Lance Allan: Sports Glance with Lance
Classy Craig Counsell
Whitefish Bay Native Won't Return to Brewers
The thing I've always admired about Craig Counsell is that he represented Milwaukee and the state of Wisconsin with class, especially in 6 seasons as a Milwaukee Brewer.
So there's some disappointment when the Brewers decided they wouldn't bring the Whitefish Bay native back, even after a season where he tied a major league hitless drought streak and batted .178 overall.
But Craig isn't bitter...because as a state native, he's one of the few who lived the dream of playing for his home state team, and has two World Series rings from successful postseason with the Marlins and Diamondbacks.
I caught up with Craig, and when asked about playing in his home town, he said "I feel like I was a part of making baseball important again in Milwaukee. And regardless of what your statistics are, or if we didn't win the World Series, I think it's pretty safe to say that baseball is a big deal in Milwaukee again."
When asked if he was ready for retirement, Counsell explained, "If I can't play baseball anymore, I'm fine with that. I'm 41, I'm past the life expectancy anyway. I still think I could contribute but if nobody else thinks so, you know, you move on."
He has teams telling him they could talk to him about playing down the road, and has opportunities with organizations off the field as well. Whatever it is, he's sure to do it with class...again.
Click on the video link to hear Counsell, and you can follow me on twitter @lanceallan
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