<p>He also had soul . . DD and I hung around after a Sox game,working our way near the field up the first base line, hoping to see some platyers come out,and 20 minutes of so after the game out comes Big Star Nomar; he stood next to the seat for about 1/2 an hour, signing balls, bats, whatever, kind of serious, but had a kind word for all the kids . . . DD walked away awestruck, with Nomar’s signature on her glove, and the love of baseball cemented in her soul</p>
<p>It was a sad day in my household when Nomar was traded. My then 10 year old idolized the guy and couldn’t comprehend the idea that he wouldn’t be playing for the Red Sox anymore. Classy move my the organization to bring him back…the same guys who traded him away.</p>
<p>Another reason for me to love Nomar is that he’s a kindred spirit when it comes to soccer. A couple of World Cups ago he was interviewed just before the big tournament began and he said, “I will tape all the games and I will watch all the games.” That’s become our motto in this house every World Cup year.</p>
<p>And of course he married quite well–he and Mia Hamm have twin daughters. Maybe we’ll see him cheering them on at the Women’s World Cup in twenty years or so!</p>
<p>Talk about a guy whose career suffered a precipitous decline (particularly after he left the friendly confines of Fenway Park). 10 years ago, the arguments about Jeter vs. Nomar as to who was the best shortstop other than A-Rod were legitimate. Most people thought he was on his way to a Hall of Fame career. Instead, he ended up as basically a mediocre utility infielder in the latter part of his career. And I’m afraid that if he wants to go to the Hall of Fame, he’ll have to pay his way in.</p>
<p>Gee, Garland, I thought my post was relatively complimentary towards Nomar. I acknowledged what a great player he used to be. And I didn’t make fun of him by calling him “Nomah,” or bring up the famous Red Sox-Yankees game which he sat out because he wasn’t feeling well – which happened to be the Jeter-diving-into-the-stands game. Both of which a Yankees fan might typically bring up when Nomar is mentioned!</p>
<p>And you should hear what Red Sox fans have been saying about Jeter for the last 15 years.</p>
<p>Anyway, I can’t think of too many other players whose decline was that precipitous from such a high level, at a comparatively young age. Maybe it was injuries; I don’t know.</p>
<p>I know as a Boston born and raised Sox fan, I always thought of Nomar as part of our team, even when he was traded. So happy he could retire with us. Nomar, Number Five (radio parody sung to “Mambo, Number 5”) have been on repeat all day for me :)</p>