Political correctness has spread like wildfire. Permeating almost every group in the USA, save for maybe the Ku Klux Klan. As personalities dull down in baseball it is hard for kids, as well as even adults, to find a player they like beyond what is shown on the field.
The 60's were a great time for this. Muhammad Ali's "I am the Greatest!", my dad, who was very racist, would cringe each time I brought his name up and insist that I call him by his white name of Cassius Clay. Which was confusing for me, being that I never knew any white kids named Cassius.
The sports Magazine cover with the headline, "There isn't a pitcher alive who can get me out!"- Roberto Clemente. It wasn't cockiness, Clemente just told the truth. As Will Sonnett would say, "Ain't braggin, just fact". Today, Albert Pujols with the same headline, would be belittled by his peers, even though it would be true as well.
There was also a magazine cover that had the headline "I want to be the first $100,000 singles hitter in baseball"- Pete Rose. Rose did just that. Talking about money and salary to the press is taboo now, unless its a contract ploy.
Babe Ruth after hitting a mammoth home run said that he had to stand at home plate and admire it, knowing the pitcher would throw at him in the next at bat, and then saying "It was worth it". Please bring that back.
Al Hrabosky turning his back to the hitter and then whirling around like the hitter had just said he had sex with his Mom last night. A joy.
Ozzie Smith doing backflips. Loved it. By the way, out of youthful exuberance, Tim Lincecum did a back flip in the Giants locker room and was quickly admonished for the risk he took.
I mean, cmon, I don't want to see a closer dancing and juking his way to the mound accompanied by his theme song of "Can't Touch This!"
But Major League Baseball should not be like McDonalds, where we (at least I do
) know everything on the menu before we get there. Just my take.
