Manny and the Isotopes

So, first of all, seriously, there apparently is such a thing as the Albuquerque Isotopes! Who knew?!

I honestly thought it was a made-up team from the Simpsons, you know the one, the ''...for I am the mayor of Albuquerque!!'' one?
The fictional Springfield Isotopes from the long running TV series The Simpsons were the influence for the new name of the team. In the episode "Hungry Hungry Homer", main character Homer Simpson attempts to thwart the team's plan to move to Albuquerque by going on a hunger strike. Subsequently, when an Albuquerque Tribune online survey helped the team decide its new name, "Isotopes" received 67 percent of the 120,000 votes.


Stranger than fiction, as they say.

Anyway, guess who is coming to Albuquerque? That's right, Manny Ramirez. ESPN is reporting that Manny will be starting a brief Minor League stint in Albuquerque in early July. Fan reaction is super sycophantic. Ticket sales are through the rough.



It's all pretty sad really. The Minor Leagues are all about hopes, dreams and hard work. For a couple of days in Albuquerque it is going to be all about cramming as many Manny fans into a Minor League stadium as possible. And for what?

Will he actually run out a ground ball in his two at bats? Will he play the field? No, I mean, will he play the field, like will he actually chase after anything? Will he even swing the bat? he chose not to 'that night' against Mariano, why bother in the minors?

My favourite quote from the selection of gormless goons that ESPN talked to;

''Linda McNall made the 60-mile drive from Santa Fe to purchase five tickets. She's taking her daughters and granddaughters because "you just don't get a chance very often to see somebody who plays at that level."


What level, high?



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Comments

Brian said…
I actually knew there was a team called that, I stayed in Albuquerque for one night while driving Route 66 in Sept 07 - I'd no idea that's where the name came from though!
Marc said…
The Isotopes are actually named after the Simpsons. In one episode, the Springfield Isotopes are trying to move to Albuquerque and Homer steps in and saves the team for Springfield. Also, Albuquerque is a big area for chemical plants. I've been to a couple Isotopes games and they've got a very nice ballpark, with a hill in center field a la the Astros.
Marc said…
Oops, maybe I should read the post before commenting LOL.