I'm very excited about opening day of the MLB season, so excited that I'm even watching the St. Louis Cardinals and Miami Marlins (the new name is going to take some getting used to) play their opening day game. However, the luster was taken off the excitement somewhat when they wheeled an obviously very ill Muhammad Ali out to the mound for the opening pitch.
Anyone who watched Ali in his heyday has been moved by his struggle with Parkinson's and his courage in dealing with it publicly. But there comes a time when Ali's handlers need to respect the man's dignity. Ali couldn't stand or speak, and was shaking so violently that he needed help holding the baseball in order to hand it to a Marlins player. The crowd gamely cheered as Ali was wheeled in, but I think his appearance shocked the fans to the point they weren't sure what to do. It was just sad.
There will be plenty of time when this American hero passes to eulogize, commemorate, and, cynically, for the family to milk his legacy for all the cash they can. In the meantime, however, let the man pass his waning years with some dignity.
