Who's says you can't go home? My wife is getting excited because it's a Bon Jovi song. It might be a Bon Jovi song, but this is a Nomar post! Yesterday, one of Boston's favorite sons returned home, and this morning he retired as a Red Sox. From an all-state soccer player from Whittier, CA, who just happened to be a little better baseball player; to a two-time All American baseball player at Georgia Tech; to the 1st round draft pick of the Sox back in 1994. He made it to the "Show" in August, 1996, and got his first hit (HR) off the A's, and in 2009, his last hit as an Athletic. In between, he won the Rookie of the Year award, two batting titles, the Silver Slugger Award, 6-time All-Star, and Comeback Player of the Year Award as a Dodger. He, most importantly, became a husband and a father to twin girls. A man who will live his retirement life as the second most famous person in his household. The first happens to be his wife, the "Michael Jordan" of Women's World Cup soccer, Mia Hamm.
Nomar, as a Red Sox hater, people often thought my 1st son would be named Bucky (F@#kin) Dent (middle name came from Sox fans, see 1978). I went from that to one of the many in "Red Sox Nation" thanks to you. As a Giant hater, it felt good rooting for you with the Dodgers. Finally, as a big-time A's fan, it was great seeing you in Green & Gold (yellow).
But most of all, thank you! Not just for all the memories we as fans have of watching you play, but for me it was that special bond that you helped build between a father, a son, and the love of baseball. One that some day will be passed down to his son(s).
Let's say it one last time...Nomaaaaa!
See you on Baseball Tonight.
"Wise Guy"
P.S. My wife loves Nomar almost as much as Bon Jovi!!!
Great post!
ReplyDeleteNomar was a great Red Sox, not quite up there with Williams, Yaz and Wade Boggs.. Too bad he left the SOX before the reverse of the curse in 2004.. a ring would have been nice.. any player that wears RED SOX on the front of their jersey is OK in my book.. too bad you married a tarheel though.. Forever Fenway!!!
ReplyDeleteThat for the response! I think Yaz was the most beloved Red Sox player ever. I think Nomar was the second most loved player. When your back there you see it everywhere...Nomar was Boston. Nomar was a more complete player than Boggs & played a tougher position SS vs. 3b. More power & RBI's. Boggs is like Rose...a lot of singles! I never like either one.
ReplyDeleteTed Williams is my favorite player ever. I read a lot of books about him and studied the Art of hitting by Teddy Ball game but he wasn't liked by the Media and had a love/hate (more hate) relationship with Sox fans. He wasn't loved until after he retired!!!
Yaz's #8 jersey hangs in my house!! Definitely the ultimate RED SOX!! i would name my kids after him if i had any!!
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