This is an era where athletes that make millions of dollars in salaries may choose to not play in certain team contests for a variety of reasons, which include potential injury concerns as well as financial considerations.
For these real and other imaginary reasons some sports stars decline to play on the United States Olympic or World Baseball Classic teams that represent America.
Therefore, it is refreshing to hear about a 41-year-old star major league baseball pitcher in perhaps the twilight segment of his outstanding career who personally solicited an opportunity to be part of our country’s diamond squad. The WBC started play on Saturday, March 11, against Great Britain in the above Baseball championships involving international opponents.
When an individual has won a World Series ring, made several All-Star appearances, been considered for the prestigious Cy Young Award four times in the top five as the best pitcher in Major League Baseball, and has 195 victories since his selection as a first round draft pick at the age of 21, they have few honors left to achieve.
However, the future Hall of Famer started the first game against Great Britain. Then, on Sunday, March 19, he pitched four innings against Cuba in the semifinal contest in a 14-2 victory.
But when that player chooses to add “member of TEAM USA” to his list of accomplishments it shows a character trait that demonstrates a love of country over self.
(Thank you, Adam Wainwright, St. Louis Cardinals!)
* * *
You can reach Jerry Summers at jsummers@summersfirm.com