Red Sox LF Manny Ramirez blew off Boston’s visit to the White House yesterday, a situation that has Odds & Sods wondering, “is Manny Ramirez a liberal?” Hey, I thought veterans were generally excused from long trips to bullshit exhibitions.
The Red Sox have met with the President twice during the Bush Administration, after each World Series victory. Both times, Manny Ramirez has chosen not to attend.
In 2005, Manny received an œexcused absence from the club, with Johnny Damon stating that he was caring for a sick grandmother. Today, the president joked œManny Ramirez isn™t here. I guess his grandmother died again.
There are many plausible explanations for the pair of absences. Manny was putting extra time in at the gym. He was comfortable in Fort Myers and didn™t want to leave. He may have been too busy selling personal belongings on eBay.
However, for the man who once skipped a game to take his citizenship test and proudly ran out into left field with an American flag the next day, meeting the President of the United States would surely be an honor?
Could this be a political statement by Mr. Ramirez? Have Republicans™ bombastic boasts about immigration and the Spanish language soured him? Has his status as a constitutional scholar emboldened him to protest the prone condition with which Cheney and other Bush appointees have held that document?
All I can say is whateve Manny does being Manny is ok with me. He is adorable, warm and a great baseball player. He brings joy to so many and I vote that we allow Manny to be Manny as long as possible.
awesome
My whole family is incredibly proud of ALL of our Red Sox boys! If Manny had something else to do, then that’s OK. Was there mention of any other members of the team not making it to the White House to see our joke of a president? Real smooth, Georgie–loved the comment about the grandma dying twice. I am sure Manny will come for a visit now! You go, Manny–lead us to yet another World Series victory–we are behind you 110%.
Our best to you! Katie and her family! 🙂
Katie,
I was feeling regretful about my decision to skip the ceremony until I learned of the support of you and your family, as well as the incredible pride you feel for me and all of my teammates, none of whom you are personally familiar with. On days when my teammates and I are going through tough times, we will take comfort in the fact that you and your family are “behind” us to an extent that is not logically possible. Thank you from the bottom of my Dirt Dog heart.
— MR
Although Gdubs is a dolt, making dead grandma jokes should be left for someone else. Ya know?
Dear Manny,
As one of Katie’s uncles, I have to say I am not behind you ever since you pulled your ride-a-mower off of ebay at the last minute. I was the high bidder for like 89 hours you heartless bastard.
LOL @ katie’s uncle… so King of the Hill! lol