Tuesday, February 15, 2011

About Albert

Being a Missouri native and one who has lived here her entire life, I can't help but be a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan. It's just in my blood. For as long as I can remember, I've been watching the games, whether on TV or with my mom and dad at Busch Stadium - the old one and now the new one! Phrases like, "And that's a winner!" or "Go crazy, folks, go crazy!" are like a part of a person who is a true fan. A Cardinals fan remembers where they were when they saw Mark McGwire hit his 62nd home run on September 8, 1998 - I was sitting in a dorm lobby, on a couch, next to the window with a few friends. We literally jumped out of our seats screaming with excitement.

Yes, I love the Cardinals.














Recently the big news about the Cardinals is whether or not they will keep Albert Pujols. You've probably heard about it. Or maybe not. Maybe it's just plastered all over the St. Louis news like it's the only event happening in the world today. I guess it sort of feels like that to us who are fans. We love the guy. It's hard not to, especially since he's been called the greatest player to have ever stepped on the field.

But here is the problem: he rejected the first offer by the Cardinals, and news reports are saying he wants 30 million over 10 years. Now I'm not an expert on professional sports, but I have watched professional baseball my entire life, and I know enough to say that injuries happen. Signing anyone for that length of time seems crazy to me.

That's not really the issue for me, though.

The issue is this: I am a fan of all the St. Louis news stations on Facebook, and I keep reading people's opinions on the matter. They range from simplistic to complex. Some can say, in just two words, "SIGN HIM!" Others say in three words, "SEND HIM PACKING!"

But then there are those who put his character and belief system into question. "I thought he was different. I thought he was a Christian. What kind of person would expect that kind of money?" Or "I have grandchildren who really look up to him, but all I see from him right now is greed."

I guess I'm not sure what I think. Does this change your view of an individual? I would think that if anyone could make more money somewhere else doing the same job that they love, they would go. But at what cost? Albert has said he loves St. Louis. Is he just thinking dollar signs? What if he goes and hates it?

And the bottom line: does this hurt his integrity? Obviously it has changed how some people see him. Is that worth it?


8 comments:

Jimmy Mustion said...

I have been very discouraged by this whole thing. I was starting to think that his Christian life was going to start to be attack. The bottom line is no one outside of Alberts circle and Cardinals brass truly know whats going on. I have been praying for him through this whole thing and i more want him to stay here for who he is as a person more than a baseball player. and i left a comment with more than 1 word Chrissy!!!

Marie said...

Unfortunately it does. No one person is worth $300 million for a GAME! I think maybe fame and fortune has gotten to him. I have lost quite a bit of respect for him just because of this matter. I think we as Americans place too much emphasis on sports as a whole though. We pay big $$ to have someone entertain us in an arena, but we neglect our teachers, firefighters, and police. It is ridiculous. I could go on and on....

kelly said...

I don't follow the cardinals, or Albert, but I just can't help but wonder how the thought of that much money might impair your thinging. Money doesn't define worth!

Bld424 said...

My family talks about this a lot since they are both loyal cards and loyal pujols fans.

I think that money doesn't really mean anything once you get into these ridiculous amounts. What's several million more here or there? And how much $ is he making for the cards because of himself? I cannot really imagine this.

I can hope though that more money means more chances for charitable work and hope it doesn't me Mo' Problems.

Jaimee said...

I agree that no one really knows what is going on so it is hard to say, but I think his silence is what is hurting him as much as the reported $$$ involved. And I do think it is pretty stinkin cool that Matt Holliday stepped and said Hey I can give him some of my money, I don't need it all, I think that says alot about him and I like him even more now.

accesskas27 said...

I guess my earlier post didnt take. I had heard an opinion that he is asking for more money for all the charity work he does and the people he helps.... but I'm not sure what to think....

Wendy said...

it's the game. I love the Cardinals, too. But, honestly, greed is a HUGE part of professional spots. I mean, seriously, professional athletes make more money than the leader of our nation! Where are Americans putting their priorities? I can honestly say I enjoy watching Pujols play ball, but a friend of ours is former friends with his wife and since he has "made it", it is as if they are not "good enough" for "simple folk". I blame the industry. It is sad. It will be interesting to see what happens. I mean, if they sign him, are they saying the Cardinals couldn't make it without him? How would you feel to be an athlete on that team after that? It is insane!

Wendy said...

BTW Thank you Marie & Kellie, I agree where are our priorities & money doesn't define worth! Love it!

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