Was pulling Mets’ Jose Reyes from game in true spirit of baseball?
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Writers from around Tribune Co. discuss the topic. Check back throughout the day for more responses and join the discussion by leaving a comment.
Paul Doyle, Hartford Courant
In one of the greatest 24-hour stretches in baseball history, fans were treated to wall-to-wall drama.
The Orioles, playing for nothing but pride, ended the Red Sox season just moments before the Rays completed a stunning comeback against the Yankees. The Phillies, already in the postseason and playing for nothing, completed a 13-inning win that sent the Cardinals to the playoffs.
Everywhere, players were seizing the moment. Then there’s Jose Reyes, who decided to sit on his moment. He left the Mets’ game after his first-inning bunt single in an effort to secure a batting title, the first in franchise history.
Reyes isn’t just the anti-Ted Williams, he’s anti-everything we love about baseball. Even his manager, baseball lifer Terry Collins, said he understood the jeering he heard from the crowd.
Collins reportedly was honoring a request from Reyes, so most of the blame goes to the player, though some has to go to Collins and the team. On a day that reminded us why baseball is so great, Reyes and the Mets stood out for all the wrong reasons. He won a tainted title.
Tom Housenick, The Morning Call There was nothing about the way Jose Reyes’ season ended that is in the true spirit of baseball. There is so much disgrace and disgust to go around.
Reyes said he was humbled and honored to win the NL batting title. Rather, he should be humiliated and dishonored for pulling himself out of the final game after getting a first-inning bunt single.
He said it means so much for his family and country. Translation: It means so much to the free agent shortstop’s wallet.
Mets Manager Terry Collins should be fired for allowing the move, saying he worked hard to earn the players’ respect and didn’t want to lose it now. Players should respect their manager for demanding 100% all the time, through Game No. 162.
And, sadly, David Wright defended Reyes and wondered what the big deal was. The big deal is Reyes proved the game is about money, status and individual achievement.
Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times
We turn to Twitter.
Texas Rangers pitcher C.J. Wilson (@str8edgeracer): ‘Seriously people - taking out a star player to preserve his batting average lead ... weak! I hope ryan braun goes 5-5 and wins the title now.’
Former major league catcher Gregg Zaun (@greggzaun): ‘I hope Braun gets 4 hits and wins the title tonight. Gutless move by Reyes and the Mets. Ted Williams’ spirit will haunt them.’