Vizquel, Maddux deserve more attention
In a just world, Omar Vizquel and Greg Maddux would be American folk heroes.
Sadly, thanks to steroids, the era of doubt settled on Major League Baseball during their careers.
But the two of them brought class, grace and beauty to a sport often mired in controversy.
And this is probably the last summer we'll get a chance to watch them perform.
It's hard to argue that Maddux wasn't the greatest pitcher of his generation. Yet the right-hander wasn't even named to the All-Century team.
Roger Clemens unjustly outshined him.
Vizquel's career bridged those of Cal Ripken Jr., Ozzie Smith, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Nomar Garciaparra, and Miguel Tejada.
Yet, Vizquel played with Smith's joy, Ripken's professionalism and with more consistency than the other four.
It's time Vizquel and Maddux got the attention they deserve.
- PAT ABDALLA
