Nomar was Wicked Awesome

So Nomar Garciaparra officially announced his retirement today from professional baseball after signing a one day contract with the Boston Red Sox so he could end his career where he started it.  As a Yankee fan I hated seeing this twitchy, OCD, big nosed weirdo at the plate with his silly rituals and antics, and if the Yankee fans hate you then that means you're probably really good and you usually perform well against the Bronx Bombers.  Nomar did exactly that.  He was a stellar baseball player during his 14 year career although toward the end he was plagued by injuries, but nonetheless he was always a hustling, hard nosed, gritty baseball player.

Nomar came up in 1996 with the Sox at a time when the American League had 3 of the best shortstops in the game.  It was agreed upon all over the league that A-Rod was the best hitter, Jeter was the best fielder, and Nomar was the best overall shortstop in baseball.  That he was.  In 1997 he won the AL Rookie of the year award as well as the Silver Slugger award.  Not bad for a first year player in the best division in baseball and in a town that will shun you if you don't perform. 

To add onto his accolades, and yes this is killing me as a Yankee fan to admit that he was an amazing baseball player but I'm a baseball fan first, he was also a 6 time all star and won the 2006 NL Comeback Player of the Year award.  He is also one of 13 players in MLB history to hit 2 grand slams in the same game and the only player to achieve this feat in his home ball park.  I can imagine the curtain call the Fenway faithful gave him after an 8 RBI, 2 HR day, again not too shabby. 

In 2001 Nomar suffered a wrist injury which basically lead to other injuries to somewhat hurt his career.  After these injuries, similar to Griffey, his numbers declined a little bit.  Then in 2004 he was traded right before the trade deadline and it landed him in Chicago with the Cubs and as we all know that was the year the "Idiots" ended up winning the World Series.  It must have hurt to watch your former ball club that you were the face of break the Curse of the Babe while he was in bed with Mia Hamm watching, probably being happy for his former club because that's the type of person he is.

With a career batting average of .313 and a hand full of awards to his name Nomar Garciaparra will be forever known as a very good major league baseball player and he'll be forever remembered for his wild antics in his pre-at-bat rituals.  He will now join the crew of ESPN's Baseball Tonight and I know I'm excited to listen to his insight and knowledge of the game.  So, Mr. Garciaparra my hat goes off to you for a great career.  Yes Yankee fans we have to give credit where credit is due.  Nomar, you are the man.