A Time Out For Haiti

I was all set to write a smart-alecky post tonight about how the Yankees signed someone named Royce Ring.
RoyceRingMets06.JPG.jpeg
Don’t we also have someone named Boone Logan now? The Yankees are accumulating pitchers with cool names if nothing else. Surely, at some point Cashman will get around to signing a left fielder (Yo! Damon!), not to mention some bodies for the currently non-existent bench.
But I’m not really interested in Royce or Boone tonight, knowing that Haiti is such a mess after the earthquake there. When do the people in that country ever catch a break? It’s one disaster after another. So I’d just like to state my hope that Haitians find a way to emerge from this latest horror and that the U.S. can provide aid. I’ll be chipping in on my end. When I hear about a 7.0 quake, I say to myself, “Please don’t let it happen here in California.” 
I’ll write about baseball tomorrow, I promise.

18 comments

  3. yourinfieldflyisdown.mlblogs.com

    I appreciate this post! Its good to step back and take notice of issues like this… I thoughts and prayers are with them, too. It is so surreal seeing the pictures and videos of the devastation. And you are so right! lets hope this is that last they have to deal with for a very long time!
    – Jon

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  4. Jane Heller

    Every now and then it feels like a disconnect to blog about baseball when there’s something going on in the “real” world, Jon. But mostly, baseball IS my real world so I keep going! In this case, I just can’t get over how many times Haiti has taken a punch. As I said in the post, they can’t seem to catch a break there.

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  7. dschaub@gpo.gov

    Without a doubt, those people have to survive in what can only be described as Living Hell…as Albert King, the late bluesman, put it, “If it wasn’t for bad luck/I wouldn’t have no luck at all.” But it’s far worse than that. There are a lot of Haitians in South Florida…some work at my mom’s assisted living center…poor and downtrodden, but they are grateful to be there and not back in Haiti…many survived the harrowing boat rides to Florida…my sister has spoken to a few of them (being fluent in French), when she visits…they appreciate just being recognized.
    Thanks to our fellow blogger Diane, I picked up a copy of the latest Michael Franti & Spearhead CD. One song on it contains the lyrics: “Wise folks count their blessings/Fools count their problems.” Thanks for reminding me what a fool I’ve been, esp. of late…Haiti is already the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere…plan to contribute and pray for some form of relief, should it ever come…

    Reply
  8. Jane Heller

    Thanks for the Times link, Melissa. I hope people will do what they can.

    You’re right, Paul. Royce Ring IS a lefty. Just goes to show you can’t trust photo captions. Thrilled to hear he isn’t any good. Maybe he’ll thrive in pinstripes.

    I’m glad the Haitians have jobs at your mom’s assisted living facility, Dave. I remember when I lived in FL there were stories almost daily of Haitians coming in on rafts – some making it, most not. What a way to live.

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  10. Jane Heller

    I didn’t realize you were from Honduras, Emma. Terrible situation in Haiti, but it sounds like people are rallying to help.

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  11. carrollj27@comcast.net

    Thank you for this post, Jane. What a terrible, terrible thing. We should all hug our kids tonight,
    for there but for the grace of God go we. May He comfort them, and take them into His care. John

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  12. matttan7

    Yankees had to let Hideki Matsui go, sorry for going off topic, Jane.

    Meanwhile, the Yankees look like contenders again, what can they do for an encore.

    The Haiti earthquake is scary alright. We pray for the best.

    Matthew Tang
    http://matt7.mlblogs.com/

    Reply
  15. bklyntrolleyblogger

    I don’t fee like playing today either. I hear you loud and clear. I had today’s post ready in my head and just don’t feel like it now. In addition to those devastated in Haiti, Jane, maybe you heard of this name while you were still here…Art Rust Jr. from WABC radio….the city’s first sports talk show back in 1984. He passed away Tuesday. So, no jokes from me either.
    P.S. Johnny Damon update….Brian Cashman said the Yankees only have two million left to spend on a LF, perhaps knowing Damon/Boras willl never go that low. I’m just the messenger.

    http://thebrooklyntrolleyblogger.mlblogs.com
    http://thebrooklyntrolleyblogger.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  16. Jane Heller

    I share your sentiments, John, especially “there but for the Grace of God…” I’m sitting here in my comfortable office with the sun shining. No earthquake today in California and for that I’m thankful.

    The Yankees did have to let Matsui go, Matthew. I wish him a great career with the Angels. He’s a consummate pro. What can the Yankees do for an encore? Win another championship, of course!

    It would be great if your school could raise money for the Haitian people, Virginia. It sounds like they’re going to need every dollar.

    So glad you posted about how to help the people of Haiti, Mimi. I’ll go check out your blog right away.

    Oh, Mike. I do remember the name Art Rust. Sorry he passed away. As for the Yankees and their $2 million budget for a left fielder, every time someone comments about it on this blog I say the same thing: don’t believe what you read. Cashman often says one thing and does another.

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  17. Jane Heller

    The Yankees have been picking up quite a few guys from the Cardinals’ system, Jeff. We’re taking all your castoffs! I do love the name Royce Ring though. I should use it for a character in a book. As for Pat Robertson, he is one sick man.

    Reply

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