The Construction Worker Who Greeted Manny Machado Is a Hero

In this day and age, free agency in professional sports is more important than ever. Teams shred their salary cap down to the bare bones just for a glimmer of hope that a big name star will even take a meeting with them. It’s a different time. The money is longer, the leagues are more star driven. The free agency pitches make or break your future as a franchise. 

 

See, most teams pull out all kind of dramatic gimmicks in order to catch the big fish in the sea. The Clippers raised Blake Griffin’s jersey to the rafters to get him to re-sign. Pat Riley infamously throws his rings on the table when guys show up in Miami looking for a contract. For God sake, one time, the Clippers took Deandre Jordan hostage because he was going to sign with the Mavs.

 

Remember that episode of Ballers where Ricky visits the Saints and they throw him a a parade outside his private jet? That’s free agency now.

 

That’s why I absolutely love seeing the greeting Manny Machado got today as he rolled up to Citizens Bank Park. 

 

No gimmicks, just one blue collar individual passionate about sports in the town he loves. Using his ten minute break at 11am to praise a highly-touted ball player in town. That’s dedication, that’s the pulse of Philly. And the “go get that money” quote? Fantastic. Guy clocked into work today and said to himself, “I’m going to put on my hard hat, put the city on my fucking back, and go star hunting”. We don’t need parades, or graphic videos, or any kind of stunts. Because we have the passionate people who will treat athletes like Gods. And who doesn’t want to be a God with $300 million to his name?

For Manny, this had to be exhilarating. Fans probably didn’t greet him like this in Baltimore. He is getting the true Philly welcome! Although, in my experiences with Baltimore, someone probably did approach him. But, instead of a construction worker, it was a homeless person. And instead of a picture, they wanted $5 for crack. 

So, to you Mr. Construction Worker, I commend your recruiting efforts. People like you deserve stars in this city. I have absolutely no doubt you are a 700 level alumnus, making your Machado picture all the more deserved. But, what I love the most about you? When Manny Machado visits Citizens Bank Park as a Yankee, I know you’ll be the first to boo him. You are my hero. 

By Aidan Powers | December 20, 2018