Credit Ailing Victorino for Showing Up in Phoenix
By Fred Guzman
Some baseball players walk the talk about how it’s an honor to be chosen by the fans to take part in the Midsummer’s Classic.
Put Philles’ outfielder Shane Victorino of Maui in that group. Although unable play because of a thumb injury that’s landed him on the 15-day disabled list, Victorino made the long trip to Phoenix to participate in the All-Star festivities.
It was Shane’s way of thanking those who supported him in landing the final spot on the National League roster via online fan voting.
Other players are just talk when it comes to this event, skipping the game although seemingly healthy enough to appear. Put Derek Jeter, the iconic captain of the New York Yankees, in that latter group.
Jeter – who was voted in as the American League’s starting shortstop – withdrew from the game, citing mental and physical exhaustion from his recent successful pursuit of the 3,000 hit milestone.
Granted, Jeter is coming off a recent calf injury. But he was well enough to go 5-for-5 and get his 3,000th hit with a dramatic homer on Saturday.
To be fair, Jeter is not alone in skipping the game. But with all the recent adulation heaped on him, Jeter should have at least shown up to tip his cap in appreciation for the fan support.
Wonder if Jeter’s too exhausted to pick up his $500,000 contract bonus for being selected to the game? Probably not.
Come to think of it, here’s a great and foolproof way of resolving the All-Star No-Show dilemma: Require players to attend the festivities in order to collect their All-Star bonuses.
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