My absolute favorite guy to watch growing up in the Chicagoland area. Never shied away from the spotlight, revitalized a sport that was dwindling in popularity with his spectacular 1998 MVP campaign and home run battle with McGwire, and did it all with a smile on his face. While he's not fully revered in the public eye due to steroid allegations, his relationship (or lack thereof) with the Cubs front office, or otherwise, he is indefatigable in my mind, and the memories he made can never be taken away. I hope that one day, he'll be welcomed back with open arms to Wrigley Field, that #21 will fly atop the foul poles, and perhaps still, he'll be enshrined in Cooperstown. Yes, I know, that last one seems farfetched, but hey- a guy can dream. This man made baseball fun for me to watch, play, and collect. My admiration for Slammin' Sammy will never die. |
