Mulholland's Love For The Game

In today's Minneapolis Star Tribune, an article on Twins pitcher Terry Mulholland renewed my faith in professional ball players. The southpaw is already over 40-years-old and has always had every intention of pitching until he is 45. But lately, that's changed. He doesn't think he'll be ready to retire that young. He'd rather throw until he's 50.

Mulholland's comments paint the picture of a man who refuses to get caught up in the fact that he is a professional baseball player. He never mentions money, looks forward to the season and spends extra time at the ball park and in the clubhouse because--get this--he wants to. He realizes that he's been given a gift. He is a major league baseball player, and he doesn't want to let a minute slip by without savoring it. He keeps his wit and sense of humor readily available because, well why not? What's not to be excited about when you're in his shoes?

Mulholland isn't going to blow anyone away with his fastball. He couldn't do that when he was 22, much less 42. But there will always be a spot in the bullpen for a crafty, veteran lefty who can perform in a situational role.

I'll take Terry Mulholland on my team any day. Or at least until he turns 50.