Retaliation and Our Wholesome Pastime
As the Diamondbacks continue to struggle, this week they played the Cincinnati Reds and were swept by the team on their home field. In the second game of the series, D-back’s Ryan Roberts was hit by a pitch that appeared to be intentional. The talk on the local sports news radio stations was disgusting.
“Why didn’t Schoeneweis retaliate, being the veteran player that he is, for the Reds taking Roberts out of the game?”
We are all well aware that retaliation happens from time to time. In a game that we all grew up to love and kids are continuing to watch, what in the world kind of message are you sending? Okay, so the team is struggling so we need to make some news out of something that should not be made a big deal?
I have one word for you skeptics: Class.
As the on-site reporter mentioned, this team is just looking to win games. Neither the manager nor the players are interested in adding more stress to an already panic stricken situation in Arizona. Schoeneweis has been in the league since 1999 and is well aware that the game has changed and his teammates are looking to win games, not fight. Roberts even spoke out himself mentioning that he thought nothing of it. If you would like to see a fight, there are plenty other sports out there for that.
So, the local team is struggling and that’s old news but, let’s try to keep our National Pastime wholesome. It is in the best interest of our children and children’s children so that they continue to learn the values of good sportsmanship and have fun doing it.
AZ Hardball 