The Rarity of Humility

My name is Patrick and I am one of Merrick’s classmates. I write my own blog about sociology, but I also enjoy sports and decided to do a guest blog for Merrick this week.

Phil Humber, a Chicago White Sox pitcher, ended an almost two-year drought in perfect games by Major League pitchers on April 21. Only the 21st game of its kind in MLB history, Humber's ended with a wild pitch on a 3-2 count. The umpire may have been partial to letting Humber have the perfect game, as he made a controversial call that Brendan Ryan, the batter, had swung at the pitch. 

Regardless of the details of Humber's perfect game, his post-game comments were remarkable. Referring to the list of pitchers with perfect games, he stated, "I don't know what Philip Humber is doing in this list. No idea what my name is doing there, but I'm thankful it's there."Humber famously spent much time in the minor leagues, switching between various teams, before finally finding success in this game.

Humber's situation recalls that of the Chicago Bulls' John Lucas III, who played for nine different teams in four countries between 2005 and 2010. After spending time in the United States D-League, Lucas was acquired by the Bulls and finally got a chance to play this season with the absence of star point guard Derrick Rose. He stepped up with multiple big games and is now a fan favorite with the Bulls (despite being the lowest-paid played on the team). Lucas's perseverance and humility recall the traits of Rose himself, and are truly refreshing in the age of stars like LeBron James and Chad Ochocinco, two notoriously outspoken athletes. 

Sports stars are role models for many, and they receive greater exposure than most other celebrities. I find the salaries of athletes to be positively ridiculous, but it's incredible to see those who retain their humility despite their burgeoning paychecks. Humber, Lucas, and Rose remind us that hard work does pay off, but also that it pays to have a good personality.