Once the season starts, your team plays almost everyday. Likewise, that means guaranteed fun almost everyday – for six months! With 162 regular games per year, MLB players are the hardest working pros. I admire them for getting out there day after day and giving their all. Keeping up the intensity. Keeping up a winning attitude. Playing their hearts out when there’s no hope of post-season glory. Playing because they love playing.
Fans can smell a team player. A guy who loves the sport. Who plays for the joy first and the paycheck second. Players who know how lucky they are not to have the snakiest agent, but the talent and drive to make it in the majors. (These are usually players who don’t require a gazillion-dollar contract and/or the use of PEDs.)
Guys like Pat Burrell, the San Francisco Giants’ leftfielder, who was cut from Tampa Bay earlier this year (BIG mistake!) and snapped up by the Giants (SMART move!). Pat said about this turn of events: “It’s been a dream-come-true type of deal—getting back to the West Coast, having an opportunity with an excellent team. I don’t take that for granted.”
Pat grew up the Santa Cruz Mountains, not far from where I live. He attended the same high school as my brother-in-law. I consider him the hometown guy who did well. I also consider him easy on the eyes. (FuchsiaWoman wanted me to say that she considers him to QUITE the HUNK!) Take a look:
Notice the resemblance?
Jon Hamm from the TV show "Mad Men"
Matthew Morrison from the TV show "Glee"
Jon Hamm + Matt Morrison = PAT BURRELL
Here’s Pat in Game 2 of the NL Division Championship smacking a four-bagger against the Atlanta Braves.
“Just roundin’ third and headed for home, it’s a brown-eyed handsome man..."
“…anyone can understand the way I feel.” (Thanks, John Fogerty)
To Pat: Great job in Friday’s game. And GOOD LUCK today.
FANtastic ballpark.
Oh yeah, and HAPPY 34th BIRTHDAY, too! Hope your birthday wish comes true: A Giants Victory today!
P.S. FuchsiaWoman says she doesn’t bake—so no birthday cake from her. But if you need someone to celebrate with in Santa Cruz, she knows a great pizza parlor.
She’ll bring the party hats—and spring for a pitcher!
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