Before I came to Texas I knew very little about Michael Young. I knew he was a good player, above average hitter and a solid shortstop. After watching him play over the past 8 years he is much more than that.
- He is a great ballplayer
- He is a leader on and off the field
- He is a clutch hitter
- He is a very charitable person and deeply cares about the community he lives in
- He was the face of the Texas Rangers
The reason I say “was” the face of the Texas Rangers is 72 hours ago he accepted a trade to the Philadelphia Phillies. The interesting thing is he accepted the trade – see when you are a 10/5 (10 years in the majors and 5 years with your current team) man in the majors, you have certain rights. You don’t have to accept the trade or you can make certain demands (like a contract extension) before you accept a trade. Most athletes do that. In addition they slam their old team and franchise. Again a lot of athletes do that – Michael Young didn’t do that. In fact he had a press conference at his own expense to say thank you. He thanked the city the fans and the organization for the last 12 years.
How many athletes do that? Very few. I have never met Michael but I must say that I am sure the past few years have been very difficult on him and his family. He changed positions a number of times. He went from being the man, always at shortstop to playing wherever the manager wanted and needed him. It could have been third, second, first, DH or as a pinch hitter coming off the bench. He constantly was mentioned in trade rumors and never flinched. Never bashed the organization, the city or the leadership/ownership of the Rangers. Many athletes do, but then again, many athletes don’t have the class that Michael Young does.
Frankly I wish more athletes were like this Mike!
- What are your thoughts?
- Do you know much about Michael Young?
- How do you think he handled himself?
- Can you name a few other classy athletes?
I look forward to reading your comments.
Roger Austin says:
He is the essence of class. It appeared to me that the Rangers as you said never inserted him in the line up as their guy at a position. That is very difficult on an athlete.
i am a huge Braves fan and Chipper , even though he had some off field issues with women, was a class act for the Braves from day one. I am glad he was nothing but a Brave from number one pick to retirement. I wish more athletes would pin their identity to a team.Many of the other Brave’s of that great team went on and played a few years elsewhere. i am glad one did not.
I hate to see Michael at Philly as they are in our division but I like him and hopes he finds what he wants in Philly.
Ed Sugar says:
A true class athlete indeed.
Really no reason why he should not be in a Ranger uniform come March, but that is the business decision that Jon Daniels and Nolan Ryan settled on. Too bad his former club could not show as much class as he has.
One name that pops to mind when asked to name other classy athletes is Shane Victorian. The day after he was traded to the Dodgers, he took our a full page ad in the Philadelphia Inquirer thanking the fans and management for his years in Philadelphia. Lucky for you Merrill he will be patrolling centerfield for your BoSox this season.
Joe Baldi says:
Merrill, I agree with your assessment of Young. Everything I’ve heard and read validates that. In recent days I would add David Wright and R.A. Dickey to the list of class guys.Some other class BB guys I’ve had the opportunity to view personally who fit your description of Young are Ron Darling, Brooks Robinson, Nolan Ryan and yes Bobby Valentine.A couple of NFL guys are Brad Johnson and Bernie Kosar.
On the female side Anika Sorenson always struck me as someone who handled herself with clas and grace.
Happy Holiday to all
Joe