Ahhh, yes, Fourth of July weekend, a time for fireworks, BBQs, and…celebrating the United States’ independence from Britain, of course. How many people do you actually think will say over the weekend, “Man, I am so happy we’re no longer under British rule, who wants to chug a beer”? (I set the line very low). With Fourth of July weekend here, let’s take a look at two very different stories of independence in the sports world. Also, a Week in Review links-and-fireworks spectacular! (Ok, it’s really just the return of our WiR section, but “fireworks spectacular” sounds doper).
Manny Ramirez Gains His Independence From Not Working
Can 50 games really be over already? Wow, time flies when you’re serving a suspension for a failed drug test. Either way, Manny Ramirez returns to the Major Leagues tonight when he and the Dodgers take the field against the Padres at San Diego’s Petco Park. So, in a weird way, Man-Ram gained his independence from his PED-related (hCG to be precise) 50-game suspension. Not really good news or bad news, but definitely noteworthy, especially considering Ramirez is re-joining a team with the best record in baseball. Here’s the thing too about Manny: Expect a quick return to form. Dude just goes out and hits the ball and cares nothing about what the rest of us think. The man might be the dictionary definition of a “pure hitter.”
Aroldis Chapman Gains Independence From Cuban Baseball (and Cuba too)
So the best left-handed pitching prospect in the world walked out of a hotel in Rotterdam, Netherlands and never returned. Big news because the best left-handed pitching prospect in the world plays for the Cuban national team. That’s right, Aroldis Chapman defected during an international tournament by leaving the squad’s hotel, getting in a car, and not coming back. Whatever your political views or opinions, in the world of baseball the implications of Chapman’s decision are as clear as Ciroc; by defecting from Cuba Aroldis instantly becomes the hottest free agent of 2010 and the most talked about Cubano beisbol international since Jose Conteras. With no passport and currently hiding somewhere in Europe, getting Chapman to the US might be tricky, but when he arrives you better believe a fireworks show worthy of…the Fourth of July (too easy, I know).
So congratulations to Manny Ramirez and Aroldis Chapman on two diametrically opposed Independence Days. Hopefully, the next time I mention both these guys in the same blog Chapman will be pitching to Man-Ram and other great hitters in the Major Leagues.
And now, your special Fourth of July Week in Review…
Finally, the new Lance Armstrong commercial literally gives me chills. With the Tour de France starting this weekend, Nike’s launching a campaign called “It’s About You” in conjunction with Lance to help the fight against cancer. Check out nike.com for more details and watch the TV spot for a truly moving 60 seconds.
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