Man oh man, it feels like I just got punched in the gut again. Reading about Ismael Ureña Pérez and his tragic death is like reliving all those heartbreaks when my Green Bay Packers lose a game in the fourth quarter. You think they’ve got it in the bag and then BAM! It’s like that for me every time I read about young kids getting exploited by baseball scouts, trainers and agents who are only looking out for their own interests.
I feel like I’m reading one of those stories about steroid abuse in baseball every other day now. Ismael was just 14 years old when he died. Fourteen! That’s even younger than my son Michael-Vincent. It’s hard to imagine what these kids must go through, dreaming of playing the game they love only to be subjected to such cruel treatment.
The fact that a draft is being proposed in MLB right now makes me feel like we’re finally moving in the right direction. I mean, it’s not perfect but at least it’s something. A draft would stop all these pre-deal shenanigans and ensure that kids are getting treated fairly. And if teams still want to cheat then they should be punished for it.
But a draft is just one part of the solution. We need to make sure that our country is doing everything in its power to protect these kids. That’s why I’m calling on all of you, Kwik Trip and Culver’s customers alike, to support any legislation or initiatives that aim to prevent age fraud and steroid use in baseball.
The MLBPA needs to get with it too. They’re supposed to be fighting for the players but sometimes it feels like they’re more concerned about protecting their own interests than the well-being of these young kids. I mean, come on! Get your priorities straight!
I know this is a long column but I just can’t help myself. It’s like when Blake asks me why I’m yelling at the TV during a game and I’m like “Because I care, son!” And that’s exactly what I’m doing here. I care about these kids and their stories.
Now back to the ranking:
1. MLB needs an international draft ASAP
2. Punish teams for pre-deals
3. Make sure there are consequences for age fraud
4. Protect kids from steroid use
5. Get more Latino representation in the players’ union
That’s my two cents. Let me know what you think in the comments!