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Thursday, October 10, 2002

An Athelete Who Gets It: I'd been meaning to post this for a week or so, but now is better than never. This quote comes from an article in ESPN Magazine about John Smoltz, the closer for the Atlanta Braves.

"When I was out injured for all of the 2000 season and most of 2001, nothing could have been further from my mind than where I am today. Really, it was a relief to find out I needed reconstructive surgery on my elbow. Because if more rehab or rest had been prescribed, I thought I might have to retire. I don't want to overplay the feeling of what I went through, because it doesn't relate well to real-life tragedies, but in my sport, I was having no fun. I was miserable. I tried to override pain with power, and it was not fun. The pain was great enough that there were times I ripped my shirt off and said, "This is it, I'm done." I really don't know why I kept going. I do know I'm glad I did."

With all the pompous, self-absorbed men playing games for millions of dollars, it is nice to see at least one who recognizes his place.

posted by Rami @ 10/10/2002 12:52:10 AM