This little rant goes out to rookies like Rafael Furcal, and veterans like Mo Vaughn alike.  These things shouldn't even need to be said, but time and time again it's proven that someone needs to s-p-e-l-l it out.  So why not me?

If you want kids to look up to you, keep your private life private.  Nobody really cares what you do, we just don't care to read about it in the papers.  Use a little discretion, could you?  And how about some common sense, too?

We know you value your freedom, and want to live "just like everybody else" as much as possible.  Well, you're NOT just like everybody else.  You're a member of an elite group of athletes, and you are paid handsomely for your "suffering."  You're a MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYER.  And you're active in your community.  You want respect both on and OFF the field.  So how about taking a few really simple steps to earn it?

First, for god's sake, get a *driver* when you go out.  You can afford it, and more to the point, you really can't afford NOT to.  'Nuf said about this.

Second,  we know some of you like to go to strip joints.   And while we're at it, let's call a spade a spade.  They're not "Gentlemen's Clubs,"  they're strip-joints, plain and simple.  There's nothing gentlemanly about paying for it, but if you must, why not opt for some entertainment at a *private* establishment, uh - preferably your home?  That's right, invite the "ladies" over!  And if your answer is,"but my wife's at home," well, that's another rant for another day.  At least let the kids and the community think you're a hero and not a drooling, dirty old (or more likely, *young*) man.  Again, nobody cares what you do, but you are in the limelight and you know it, and therefore you've got to take some responsibility for your PUBLIC activities.  Don't give us the opportunity to judge you, ok? We really don't want it!  Most of you guys have mothers, don't you?  Hey, why not think "what would Mom say?" before doing anything overtly risque in the public eye?  I think this would be a good litmus test.  Hell, I think most of us laypeople use this test as a general guideline.

Finally, and most importantly, quit-cher WHINING.  Little kids are whiny enough, thank you, so they don't need advanced lessons from their heroes.  Deal with team business issues as the professional that you are: respect your manager and his decisions, and respect your teammates.  Be a team player and don't calculate your individual stats in the dugout while you should be focused on the game.  In general, the less you say to the press, the better off you are.  If you don't believe me, just look at the history of whiners on major league teams.  Yeah, that's right - most of them ARE history.  So show up for work, do your job, and keep your mouth shut, unless it's to deflect credit from yourself and onto your teammates (or taunt a Yankees player).
-yf
©Yvonne Flanagan, 2000

p.s. want to read about some real-life role models (NOT!)? Here's an invaluable resource for decision-makers in professional sports.  Look here to see if your "ace in the hole" has a dossier before you leap into a contract!