So Chipper Jones doesn't like Toronto.
By now, you've likely heard his disparaging comments regarding Canada's most populated city. We won't reprint them here. In short, Jones found the place boring.
But before we tar-and-feather, let's try and give his opinion perspective.
Major League ballplayers are creatures of routine. In fact, their entire season is one giant routine repeated daily. And frankly, the location is inconsequential. Whether Atlanta or Anaheim, home or away, it probably goes a little something like this:
1. Wake up late.
2. Order room service or go out for breakfast. Coffee and paper optional.
3. Return to hotel/residence. Watch movie, play video game or have brief visit with family or friends.
4. Go to stadium early and hang around clubhouse. Late lunch or early dinner available.
5. Stretch, batting practice, and finally, play game.
6. Go home, return to hotel, or fly to next city.
7. Repeat steps 1-through-6.
Now, a player of Jones' caliber is likely dedicated to his routine, so it could be argued he doesn't have a whole lot of time for sight-seeing. But, for goodness sake Chipper, you've been in the league, what, fifteen years? You made the team. Relax.
For the last five years, I have had the pleasure of traveling to every American League city, and several in the National League, as voice of the Jays on Rogers Sportsnet. And though I am not a player, we have a similar routine. Mine is most intense the first day in any city, but once the initial preparation for a series is complete, there is more time to explore or pursue personal interests. In my case, they come in two categories:
1. Baseball history
2. Contemporary history
As a result, in recent years, traveling around the major leagues has allowed me to:
You'll note I haven't even mentioned cities rich in intrigue like Boston, Seattle, or Chicago, places where there is always something to do. And if it's a rainy day or I've slept too long, there's always a good book to be read at some cozy coffee shop.
The point is this: Despite what Chipper says, Toronto is not a boring city. It may well be that Chipper Jones is just a boring person. When he retires, and says something like "baseball is all I know", it probably won't be far from the truth.
And if that singular pursuit lands him in the Hall of Fame (and I suspect it will) then I say bravo. Well done Chipper. You are among the elite in your chosen craft.
But don't allow Jones' stupidity to paint all big leaguers poorly. Ron Taylor won a pair of World Series rings and then became a doctor. Jim Lonborg retired to enter dentistry. Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Bunning is a United States Senator. My guess is all three would find interesting things to do in Toronto. (Taylor, it should be noted, lives and works there)
Chipper, here's a little advice before you go bashing the home of nearly 4-million people again: Read a book. Explore. Learn something.
No sense in wasting perfectly good eyebrows.
