Role Models
"Today's players," whoever they may be (this was true eighty years ago and will be true eighty years in the future) are often denigrated for being poor role models. Some thoughts through the ages.
I am not paid to be a role model. I am paid to wreak havoc on the basketball court. Parents should be role models. Just because I dunk a basketball doesn't mean I should raise your kids.
-- Charles Barkley, who is not, technically, a baseball player
Why do I have to be an example for your kid? You be an example for your kid.
-- Bob Gibson
Why is it there are so many nice guys interested in baseball? Not me. I was a real bastard when I played.
-- Burleigh Grimes. One of my favorite quotes of all time.
I didn't mean to hit the umpire with the dirt, but I did mean to hit that bastard in the stands.
-- Babe Ruth
Well, Mr. Three-Time MVP, he's older and more mature... Well, I shouldn't say mature. He's just older.
-- Ken Griffey Jr., on Barry Bonds
I don't think you're going to find a player who says [Alomar] wasn't wrong or shouldn't be punished. ... My personal opinion is that if you get suspended late in the year, you get suspended for the playoffs.
-- Tom Glavine