the greed of baseball: Mientkiewicz ransoming Series ball

[fryguy]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/baseball/mlb/01/07/bc.bba.worldseriesball.ap/index.html?cnn=yes

BOSTON (AP) -- Red Sox fans have seen the video over and over again. A ground ball to pitcher Keith Foulke. He tosses it underhand to backup first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz, who raises it high as Boston celebrates its first World Series championship in 86 years.

Mientkiewicz still hasn't let go of the ball. But now the Red Sox want it back.

Calling the ball, "my retirement fund," Mientkiewicz stored it in a safety deposit box. Red Sox CEO Larry Lucchino said Thursday he's going to ask Mientkiewicz to return it to the team.

<snip>

The most expensive baseball of all time is Mark McGwire's 70th homer, which went for $3 million.

Mientkiewicz said he thinks the Boston World Series ball has more value than a home run ball.

<sniP.

"I know this ball has a lot of sentimental value," Mientkiewicz said. "I hope I don't have to use it for the money. It would be cool if we have kids someday to have it stay in our family for a long time. But I can be bought. I'm thinking, there's four years at Florida State for one of my kids. At least."

<more>

two things: (1) how much does FSU cost now if a ball that is possibly valued at over $3 million will only pay for four years for one kid, and (2) didn't this guy sign a 2 year deal with Minn. for $7M not to mention what got from the Sox, and he still needs a "my retirement fund"?

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

1. He's pissed because he's not starting, mostly.

I'd bet if they were to get rid of Millar tomorrow, he'd give up the ball for free.

[fryguy]

2. me thinks they might be getting rid of someone else....

eom

[Caution]

3. This has been debunked

Just another case of Dan Shaugnessy (local boston sports columnist) attempting to destroy a ball player in boston.

Doug Mientkiewicz was joking with Shaugnessy on that bit about the reiterment fund and Shaugnessy wrote it as if he was serious. He does this kind of crap all the time.

Doug Mientkiewicz From a radio interview today:

You’re right about that interview after the series. On the phone with this guy, I was laughing as saying things, and so was the other guy (Shaugnessy), you know, I thought it was a gonna be a good, light-hearted article. I figured he knew I was joking around about my kids at FSU, etc, you know, all in jest. Then I turn around and see (how it’s been portrayed...)

Interviewer: Players throughout time have always held onto balls, and they’ve loaned them out, so what’s the big fuss about here?

Doug: That’s what I thought. If they want to show it to fans, I’d be happy to. In fact, I’d show it off myself. I was furious when I came home after lifting weights, and got all these messages, people calling my mom, my sister. It’s out of control.

Interviewer 2: Has anyone from MLB or the HOF asked about the ball?

Doug: Nobody. I mean, I’ve had two offers for it. And I heard form Mr. Henry today, though that’ll remain private. But nothing from the hall of fame or MLB before the article. I want the fans to see it. I kept it so that it’s in a player’s hands, not in some person’s who’s going to run away with it and never see it again.

[HuckleB]

4. Thanks for the update. No greed involved here.

And no fake mooning either.

:)