For all the fun the general public has at the expense of professional athletes when we see them in tears announcing their retirement, it surely can't be easy. Consider for a minute, that this isn't a career they stepped into when they graduated university, this is their passion. A passion that has been growing since they were kids. Most athletes have been around their chosen game their entire lives. Many have known nothing but playing. Some see the end of their careers as they age and their skills naturally wane, others are blindsided by it with injury. Whatever their circumstance may be with the end comes change. And it is this change that they have the most trouble becoming acclimatized to. It is a break in a life long routine. A loss of identity of sorts.
The one common chord among all athletes is they played for one reason - the love of the game. If heartbreak and the loss of love bring tears, how is giving up your passion any different, even if was just a game?
Life After Sport? Counselling Professional Athletes Facing Retirement
Goodbyes are always difficult if you're a decent human being, and obviously Lou is a man of strong, extreme emotions. I can't imagine how it must feel to hang up that uniform. No wonder some players and coaches never leave the game for good. (Brett F is another story altogether, though ...)
ReplyDeleteJudy,
ReplyDeleteBrett is another story indeed. Lou Piniella is a brave man. He knew the matters of life were bigger than the game. His occasional tirades will definitely be missed!