Monday, June 02, 2008

Do the Right Thing

Remember that movie from the early 90's? It's not essential that you do - but the title of that movie seemed apropos for this post given the number of times people DON'T do the right thing these days.

The "thing" of which I speak is the act of giving back Manny Ramirez's 500th home run ball on Saturday, something which may have cost the brothers Woo from Nahant, MA, $500,000. Yes, you're reading that number correctly - that's the sum of money that Eddie Murray's 500th HR ball fetched 12 years back. And no, the Woo brothers aren't Manny haters. They are just good all around guys.

When I first read this story in the Boston Globe on Sunday, I turned to my wife and said, "you know, stories like this give me faith in mankind." I truly meant that. Once in a while, it's nice to see someone just do something nice vs. what's in their best financial/personal interest.

Ironically, Manny has more money than God (well, maybe not that much, but at $20 million/year, you get the picture) so many people might say, "screw him. If he wants the ball, let him pay me!" Instead, the Woo brothers opted to give the ball back to Manny saying simply, "this is his accomplishment."

What I love about the ending of this story is that Manny has decided to "Pay it Forward" (couldn't resist using another movie title here) by agreeing to auction off his 500th HR ball and then donate the proceeds to charity. Wow! Another story that restores faith in mankind? You betcha. Just another case of Manny being Manny.

2 comments:

Scott Monty said...

I agree that seeing stuff like this is reassuring that there are still some good guys out there.

Of course, if Manny wanted to do the right thing, he'd also throw a few samoleans to the Woo Bros.

And if you *really* want to Do the Right Thing, check out the link.

Aaron_Strout said...

Leave it to Monty to rile things up with a little Sesame Street street thuggery! And you're right, I guess Manny could have sent some moola the Woo brothers way - although he did give them some nice schwag (and they also got their 15 minutes out of the deal!)