Frank, My Dear, I Don't Give A Damn
Frank Robinson, former manager of the Nats, has declined the team's offer of a Frank Robinson Day to honor his many contributions to the game of baseball.
Anyone wanna check the Pro-Am Golf Tourney calendar for May 20? Perhaps the appearance fee they were offering wasn't high enough? Perhaps he's just too full of pride to do something on behalf of an ownership group that, for whatever reason, backed down from what they said they'd do?
Frank was a helluva player, and a true pioneer in the game. You can make a convincing case that he's had the greatest career in baseball of anyone ever.
But getting rid of him on the field was the right decision.
And although Stan Kasten has repeatedly declined to give a reason as to why he was let go, he has said that there were things that changed his mind, so presumably it wasn't a decision made lightly, particularly given the backlash.
All that being said, it's a loss for Frank. The fans -- even I -- appreciate what he's done. And he's missing out on a chance to feel the love for one last day. And he's depriving the fans of the right to honor him. That's a shame.
Here's my favorite Frank Robinson moment from 2006.
Anyone wanna check the Pro-Am Golf Tourney calendar for May 20? Perhaps the appearance fee they were offering wasn't high enough? Perhaps he's just too full of pride to do something on behalf of an ownership group that, for whatever reason, backed down from what they said they'd do?
Frank was a helluva player, and a true pioneer in the game. You can make a convincing case that he's had the greatest career in baseball of anyone ever.
But getting rid of him on the field was the right decision.
And although Stan Kasten has repeatedly declined to give a reason as to why he was let go, he has said that there were things that changed his mind, so presumably it wasn't a decision made lightly, particularly given the backlash.
All that being said, it's a loss for Frank. The fans -- even I -- appreciate what he's done. And he's missing out on a chance to feel the love for one last day. And he's depriving the fans of the right to honor him. That's a shame.
posted by Chris Needham at
8:33 AM
9 Comments:
It would be interesting to know what kind of job with the organization Frank was asking for. Particularly since he quit his front office job with the Orioles because it didn't have enough real responsibility. I would suppose it would be something higher on the totem pole than Bob Boone has.
The organization probably doesn't have any interest in bringing this subject up even as a defense against those accusing them of racism, because then they'd have to explain why they didn't think Frank was suited for that position. Wonder if Frank would answer that question if a reporter asked him?
By
Anonymous, at 2/16/2007 8:56 AM
I suspect that any of the reporters who's talked to him has asked the question. They may not have given a usable answer though.
Frank just might not know the full story. Kasten probably didn't tell him every reason, and there might be some reasons for it that Frank wouldn't want to get out either.
By
Chris Needham, at 2/16/2007 8:59 AM
There's something to be said about having too much pride. Frank wanted a front office position with power. There are no such positions available. Frank didn't want a figurehead job such as Director of Community Relations even though he'd be a tremendous asset to the Nationals in that role here in DC.
So now Frank doesn't want a day in his honor because he's got too much pride. So long Frank. I'm sorry it ended this way but you're just as much to blame for this as Kasten is. I truly believe Frank wants to burn all bridges with the Nationals and he's doing a wonderful job at it.
By
Anonymous, at 2/16/2007 9:54 AM
You said it better than I did, anonymous!
By
Chris Needham, at 2/16/2007 9:56 AM
Whenever Kasten talks about the decision to not offer Frank a position, he always says that he doesn't want to discuss it fully because he doesn't want to disparage Frank or tarnish his great reputation in the community or in baseball. I think the general consensus among the top brass was that Frank no longer had the capacity to handle a position of substance, but they don't want to say that publicly because the franchise has nothing to gain by speaking ill of Frank. Frank doesn't want "recognition" from a group of people who think he is incompetent. Both sides act like they are taking the high ground on this. I do respect Kasten not speaking poorly of Frank. I wish there was a place for him to make a meaningful contribution to the organization, but I do not think there is. But I wish we could thank him for his efforts and his great career publicly!
By
Natsfan74, at 2/16/2007 11:42 AM
Pressed on WTOP this morning live about just this topic, Stan Kasten did finally say it was HIS decision. "I wanted to move in a different direction. Frank was not in those plans" And, that Frank still has friend within the organization and talks with them reguarly. But, apparently not Stan Kasten. I like Frank, but his bitterness is bothersome. No one owes him anything.
By
Screech's Best Friend, at 2/16/2007 12:46 PM
That's still the sort of vague answer that Kasten has been given. It's a credit that he's stood up repeatedly to take the 'blame' (if that's the right word), but he's never really talked about what led to that change of heart.
By
Chris Needham, at 2/16/2007 12:49 PM
"Frank was not in those plans"
Incontrovertible proof of the existence of The Plan!!!11!!11
By
Anonymous, at 2/16/2007 2:44 PM
Why is Frank so bitter about not managing. Is he a masochist? Why would he want to manage a team that will have difficulty winning sixty games per season for the next two or three years? That is no way to end a great career. Let Manny Acta endure the pain, he is much younger.
By
Anonymous, at 2/16/2007 4:34 PM
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