Loyalty...and your word

We're responsible for what we do or say. Sure it's a free country but what we do has consequences and it's worth thinking about the effect of what we say or do. I was thinking of that today as I watched the first Red Sox - Yankee game of the season. Whether you're a baseball fan or not, there were a lot of lessons in the game. You see this was the first game that former Red Sox hero Johnny Damon returned to Fenway Park as a member of the New York Yankees - the arch rival of the Red Sox.

It's not so much that he switched teams. It was what he said before he did it. A year ago he said he would never play for the Yankees and would never let money influence his decision. Fact is, he did just that. He turned down the Red Sox offer of $40 million for 4 years of work and took the Yankees offer of $52 million. Hmmm....seems like he contradicted himself big time.

Now I know that sports is a business and that people go for the money. It was his choice and we Red Sox fans have to accept that. But Mr. Damon also thought that he would be cheered when he came to Boston. Yes, he helped the team win the World Series in 2004. But he turned his back on his team and his fans for money, saying he wasn't wanted by the Sox and that he needed the money for his children. Wouldn't you feel wanted if someone offered you $40 million? As for the kids needing the money, what about the families with kids struggling to afford tickets to one game which are so expensive because we pay so much for players like Damon?

What you say matters. Loyalty and teamwork matter. The money is all well and good but who are you if your word can't be believed? Something to think about whether you're into baseball or not. Red Sox fan or Yankee. Your word is all.