I think it’s quite commendable that Alex Rodriguez has actually put some of his millions back into the community that raised him. However, Larry Henry misses the real point of all the booing that Alex receives and will receive (“Cut A-Rod some slack,” Sunday).
I was one of the many who actually believed that he wanted to stay in Seattle and that, quite simply, was never the case. He does not like Safeco Field because it is not a real friendly park for big boppers. The second reason was that even though Seattle told him that he would be the highest paid player in baseball, Rangers owner Tom Hicks offered far more than any rational person, other than George Steinbrenner, would consider paying for any athlete’s services. Alex took us in and we are mad about it.
If Alex had been straightforward and said that he had to go for the money, and he is sorry that Seattle couldn’t top the offer on the table, he would not be booed nearly to the extent that he is today, and perhaps not at all. (Remember the ad that Randy Johnson took out after he left Seattle, thanking the fans for all their support? Randy is cheered whenever he comes to Safeco.)
For all his altruistic actions, Alex was not straightforward with us. In other words, he acted like a typical politician. That character flaw has earned him the lasting disgust of Seattle fans. Cut him some slack, Larry? I think not!
PHIL BATE
Lynnwood
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