I wanted to post a journalist style blog about Nomar's career and about how he is about to begin working for ESPN.  I was prepared to list all the stats and all the awards, but this is our Nomah.  This guy was Ted William's favorite hitter.  He's our guy.

I remember how thrilled I was in 1997 when he made the team out of Spring Training.  I remember how thrilled I was seeing him hit lead-off and still hitting for power.  I remember how great is was to watch him and Ted Williams talk hitting.  I remember the joy he played with and the glow that surrounded him in the early years. He seemed to radiate joy on the ballfield.

Once the injuries started piling up, after the 2000 season, the electricity left his game, but the joy seemed to stay.  Unfortunately in 2003 and more 2004 the love seemed to go too.  He became more moody and more senistive.  A dark cloud followed him around and he appeared more diminished.  

I choose to remember 1997-2000 Nomah.  I choose to remember him in his full glory, stroking line drives from gap-to-gap and being a doubles machine.  I choose to remember him as an exciting player who brought me so much joy over the years.

As an aside: Many people, on other sites, are already making cheap shots at Nomar about taking steroid or other PEDs. If you don't have proof or evidents don't  point fingers at anyone.  It seems everyone is guilty until proven innocent on baseball anyone, don't add on.  I hope and pray that Nomar was clean and choose to believe so unless there is proof.

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES ANTHONY NOMAR GARCIAPARRA!!!!