Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Head first into hypocrisy




It's been more than twenty years since Pete Rose was banned from baseball. It's obvious he did it. It's obvious his playing career merits inclusion in the Hall of Fame.

Now with a new firestorm of opinion and reports, there is substantial talk that Commissioner Bud Selig is considering welcoming him back.

The Dowd Report and all 200 and some of its pages document evidence of Rose betting -including betting on his own games as a manager. Through bank, telephone, betting records, witness and Rose himself, it's clear he bet on the game.

He admitted to gambling in his book. He agreeded to the terms of the settlement - a lifetime ban from the game. (Rose was granted a concession in which he could apply for reinstatement once a year for as long as he lived.)

Every major and minor league lockerroom has a sign that clearly states Major League baseball's stand on gambling. It's called Rule 21b

Has Rose even admitted shame or apologized? If he was actively showing remorse or getting involved with programs that show a change of character.

There is no question he knew his actions and he knew the risks. Baseball has banned more than 20 players since 1919 for betting on the game.

Baseball has even leveled bans - which were overturned later - for Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays for signing autographs at a casino in 1973, well after their induction to the Hall. There punishment wasn't related to the on-field performance of a team.

I think lifting the ban is a bad idea - but, given Selig's track record, it will probably be yet another disaster he brought about.

Re-instating Rose is a horrible precident. What do you do with the players like Shoeless Joe Jackson who should be in the Hall based on his numbers. His involvement with gambling is much less dubious then Rose.

How do you apologize to him? How do you make it right?

Baseball is saying one of it's most sacred - and critical rules doesn't matter.

It also begs the question of steroids. The Barry Bonds (allegedly) Mark McGwire's, the Sammy Sosa's and other players who had stellar careers and were artificially aided. I might add while most of baseball was aware of it and chose to ignore it.

It's very convenient to sweep the integrity issue under the rug, saying it's about numbers and the results. Sports aren't intended to be a moral showcase. No doubt it isn't.

But the game is played with a standard, with rules, with courtesy and understanding. That's how the game operates. The rubrick calls for three strikes, three outs, nine-innings.

The rule also states betting on baseball is grounds for a lifetime ban. There can be no compromise on this rule. That's why its not called professional wrestling.

Baseball has to take the high road. A task that I don't believe it has the fortitude or ability to do.

Here's my suggestion: Put Rose in a seperate display at the Hall of Fame. His records, his accomplishments all the great things he did as a player and maybe the one or two good things he did as a manager. Also present his gambling problem. If he's overcome it document that. Be sure to include the other players who were banned and make a case for why integrity has to matter to the fans. How baseball in 1919 had to make a statement to protect its authenticity.

Perhaps shed light on the problem of gambling and the web of problems it creates and the lives broken. It's not to humliate Rose, but provide a fair tribute to his career, while clearly making its case about gambling.

We can forgive Rose and other players who did worse things. Even one of us needs a fresh opportunity and grace. We can't ignore the problems, but we can build on them...and sometimes the best thing that can happen to us, is a bad thing.


Dean Jackson | Create Your Badge
Dean Jackson

Saturday, July 25, 2009

One man's trash, another man's treasure.


Every one has a story. A stuffed animal once loved by a boy or a girl. A dog earred comic book helping to pass the time. I spent the better part of two hours this afternoon at a local antique store. I didn't really plan to go into the store but the window displays of old furniture, a 1930s telephone and a radio lured me inside.

As I strolled through the aisles, I was flooded with memories. A table that looked like the one mom had from grandma. A Pillsbury doughboy doll like the one I had as a kid. An ocassional Fisher-Price playset. Old magazines, LPs, cassettes... seems like forever since we used them.

I couldn't help wonder the stories these artifacts would tell. The birthday present, the anniversary gift, maybe a doodad from a vacation.

Then I had to stop, a recent funeral and upcoming family reunion and a new baby all combine to challenge me to consider what memories am I making. What am I doing to leave legacy to friends and family.

I believe memories are what keep us churning ahead in the tough moments. Those mental monuments that make us stop and reflect on a lesson and a lifestyle.

Proverbs 10:7 says The memory of the righteous will be a blessing. Are you creating blessings for those around you?