#Malave

This is, first and foremost, a Blue Jays baseball blog.  I'd like to think that most of you who stop by to have a read enjoy the perspective (or, you know, vehemently disagree) and feel comfortable enough to leave your thoughts, maybe engage in a little banter, whatever.

This post is not really about baseball.  Nor is it all that comfortable.

If you're a Blue Jay fan, you might not necessarily know Omar Malave, but surely you know of him.  A loyal soldier to the organization for 30+ years, and by all accounts a good & humble man, his stamp is all over the franchise.

But like all of these players & coaches, when the games are done they slip into their street clothes and carry on with their "real" lives away from the park.  And life away from the park has not been easy these past few years for Omar Malave and his family.

Maybe it's because Bob Elliott had me holding back the tears at my desk this morning (damn you, Elliott!).

Maybe it's because I remember reading about Omar and marveling at his loyalty & years of service to this franchise we all love & follow.

Maybe it's because I'm a dad too.

In any event, Omar Malave and his family are dealing with the toughest of times right now, while not yet recovered from grieving the absolute worst imaginable.  Not that you would ever "recover", such a silly word to use in these circumstances.

The Malaves need help, and I'm just sentimental enough to believe that dropping a "#Malave" on twitter or just sending your thoughts means something, even if it seems insignificant.  Or, if you're so inclined, a little hand-up can be given here.

If nothing else, spare a thought tonight for Omar and baby Elisse.

Hug your kids.

#Malave.