In todays society we send young men and women off into foriegn countries to protect our freedom and allow us to continue on with our happy and safe lives. While back in the U.S we worry that our favorite athlete may not make enough money to continue on with our home town team. We worry that 4 or 5 million dollars a year may not be enough for them to sign a contract and we bad mouth our organizations for not paying them what they believe they are worth. Well in my eyes very few if any athletes are worth todays price of admission. Charles Nagy the long time pitcher for the Cleveland Indians and now a member of the San Diego Padres was worth the price of admission. Not because he was a dominating pitcher, but rather he was a baseball player. A quiet man and fierce competitor, Nagy pitched from his heart. He played because he knew he was blessed with a gift and he conducted himself in the same manner. Polite and encouraging to fans young and old, Nagy won the hearts of many fans, but as with all pitchers time and injury caught up to him. It was intersting to watch it all unfold, being a Nagy fan from day one and following him through the good and bad, I found it very difficult to understand why would true Indians fans boo this man. Nagy pitched for a team that lost 105 games and he pitched for teams that won 100 + games, he never cryed about being on a losing team, never barked about his salary all he did was pitch day in and day out, year in and year out. Nagy continued to pitch while the Indians continued to try and win a world series. As his teammates got better they wanted to get richer and that they did, mean while Nagy continued to pitch for the Indians. His friends left for greener pastures, but Nagy remained and tried to regain his pitching status. During that process he tried very hard and recieved some unwarranted boo's and slashing, but in the end he is the winner, Nagy can walk off any field at anytime and hold his head up high knowing that he is an exception, better yet an example of what professional sports should be about. Play the game from inside yourself, and play because it is a game. Some may consider it a business, well then maybe those athletes should rethink where they are and what they are doing. If hitting or fielding a bseball is more dangerous then dodging bullets then change careers, if not then please conduct yourself like you appreciate your gift and allow us fans to appreciate it as well. As for Charles Nagy, well if my son needs an idol or someone to look up to in baseball, then he already knows, its Charles Nagy!

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