Kapler Essay

So after a long day at the doctor's office, I got home to find out that I had won a contest I entered about a month ago. There are a couple of award ceremonies, $100, lunch, and tickets to a Celtics game as the prize booty. I figured I'd put the essay up here for everyone to read, but just to warn all of you, it's not so amazing. Additionally, if anyone knows what experience George Mitchell has with steroids or investigations, please comment.

Not an Average Joe

By Arielle Aronson

The “triple big” stereotype describes most of today’s athletes: big money, big numbers, and big egos, thus leaving sports bereft of “the good guys.” The “good guys” are players who would help a neighbor shovel snow after a snowstorm or sign autographs for every last kid in line. When drafted by

Detroit

in 1998, baseball aficionados probably thought Gabe Kapler would fall into the “triple big” stereotype. Though merely a backup, Kapler’s relentless effort on the field and admirable deeds off the field make him a “good guy” as well as my favorite player.

In his three years in Boston, Gabe Kapler has never reached the .300 batting average plateau, a feat he has accomplished only once in his eight year career. His appearances on the field are limited to when a teammate is injured or doesn’t match up well with the pitcher. Nevertheless, Kapler does not become moody or negative like other backup players. To make up for his paltry batting average, Kapler dazzles fans with his effort in the outfield. Whether diving for the ball, running into walls, or flying like Superman during a play, Kapler’s catches defy gravity and his efforts soar above the level of normal backup players. It doesn’t matter if he hits a pop-up or a home run, for Kapler always hustles around the bases. Because he never stops trying, Kapler is a great role model for young athletes.

Gabe Kapler’s demeanor off the field is everything a manager could ever want. Kapler was selected to read the Athlete’s Oath at the 2004 Maccabiah Games, a sports tournament for Jewish teenagers. Factors such as positive attitude and good-nature made him a natural choice to serve as a role-model for the competing teenagers. Disaster struck the Red Sox when Kapler tore his Achilles tendon running out a Tony Graffanino home run. The team was devastated to learn that Kapler would be out for the remainder of the season. This prompted manager Terry Francona to tell Kapler that he was welcome in the clubhouse even though he couldn’t play. As a result, Kapler was right there with his teammates when they won the Wild Card, getting a chance to celebrate. Like other members of the Red Sox, Kapler helps to donate to the Jimmy Fund, spending free time with sick kids and attending charity events. Additionally, Gabe Kapler has spread awareness about an issue important to his family: domestic abuse. Out of inspiration from his wife’s past experience, Kapler created The Gabe Kapler Foundation, an organization which helps battered women and children recover and improve their lives. The Kaplers host fundraisers, donate equipment to shelters, and invest their time and effort into making a complete stranger’s day better.

As a truly selfless person, Gabe Kapler has established himself as my favorite player. His effort and personality counter the stereotype of the “triple big” baseball player. Though he may not hit 40 homeruns or win the Triple Crown, Gabe Kapler is the athlete that every general manager should wish for as well as the favorite player that every fan should embrace. Some people measure success in forms of money, statistics, and material items. I find it instead in the Gabe Kaplers of the world, the people who think of success in terms of attitude, effort, and compassion for others.