberBlog
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