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That Ripken Moment

Edgy DC Jul 05 2005 01:07 AM Edited 2 time(s), most recently on Jul 05 2005 10:50 AM

I've been out of the loop, Betty Boop, as I've been enjoying the company of some out-of-town friends. So this evening, one of those friends, the Father of Diamonds, mentions to me that the All-Star rosters have been finalized. And somehow Bobby Valentine reached out his long evil tentacles and kept Cliff Floyd off the roster. But I don't want to talk about that now. Walking back from my friends' hotel, an idea occurred to me that I want to talk about. In recent years, one of the over-the-top Selig-era initiatives has been the Ripken Moment -- the stopping of the All Star Game to pay tribute to a perennial All Star (Cal Ripken, Tony Gwynn, Roger Clemens), who, while not necessarily retiring, appears to probably be in his last All Star Game. They get thanked for being great ambassadors for the game and are given The Mongomery Burns Award for Achievement in the Field of Excellence or something. Anyhow, reviews are mixed at best. It's one part sweetness and class, and two parts cynical garbage. I mean (1) these guys are going to get their moment at Hall of Fame time anyhow, and (2) if the "award" goes to Clemens, what's it really worth? Anyhow, I bring this up because, could Mike Piazza be getting such an honor this year? The case can be strong because it's unknown if he's intending to continue, and if he does, he might not see another All Star seasson. The case can be weak because a few older blacker players haven't been so honored. Maybe Bonds and Sosa have jerked themselves out of the running. But Frank Thomas is still around, though nobody ever thinks about him. It may be Piazza. Besides, Thomas, Bonds, and Jeff Bagwell are all injured. Biggio isn't playing. The only other co-honorees I can think of are Gary Sheffield (who not only is a jerky boy, but cemented his jerkface rep as a young player with Selig's Brewers), and Ivan Rodriguez Maybe a co-honoring of Piazza and Rodriguez. Rodriguez has the added appeal of being the home team rep, but he's only 33, and may have a few or more productive years ahead.

metirish Jul 05 2005 09:46 AM

I'd never thought of this,there certainly seems to be a changing of the guard at this All-Star game,still I'd be shocked if Piazza was honoured in any way.But it is an interesting thought, tune to FOX over the next few days to see if they start pumping Piazza and a possible last All-Star game.

seawolf17 Jul 05 2005 09:51 AM

I doubt we'll see anything like that for Piazza. Piazza hasn't said he's retiring, so it would be premature to honor him like that.

Edgy DC Jul 05 2005 10:53 AM

Yabbut, Clemens hadn't committed to anything like retiring, and didn't!