Mariano Rivera

-David S.-

As we approach the New Year, I reflected over  my top 3 memorable MLB moments of the year.

#3: Big Papi Rallies Boston in a Time of Tragedy

This just makes me like David Ortiz even more.  This is a simple speech, but seemed to bring everyone together in the time of tragedy after the marathon bombing.

#2: Todd and Teddy

This is a great inspirational moment.  This has to make you feel good.

#1: Mariano Rivera’s Last Home Game…Exit Sandman

This is the best moment I’ve ever witnessed in my life.  It’s hard to hold back tears! No, I’m not turning in my “Man Card”.  O.K., I’m 13………my almost “Man Card.”

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE MOMENTS OF 2013? 

-David S.-

I thought I’d write about one trait that sticks out as truly important to me as a ballplayer.  That trait is “CLASS”.  Mariano Rivera, of the Yankees, is one of the biggest class acts in the game of baseball.

My least favorite word I know is”SWAG.”   What is swag to me?  Swag, an ugly four letter word,  is cockiness and loud.  It’s that annoying conceited walk and air of aloofness that says, “I’m the best and gonna show everyone.”  It’s the “all about me”  attitude.

Those players with “CLASS’” display confidence, not cockiness.  You can hold your head very high, and let your actions speak for themselves.  At least act intelligent….and PRACTICE….PRACTICE! -Allen Iverson (lol).  Pick up your teammates, and nothing negative that would taint you or your team, other than critics.  Stay out of trouble and act like a true gentleman.

I think sports and this country are losing class.

Sure, “Swag” gets you all the Chicks, sells jerseys to thugs, and may make you an absolute media frenzy.  Their are even sites dedicated to ” who has the most swag.”  Supposedly it’s “cool” to have swag.  I say stop walking like you have a stick up your butt dude.  Class, though is different; It is not loud and boisterous and in your face.  Class is quiet: it separates the boys from true men.  It may not get you as much attention up front, but it is lasting and you’ll earn respect and honor.  Respect and honor are my most cherished qualities that I would like  to see in people.  It defines who you are.  Ryan Braun and Mike Trout are the swaggiest men (is that even a word?).  Can you say you respect them…. no, they are just great ball players with great stats.   But in my world that is not enough.   To prove my point, I went to a Brewers game versus the Angels.  I wanted to get Mike Trout’s autograph.  He did a cocky walk over to us, pretending to greet fans  and then sprinted away with a “just joking” attitude.  He was mocking the fans and loving getting flaunted over.  Mike was not a nice man to us in any way, I saw no class  in him. Ryan Braun, well……enough said.

Players like Trevor Hoffman, Chipper Jones and Prince Fielder  = class. They are happy and grateful to their careers, teams and fans.  Prince is a giant teddy bear.  When I’ve met him he’s treated you like a true person. On the field and in the dugout, he was a leader and a team player.

The classiest man that just retired from baseball is Mariano Rivera.  He has all of my respect.  He is never dirty and there is nothing to trash about him.  As much as I hate the Yankees, he is just one of the best.

The point of this is that class is becoming a lost trait. We need more of it.  At the end of the day who do you look up to?  An honorable man is timeless. You earn honor, don’t give it away.

Class truly beats swag.  It defines who you are.

What are your thoughts on this topic?  Who are your favorite “swaggy” players and “classy” ones?