If Manny Ramirez Plays in the All Star Game, We Have a Problem
By Tyler Lakin | May 31 2009
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Joe Torre has publicly stated that he does not think Manny Ramirez is deserving of starting or playing in the MLB All Star Game. He said that the players who have the best first halves are the ones deserving of playing in the midsummer classic. Considering Manny Ramirez will be missing at least 50 games of the first half of the season, he does not deserve a spot on the National League All Star roster, and that is according to his own manager. The manager, a sure fire Hall of Famer, has convinced me here. As I discussed in my last article, the fans get to vote on who should start in the All Star Game, and quite honestly, they are getting a majority of the players wrong. Right now, Manny Ramirez is sitting in 4th place in the National League voting for outfield. If he gets voted in, and actually accepts the winning vote, it will demonstrate another problem with the voting process for the MLB All Star Game.
This would set a horrible precedent for Major League Baseball. If Manny Ramirez takes steroids, gets voted in to the MLB All Star Game because of an online campaign that started to point out the stupidity of the current system, and actually PLAYS in the game, it will be telling fans (ESPECIALLY young ones) that taking steroids is not so bad, because you get to play in the All Star Game anyway. For many kids who love baseball, the All Star Game is the coolest thing they can ever imagine. It has all of the best players playing together in one game. Now, kids are not dumb. I remember being 9 years old and watching Sportscenter and Baseball Tonight religiously. They obviously know that Manny was suspended for taking illegal performance enhancing drugs, regardless of Manny’s story or excuse. If they see him playing in the All Star Game, what is it going to do for all of the kids watching? They’re all going to ask, “Daddy, didn’t Manny do something bad? They let him play in the All Star Game?” Daddy’s gonna have some explaining to do. The reality is though, that the big time superstars in baseball are as big as role models come to many kids. While people like Manny Ramirez shouldn’t really be role models to kids, the fact is they are. It isn’t a requirement of these players to act perfectly, but regardless of how they act, so many youngsters are still going to think the world of them.
If voted in, should Manny Ramirez play in the MLB All Star Game this summer? Have your say below!
I disagree. The all-star game is made to be a show for the fans, which is why they let the fans vote on who gets to be in it. The players who have the best year aren’t always the ones the fans want to see. It’s the same for every sport. They players “most deserving” are voted to the all-MLB (NBA, NFL, etc) first team by the coaches/media.
You should do an article on how much bs it is that the league that wins the all star game gets home field advantage in the world series. Right there is an incentive for NL fans (esp Dodger fans) to vote Manny in.
Well, Corey - that’s just it. If the game actually counts, the fans shouldn’t have all the say in who gets to start. The players and coaches should have more of a say in that. Also, in the article I’m talking more about how it’s a bad precedent to set for our young fans out there. If they see Manny in the All Star Game, then they may think it’s not that bad to take steroids.
But yes, the All Star Game should be a show for the fans, so making home field advantage in the World Series be determined by that is bogus.
That’s where the MLB is a step behind - they’re hurting themselves at their own game. Players started using roids because they weren’t banned. There is no rule saying a player suspended for roids can’t be in the all star game. If the MLB wants to set an example and doesn’t want Manny in because of drugs, then they should put a clause in that states that players suspended for a banned substance are ineligible for all-star/all-league voting.
And the argument, “they’re abusing the system” doesn’t fly. The system is in place! If there is a way to abuse it, people will! If you don’t like it, change the system!
Baseball is run by a bunch of idiots and hypocrites.
Oh, and I voted for Manny…along with the entire Phillies starting lineup
Yes, in the actual steroid era of 1999-2006 (or whatever it’s been defined as), players were running rampant with needles. And since there was no punishment for steroids then, we really shouldn’t be SO critical of it back then. However, now, it is illegal. There are no set rules in place on suspended players not playing in the All Star Game, so he technically is allowed to play in the game, I’m just saying that I think he shouldn’t play because I feel like he doesn’t deserve it. That, and it sets a bad example for kids who look up to these players.
And yes, the MLB is run by people a step above those who run the Clippers.
Let’s also not forget that the reason Manny was on the ballot in the first place was because the coaches listed the ‘eligible’ players at the start of the season. Manny wasn’t suspended until a month into the season, hence the reason why he is on there in the first place. I know Manny is possibly “Hall of Fame bound”, but if you don’t play because of a suspension, I feel someone who has played every day is more deserving to represent the league.