This is awesome. I love the tradition of opposing teams getting well-respected, long-tenured players retirement gifts. Also, I love that someone had the foresight to collect bats that Mo's (aptly named) cutter has torn through. This is a great gift. Big ups to the Twins.
@josrag I have had the same thought. The illusion always breaks for me when I see two teams that are rivals and have had contentious games in the past, say Red Sox/Yankees or Cubs/White Sox, play each other and someone gets a hit and then you see him laughing and chatting with the first baseman and you're like "Oh right, this is just a job for them, these are their coworkers."
Nick Swisher is always a gentle reminder that it's a just game amongst friends as he is always cracking jokes with the catcher when he's batting and chatting up the various basemen and coaches.
There are assholes, obviously, as there are in any line of work, but the good-natured ones make it more fun for everyone.
@josrag I can absolutely appreciate that. There was a time when I was younger that it didn't matter, if you were a Yankee, I hated you. If you were a White Sock, you were dead to me.
But it's impossible to hate someone like Mo Rivera, or even Jeter. And I slowly came around to where I appreciate all teams, some more than others, but more importantly if someone's got game and is cool, you have to root for them.
Beltre is awesome. His friendship with Felix is fun, but I love watching him with Andrus. Those two are clowns together and it's hilarious. Big personalities like Beltre's and Swisher's shine through all the competitive bullshit and just make you love the game.
Nick Swisher is always a gentle reminder that it's a just game amongst friends as he is always cracking jokes with the catcher when he's batting and chatting up the various basemen and coaches.
There are assholes, obviously, as there are in any line of work, but the good-natured ones make it more fun for everyone.
But it's impossible to hate someone like Mo Rivera, or even Jeter. And I slowly came around to where I appreciate all teams, some more than others, but more importantly if someone's got game and is cool, you have to root for them.
Beltre is awesome. His friendship with Felix is fun, but I love watching him with Andrus. Those two are clowns together and it's hilarious. Big personalities like Beltre's and Swisher's shine through all the competitive bullshit and just make you love the game.
and
http://imgur.com/a/kwPzi#0
and
http://www.cbssports.com/mlb...
are all excellent references