Ankiel video in AAA

by KennyWang on Jul 8, 2008 8:56 PM EDT

Here's some footage of AAA hecklers witnessing Ank's struggles cerca 2001:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=I3GnaUBKXtI

Obviously, Rick has become a valuable offensive weapon, but this video reminds us just how much he had to overcome mentally. I rather like his offense as a centerfielder, but Rasmus is probably better defender at this point and will take over whenever he is ready. I definitely wouldn't mind having Rick play rf for us in the future.

Tweet Comment 10 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I've seen this

There’s also a short film called “Voices Real and Imagined” that was interesting too. I wasn’t that into baseball when Rick had his struggles, so it was fascinating to see what actually went down.

by barry whiteteeth on Jul 8, 2008 9:12 PM EDT reply actions

He takes a lot of shit still

but it probably doesn’t compare to when he was still trying to pitch, although the hgh crap stirred everything up again. I commend him for what he’s accomplished. No one should have to put up the the harrassment he’s put up with from complete wastes of fucking space that thought it would be cool to scream at someone who’s struggling with themselves as much as Rick was (and still is).

by Tackle Box on Jul 9, 2008 1:41 AM EDT up reply actions

I hate people who get on players.......Really don't you have something better to do with yourself.

At the same time that is why Barry Bonds is absolutely amazing….....

That guy flat out produced for years while people talked shit to him at EVERY PARK in the league. He was so mentally tough while between the lines it’s unreal

by ICbirdfan on Jul 9, 2008 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions

the only difference I have in regards to Bonds

is he actually is a complete ass hat. He treats everyone like shit, so maybe some of that comes back his way. But, for the most part, i do agree with you that it’s ridiculous when some retard who’s no better than replacement player level in his community softball league thinks it’s their duty to ridicule someone just because that person is a professional ball player.

by Tackle Box on Jul 9, 2008 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions

without having watched the clip above

I’ll admit to having a good time heckling players from time to time (Jason Bay being one of my favorites). It may be juvenile but it’s fun. Heck, as far as I know, they can’t even hear me yelling from the bleachers.

by azruavatar on Jul 9, 2008 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't mind heckling, I never would but I am a pretty quite guy.........

I don’t think yelling, “hey ludwick you suck” is that bad by anymeans. I just think some get a bit too personal and obscene with the comments. It’s not bad to give a guy crap for misplaying a ball I just don’t like the over the top stuff.

by ICbirdfan on Jul 9, 2008 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions

I havent watched the above clip either

but when the heckling goes beyond the fun as azru stated, it is annoying as hell. I don’t pay good money to go to a game so someone can sit there and berate a player with profanity for the entire game. There comes a point when people need to let it f-in rest.

* sarcasm might be involved in this comment

by mattyfrommo on Jul 9, 2008 6:33 PM EDT up reply actions

That Does Get Annoying

But if this video is the one I’m thinking of, it’s like three guys behind home plate laughing between pitches and stuff like “atta boy Rick” as each pitch sails to the backstop. In poor taste but by no means obscene.

by barry whiteteeth on Jul 9, 2008 6:59 PM EDT up reply actions

I watched the "Voices" video last year

and the worst part of it is the little kid at spring training screaming “Why don’t you throw a strike already!!!!!”

Granted, its a little kid, but 1) where do you think he got the idea to yell that? and 2) who do you suppose was sitting right next to him?

Razzing and the regular stuff is fine and can be rather humorous and I think the players enjoy it for the most part, but even the tame stuff can get old after a while. Then when the personal attacks start like the stuff with ankiel or a few years ago when the fans would get all over J.J. Redick showing him pictures of his sister and holding up signs that read his girlfriend’s phone number and stuff is way over the line.

But, too many people think that since they bought that ticket, they have every right to scream absoltuely anything they want and it doesn’t matter if its personal or who is around them. It’s their right.

by Tackle Box on Jul 10, 2008 12:57 AM EDT up reply actions

I'm working in Pittsburgh...

and I have been to a few games. The fans in Pittsburgh are heckling their own players, especially jose bautista for some odd reason. They wonder why they can’t get any big name free agents…

by Jumsy on Jul 9, 2008 8:53 PM EDT reply actions