Memo to Karl Ravetch & the rest of ESPN, Sheldon Ocker, Corey Brock, Fox Sports, Tracy Ringolsby & others in on the scheme

None of you play the game of baseball, but all of you have personal or political views causing you to try to keep Mariano Rivera from getting the recognition he deserves. It's your mission in life. If the most successful managers & hitters in the AL say Mariano is the best, but you DO NOT say that, who is obviously wrong by a mile? YOU guys are wrong.

• Today from Ozzie Guillen: "On the field and off the field, Hall of Fame," Chicago manager Ozzie Guillen said. "Young people should look up to him. He's the perfect player."
• Today from Jim Thome: "For me, and I've said it, he has the single best pitch ever in the game," Chicago's Jim Thome said. (You guys have heard of him?)
• May 6, 2006, Michael Young from the Ft. Worth Star Telegram: "Mo's the best closer ever by far."

I've documented other such superlatives about Rivera in this space, from people like J.P. Ricciardi, BJ Ryan, and others--people for whom every move from Mariano can make a difference in their lives. Unlike you guys who clearly have jobs that allow you to do and say whatever you want. Oh yes, also from the AP article today...

• "The closer by which all closers will soon be judged, Rivera waved to a few fans and disappeared into the dugout, another victory safely secured for the New York Yankees."

I'm sorry if you can't get past the team he happens to work for, or if you're pals with guys who are just jealous, small and unsportsmanlike. But none of you should have jobs, in my opinion.

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