In Defense of Matt Harvey

The amount of vitriol unleashed on Matt Harvey for wanting a long, healthy career is stunning to me. We have derided the old days of the reserve clause when players were treated like chattel, yet we condemn a young man for heeding the word of his doctor.
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(photo: AP)

How many people have a 26-year-old doctor? Lawyer? Accountant? Real estate broker?

Not many of us, as most folks in their mid-twenties are just beginning their careers. Matt Harvey is no different. Like my son (25 years old) and my daughter (27), Harvey has a professional career and adult life ahead of him, yet because he's a baseball player, he faces far more scrutiny than most other twenty-somethings. This doesn't make him smarter or more insightful than his peers, yet the rush to judge him has been harsh and merciless.

My children are hardworking, career-minded young people, and I council them regularly with what I hope is always the best possible advice on work and life. If my either of my kids were informed by a doctor that a certain amount of stress or overwork could be career-ending, I would be highly concerned. The amount of vitriol unleashed on Matt Harvey for wanting a long, healthy career is stunning to me. We have derided the old days of the reserve clause when players were treated like chattel, yet we condemn a young man for heeding the word of his doctor. Baseball history is riddled with players whose careers ended earlier because they played hurt or were overworked and burned out. If Harvey did not handle the situation as well as we'd have liked, then cut him some slack! He's a kid for God's sake!

I like the Mets. I like Matt Harvey. I want to see the Mets win -- not just now, but for many years to come. They need a healthy Harvey for that to happen. Keep track of those innings. Take care of the elbow. Go Mets!

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