Win Now...Or Else!

By Bob Wolff

New York sports fans are impatient. They pay higher prices and their pro teams purchase the highest-priced stars.
     These multi-millionaires arrive with no performance guarantee. When expectations aren't achieved, fans let them know. But it's the manager or coaches who get released.
     Baseball is a game based more on disappointment then success. The odds are always against the batter or pitcher. Pro players are trained to take the ups and downs in stride and not reveal their emotions. Celebrations are reserved for team championships, individual displays during games are considered bush league.
     Willie Randolph followed Joe Torre's winning example of remaining unemotional in the dugout. Both men believe that fighting spirit is shown by playing hard, not storming on the field and kicking dirt.
     When the Mets didn't win enough, some wanted Willie to become more demonstrative. But Willie believes in self-control. That's a leadership trait that should be applauded, not criticized.
     I'm Bob Wolff and that's my point of view.