Give the Guy a Break: Roy Oswalt Shouldn't be Penalized for Putting Family First
By: Mike Reisman
Earlier today, Ruben Amaro Jr. announced that after returning to Philadelphia from his hometown in Mississippi, Roy Oswalt will not play tomorrow due to a sore back and that Kyle Kendrick will start in his place. He also said it is likely that Oswalt will go on the DL after seeing a doctor tonight. He added that Oswalt was helping clear debris from the tornadoes that devastated the area, and that this may have added discomfort.
Of course, the story doesn't end there. Oswalt said in a press conference that baseball was his "3rd or 4th priority", which provoked comments from Charlie Manuel, saying that family should come first, but only to a point, and that baseball should be a baseball player's first priority.
Now this has sparked a lot of controversy over whether Oswalt is committed enough or not, and whether he should have even gone to see his family.
To these fans, critics, or whoever they may be, I ask, do you hear how ridiculous you sound?
Yes, Roy Oswalt is a baseball player, and his job should be priority number one, but in a time where his family was in danger he should be allowed to check to make sure their not hurt. This wasn't just some small problem like a leaky roof or a possibility of a hurricane, this was a devastating series of tornadoes that have killed, yes killed, over 340 people. This is a big deal that hit very close to home (literally) for Oswalt.
Let's put this into perspective. If a natural disaster came near your home when you were at a business conference, or something else that kept you away from home, would you want to go home to make sure your family is safe? I know I would, and anyone who thinks this situation is any different is insane. Oswalt may be making millions of dollars, but he is just a normal person with human emotions that realizes that family is one of the most important things in life.
There are many times where everyone just needs to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. When it all comes down to it, baseball is just a game, or a job, something replaceable, while your family is something that you can't replace. You get one family, that's it, and if something happens to them you can't change it. It's never questioned when a player takes a leave of absence for a death in the family, so why should a player trying to prevent just that be criticized for doing what is right? Roberto Clemente (RIP) wasn't criticized for going to help victims of a natural disaster in his home of Nicaragua, though it was life-threating, and did end up costing him his life. Oswalt if anything should be commended for putting others first and having his priorities straight. Though, this may hurt the team for a start or two, the difference this trip probably made to Roy Oswalt is probably too big to describe with words.
People today are way too critical of athletes. They think everything they do is wrong or questionable. Especially in this situation, everyone needs to just calm down and put themselves in Roy's shoes, including Charlie Manuel. To be upset about the injury is one thing, but to say that Oswalt never should have gone is another, ridiculous statement.
At the end of the year, these games that Oswalt misses probably won't matter, but the time he took to spend with his family in a tough time will. People in general, not just athletes, should learn from this, that nothing, not even a job that pays $15 Million should come before the safety of your family.