OT Retire 21

[71buc]

It's approaching 6:00 AM here and this is way off topic but I was hoping to ask you all to help me out. In three hours I will be undergoing a surgery to donate a kidney to a friend I met through baseball. Due to a series of complications this has been a year long journey. I find myself both anxious and relieved that it is finally coming to fruition. Even though I am not an employee of baseball the MLB assistance team (BAT) is paying for 6 weeks of my salary, hotel and airfare. They are an amazing organization.http://web.mlbcommunity.org/index.js...ssistance_team

Many people who known me have asked me about my motivation to do this. I try not to minimize my actions when I explain that it's the right thing to do. It would be a bigger deal if I ignored my friend's needs when I obviously have*the ability to make a difference in his life. While delivering Mickey Mantle's eulogy Bob Costas quoted Kenesaw Mountain Landis, who said every boy builds*a shrine to some baseball hero, and before that shrine, a candle always burns.*Perhaps this is my candle to Roberto. In the past 40 years I know that he has inspired many other selfless acts. He was a powerful role model during my formative years. As a child I was acutely aware that I lacked his athletic talent. However, I knew early on there was much more to the man than baseball and that I could perhaps emulate him in a more profound way. I am fairly certain that belief is what lead me to this moment and a career in social work.

The Roberto Clemente award is in my opinion the most significant award a player can earn. However, I am hoping that one day MLB will honor Roberto by retiring his 21 as they have Jackie Robinson's 42. Both men transcended the game. Robinson is baseball's moral compass and Clemente is it's patron saint. Although Clemente has profound cultural significance for Latinos such as I, for many fans of my generation Clemente represents a bigger ideal than ethnicity, nationality, culture, and language. He represents compassion, mercy, honor, dignity, and pride. As a society I fear that these are all values we seem to be losing a grip on. By retiring 21 MLB would be honoring those principles as much as the man. This is where I am asking for your assistance. If you share my beliefs, please email MLB and tell them to retire 21. I could not find a link to the commissioners office. However, you could address your email to Bud Selig here*http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/help/contact_us.jsp. Thanks for indulging me.

[39special]

Mike what you are doing is awesome.I hope everthing works out for both of you!!!!!

[jgmp123]

Mike,

Email sent! What you are doing is a very selfless act that if others had your kind of courage, the world would be a much better place.

Bravo sir.

James

Mike, Email sent.

A beautiful gesture on your part. Please have a successful surgery, and speedy recovery for both of you.

[Scott Garner]

Hi Mike,
I remember you telling me that you were going to donate a kidney to your friend.

I really think what you are doing is unbelievable! Good luck with the surgery and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

All my best,
Scott

PS, I will write Mr. Selig about retiring Roberto Clemente's number 21.
Keep the faith!

[deebro041]

Hi Mike, great courage and inspiration!! Way to step up to the plate! Best wishes to you and the recipient!!

[mcgwirecom]

Way to go Mike!

[jimm]

Mike, get well. My Mom was born in Nicaragua and I had many family there during the 72 quake, so anything to do with Mr Clemente resonates with me. First series I ever watched was '71 and first bb cards '72 so this was a very formative time for me. Here's a pic of a cap my grandmother brought with her from Managua and one of the only things I have from her. Interesting choice of colors I think.

[Mr. Zipper]

Best of luck, Mike. My cap is off to you.

[71buc]

Originally Posted by jimm

Mike, get well. My Mom was born in Nicaragua and I had many family there during the 72 quake, so anything to do with Mr Clemente resonates with me. First series I ever watched was '71 and first bb cards '72 so this was a very formative time for me. Here's a pic of a cap my grandmother brought with her from Managua and one of the only things I have from her. Interesting choice of colors I think.

Amazing hat and a beautiful reminder of her. Thanks for sharing it with me.

[71buc]

Its been 5 years today since I made this post. I flew to San Francisco today to watch McCutchen and celebrate 5 years of health with my friend Howard.

[GaryPassamonte]

You are a man to be honored for your wonderful gift.

[GoCubsGo32]

Mike,

What an amazing gift to give. Thinking of both you and your friend. Wishing both a full speedy recovery. God bless and...I'll get the email sent for Mr. 21.

[todeen]

I hope you don't mind my religious input, but this is one of the nuggets that transcends religion.

Thank you for being an example to us all!

13Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. 15Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.... 17These things I command you, that ye love one another.


Sent from my SM-G9900 using Tapatalk

[Dewey]

My sympathies, Mike. What a beautiful testament to courage and friendship.

Great verse, Tim.

[hcv123]

Sorry to hear of the loss of your friend - many times as hard or harder than losing family. May the memories of the times you shared together continue to fill your mind and heart.