Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Support for R.A. Dickey

I've read a lot the last couple of days about the Mets asking R.A. Dickey not to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. I understand the business point of view the Mets have to take - they don't want one of their starting pitchers to get hurt. However, as a Met fan I fully support Dickey's decision to continue on with his charitable journey, as he is climbing to raise money for the Bombay Teen Challenge and raise awareness about sex trafficing. Is there a chance he could get injured? Of course, but doesn't that chance exist with everything anyone does? Will it hurt the team if he can't play? Of course it will. However, as far as I have heard and read he has properly trained for this climb and understands what it takes to make the trek. I think it will be an even more powerful statement if he continues in the face of the Mets requests to not go. I think it shows that baseball and sports in general is not the most important thing in the world. In this country especially professional athletes are worshipped for their scoring average, home run total, or passing yards. Then at times their off the field work is appreciated. But here is an athlete that we know loves and respects the game as much as anyone else saying he wants to be more than a baseball player - he wants to make a difference even if it could impact his baseball career. I think the Mets should be supportive. I'm sure if making the trek up the mountain has an impact on his contract Dickey has been properly advised about it. The Mets have made their feelings known. Now if he says I understand and wants to continue the Mets should applaud his efforts and wish him the best. It's the right thing to do. They should be so lucky to have such a man represent their team.

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