Do players owe it to fans to be nice?

I write this with some resignation because it stems from what some are referring to at the Winter Warmup in STL this past weekend.

It seems that some are ripping Sir Albert for his lack of enthusiasm while signing autographs to kids. It was reported that some 8 yr old and 11 yr old kids were all excited. They said Wainwright was awesome and had fun with them and smiled and Miles asked to to sit with him at breakfast. Molina was a clown and loved the kids and was having a fun old time. but not Albert.

After that report others chimed in with some sober AP stories. Yes, he is human but a 10 million dollar man needs to show some love for his fans.

Albert had 400 autographs to sign. He never looked up and therefore never smiled or conversed with the majority in line. He just signed. The kids were devasted that he never acknowledge them. The adults were upset and felt they at least deserved a “hi” or something for the $175 they donated to charity for the autograph.

I am sure players get tired of people wanting a piece of their time ALL the time. But they get paid well for this and should they be a bit more kind to kids? Afterall at the Warmup it was intended for this purpose. It is not like you stopped him along the street and took up his personal time. This was intended for autograph time. Does that mean that he should be a tad more personable? I say YES. It is two hours for crying out loud. Show some spirit. These are baseball fans that want to be part of your season and only wish the best for you, Albert. Try to do better.

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5 Responses to “Do players owe it to fans to be nice?”

  1. Daniel Says:
    January 22nd, 2008 at 5:35 pm

    Probably he should be a little more outgoing.

    That said, he’s not that gregarious. From what I’ve read somewhere, he’s actually on the shy side. If that is the case, it’s understandable that he didn’t make much eye contact, etc.

    Still, a little more acknowledgment probably would be a good thing.

  2. tom Says:
    January 22nd, 2008 at 5:38 pm

    Someone from the front office needs to help him along. let the office person set up the first verbal contact and then get Albert a chance to smile and nod or utter a few words.

  3. Mike Says:
    January 22nd, 2008 at 9:32 pm

    I’m a bit surprised at this. I didn’t get to attend the Warm-up, but I’ve always thought that Pujols loved his fans, especially the kids. You’re definitely right. The fans deserve better.

  4. knup Says:
    January 23rd, 2008 at 7:38 am

    If I paid $175 or whatever - I better get a hug included too :)

    But seriously, this makes me upset. If you are on the streets of STL and people are bugging your for an autograph than fine, don’t look up, keep walking, be a little rude, whatever… But when you advertise and have people pay to see and get autographs, show a little life.

  5. Blogger’s Block « C70 at the Bat Says:
    January 23rd, 2008 at 10:34 am

    […] lack of interaction in his autograph line during the Warm-up.  Tom at CardinalsGM asks if players owe the fans some niceness in those […]

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