Monday, December 4, 2006

Brian Roberts, Class Act

As an Orioles fan and sometimes athlete, I marvel at how some baseball players, whether they be the size of a David Eckstein, or a round-mound, beer chugging guy like David Wells make it in the Major Leagues, of course the apex of the wonderful sport, baseball.

However, as I have got to see the Orioles the past few seasons, there's one player who's impressed me more than any other.

Brian Roberts. B-Rob. Number One.

Girls and Women love him. Guys want to be like him, or at least have his skills.

At 5'9" (listed), he's one of the more dynamic second-baseman in the game of baseball. A great all-round player, an All-Star and brings life and energy to the Baltimore Orioles and the fanbase.

Although he's a great ballplayer, there's something more endearing about him which makes that Brian Roberts one of my favorite athletes - his volunteerism and benevolence for the community and the city he plays for. His work even touches those most innocent and vulnerable in society - our kids, evidenced through this years "Baseball Bash" and his continuing works with the University of Maryland Medical Center.

As any Orioles fan who goes to Camden Yards knows, you can often see examples of his work in the community via the jumbotron, but the fact he often does things without the public even knowing makes him that much more special. Even though the odds were staked against him as ever having the chance to be a ballplayer, as he had open heart surgery as a child, and being far shorter than the average MLB player, his grit, belief in himself and desire got him to the elite level.

Anyhow, I really don't know him, but seeing him sign for most everyone after every single home game makes me appreciate that there are some athletes who think of their status as a way just to make a another paycheck or end up on an ESPN highlight.

In the time of egomaniacs like Mr. Owens in Dallas, Latrell Sprewell crying about not being able to feed his family on what 400 times more than average American makes in a year, athletes like Brian Roberts not only celebrate sport, but shows that there is more that athletes and even everyday people can do off the field.

I'm glad to have him as an Oriole, and for him to remain one for many years.

Not for the stats, but for the work he's done for Baltimore and children. Many play a kid's game for the fame and fortune, it takes another breed to do something more with it.

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