Sparky Anderson, manager of the Big Red Machine Cincinnati Reds in the 1970's as well as the Detroit Tigers from mid 1979-1995, passed away Thursday at the age of 76.
Where does one begin a tribute to such a great and well loved man? Sparky was beyond baseball even though he personified the game. He loved everyone and everyone loved him back. He protected his players so that they could perform, but more importantly, he gave to the community of his time and efforts through his CATCH charity as well as many other endeavors.
Perhaps the best thing he said, and this is going to be paraphrased very roughly, was that the sports types aren't heroes despite the adulation they receive. The kids in the hospitals fighting disease, they're heroes. The others just play a game.
The world needs more of that sort of humility coming from its role models. And athletes and movie stars and performers and politicians, you are role models whether you like it or not. Why not take a lesson from one of the best role models that fame and fortune have to offer?
Sparky did not want a funeral or a memorial service, and that wish is being respected. Mostly. How do you not remark on the life of such a remarkable man?
The world has lost some of its humility now, but not all. Sparky will always in some way be with us. God rest, George Lee Anderson.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment