Wherever he winds up
I’m young, and I’ve only suffered through loving baseball for 20 years. Consequently, I honestly cannot remember ever becoming emotional over a player being traded. That is, until this offseason where I find myself caught in some sort of holding zone.
When most players are traded, I think there are two common reactions – either fans revel in finally getting rid of a player that has tormented them, or fans shrug their shoulders as they say goodbye to a player they liked, but ultimately were not that attached to. The trade sits in the back of your mind, and one day it becomes a trivia fact that you bring up to impress other people.
You will not see either of those reactions when the Mets complete their trade with the Blue Jays that will send R.A. Dickey to Toronto.
Instead you will likely get impassioned vitriol slung at the Mets front office. For those that are not quite as vehemently upset about the situation, you will hear a somber sigh as they accept the fact that a player that brought happiness to a horrid season will not return.
No one is going to forget this trade– at least, not those who watched Dickey pitch.
But here’s the thing, is it unfortunate that the Mets and Dickey could not come to a deal? Absolutely. But does that mean that fans need to stop caring about Dickey just because he plays for a different team? Of course not, and no true fan would.
Of all the amazing things that R.A. Dickey has proven he is, there is one thing he is not – a stat or fun fact that few people will remember.
Dickey’s story transcends baseball. He became respected because of his work ethic, his story and his willingness to help others heal. That does not change because he will have on a different uniform. In a way this entire situation is a reflection of how far Dickey has come in the baseball world. Sure, he won’t start the season in a Mets uniform, but he had multiple teams interested in acquiring him because he is the reigning National League Cy Young winner.
I am all for the belief that the name on the front of the jersey is more important than the name on the back. But in Dickey’s case, I think you make an exception. When it is a genuine human being you are rooting for more so than a player, you don’t just drop your support.
The important thing to remember is that there is a player like Dickey in baseball, and that he represents the dream of the game – to find success after years of hard work.
You should still support him wherever he winds up.
