For Love of the Game

With it being a holiday week in which America's pasttime will be put on the highest of pedestals, I found it only fitting to reference the 1999 feature film starring Kevin Costner. Having a lengthy resume of sports related films already, Costner plays a washed up pitcher that flashes through and reaches the near end of his career. He must ultimately decide between the women he loves, played by Kelly Preston, and the game he's built his life upon. A very enjoyable flick that I highly recommend.

Just like the film, the Houston Astros have only 6 games left until the All Star Break, and will be faced with a number of choices to what, if anything, they will do about the pitching they need to make it to the World Series. A lot of options are out there, but will require a heavy price in the form of farm system prospects. Unlike the film, however, the team is anything but washed up. This includes your people's champion and mine, Evan Gattis.

In fact, 5 of the guys were just selected yesterday to be apart of the All Star Game next Tuesday, July 11th. Jose Altuve will be going for his 5th time. Carlos Correa and George Springer are appearing for the first time, as is Lance McCullers and Dallas Keuchel for pitching selections. Those selected were very humble in their acceptance, even noting how their should have been more Astros guys selected. Guys like Will Harris, Chris Devenski, Marwin Gonzalez and Brian McCann were among the first that came to mind as other H-Town players mentioned. All considered snubs, but all incredibly deserving to go.

As usual, however, El Oso Blanco keeps being left out in the cold in ASG mentions. Nevermind that he polled in the top 5 among AL DH's the entire voting period. Nevermind that he has been consistently hitting above .263 the entire season with the limited playing time that A.J. Hinch and this organization seem determined to doom him with. You won't hear Evan himself making a big deal out of this, but it's still no excuse to shun him out of the conversation.

Now, before anyone starts coming at me, I want to make it abundantly clear that I am proud of this entire Astros team and all who are going to the midsummer classic. Without a shadow of a doubt, the five guys on their way to Miami are going to impact the game well, and see the American League to another ASG victory. Wanting Gattis to be apart of that, or at the very least be acknowledged for the fact that he polled so high, does not take away from any of that. Those that think so would do well to give themselves a reality check.

The Big White Bear has always done tremendous things since he has entered this league. Often, he makes these contributions quietly. It's both admirable and mysterious. Are there areas he can stand to improve upon? Of course! Especially, when it comes to the defense. But this can only happen if he is given more opportunities. He has more than "earned" them, after all!

Gattis has also earned some time in the spotlight recently, giving interviews on Astros Radio, and on the hit MLB Network show, Intentional Talk. In his 3rd appearance on that show just this past Friday, he spent a good portion of it talking about beards, his homers, and the recent honeymoon he took in Africa with his wife, Kimberly. You can take a look at that interview here. Along with my loyalty that has never wavered is the inspiration I feel whenever I get to hear the bear speak. It hasn't happened a whole lot lately with his diminished role. But when it does happen, as the song by Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen say, "It's always a good time!"

What was even more of a good time is what happened the very next game on Saturday. Evan took a 99 MPH fast ball off of Yankees setup man, Dellin Betances, to send it over the train tracks at Minute Maid Park. Ironically, it is the first homer that Betances has given up since last September. It was a gem, though, and you can see that bomb launch into orbit here. Proof that he never really lost that power to begin with. As with everything else this season, it can only happen more with more opportunities. 

Speaking of which, I really envy a lot of folks in the mainstream sports media. What an honor and privilege it must be to get to talk with Evan when the opportunity presents itself. Even if just for a few minutes, it must be one of the most exciting conversations one can ever have with any individual. The bear may not always feel mutual on that front, depending on the circumstances. However, his willingness to be open and candid just adds to the inspiration he gives to others.

How I yearn and wish for that to be me. I know he may have turned me down for an interview with this blog back at Picnic in the Park last month. But if I was to even have an off the record conversation with him as a means for him getting better acquainted with me, and in turn me being allowed to pick his brain to really know how he sees the world, it would be my fondest of wishes. Perhaps if Evan himself still reads this, which I hope he does, I only pray that this will come true and to pass someday. And that he, or maybe someone in his inner circle, can help make this happen for me?!

I always keep faith that something will happen in my favor in regards to chatting with Evan. But for now, it's time to keep riding the spacemen's victories into the ATL. And as my #BearSquared buddies make their duel return to the city that found them, may it be one of even more triumph for the both of them, as well as this Astros team. FYI, any fans that will be in attendance or taping either game, I would appreciate some footage of the reception both men receive in their first at-bats at Sun Trust Park. You may even get featured and credited on this very blog in my next post due out on Thursday!

Original Photo Credits: All Courtesy of Bob Levey of Getty Images!

News Flash, Atlanta! El Oso Blanco is making his triumphant return to the ATL both tomorrow and Wednesday. 

Brace yourselves for impact!!!!