Being First

Being first requires a couple of things. First and foremost, you have to be in a position to be first. Second, you need the talent and the drive to take advantage of that position. Being in the position without the talent and drive just means the next guy in that position will be the first and you will be forgotten.

Last night, both of these conditions were satisfied for our favorite major league baseball player. Jody Gerut was the first person to hit a home run in NYC's City Park, home of the New York Metropolitans, aka the Mets. Clearly he demonstrated he had the talent and drive to take advantage of the circumstances he found himself in.

Not only did Mr. Gerut (We haven't met, so we're not on a first name basis.) hit the first home run in City Park history, he is also the first person to lead off a game in a new ballpark with a home run. In Elias Sports Bureau terms, that makes him immortal. Someone may repeat the feat, but he will always be first. The subject of mid-game trivia questions everywhere. A surefire way to make sure your name is never forgotten.

Pretty cool if you ask me.

Mr. Gerut also showed his class (we expect such classy acts from someone from Illinois) by donating the bat he used to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

What a great way to start the season. And now we have MLB Extra Innings, so we can watch the San Diego Padres, when my beloved Cardinals are not on of course.