Rays add 'power' pitcher

The Rays have already decided who will be on the mound for the first pitch of the April 8 home opener, and it's the stocky righthander from Purdue - recently retired Bucs running back Mike Alstott.

Alstott, a Rays season-ticket holder, will get the ceremonial honors, then would seem likely to be followed by No. 3 starter Matt Garza.

"Mike's accomplishments transcend the excellence he has displayed on the football field,'' Rays president Matt Silverman said in a statement. "He is a great role model and his charitable contributions have made Tampa Bay a better place to live. The Rays are proud to honor Mike for his career, his character and his ongoing contributions to the Tampa Bay community.''

Alstott joins a list of celebrity tossers that includes Gov. Charlie Crist (2007), U.S. Army Gen, Tommy Franks (2002), Wade Boggs (2000) and Hall of Famers Ted Williams, Stan Musial, Monte Irvin and Al Lopez (1998).

Comments

[Reality]

If only he could read.......

[Stephanie Duemiga]

I truly wish he'd make a comeback. Mike, we NEED you! The Hall of Fame can wait!

[BucsGirl]

Hey Reality,

Here's your reality check of the day.
Mike received his bachelors in business from Purdue University. He has also made MILLIONS OF DOLLARS and is loved by virtually every football fan, regardless of the team they root for. I am assuming you are referring to his nervousness during his retirement speech. Give me a break, who wouldnt have sounded like that speaking in front of the community and feeling sad at the same time.

So, lets hear your list of accomplishments. Oh, and owning the biggest trailer in Pinellas doesnt count! Neither does being the first in your family to make it to the 8th grade.

[Paul]

This is great for the Rays and great for Mike! Can't wait for Opening Night @ the Trop - GO RAYS!

[Bruce]

Hey BucsGirl,

Emmitt Smith has a degree from Florida and he's proved this year he's worse that Bush when it comes to speaking.

[Reality]

Actually, I wasnt referencing his going away speech. That was one of his better reading jobs.

Thanks Bucs girl for putting me down, that really hurts. My family worked really hard for our trailer. Thanks to your family for paying the Glazers all the money to keep the stadium here, so that we can collect aluminum cans after the games.

[BucsGirl]

Anytime, Reality...Anytime. Keep up with those cans.

Bruce, I find it hard to believe ANYONE could do worse than Bush at speaking. I thought he was as bas as it gets. Poor Emmitt;(

Now back to the point of the article, which certsinly wasnt to slander Alstott...

Sad as it is, even Alstott couldn't pull too many people in for the rays game.

[the trop]

all you guys want to do is put people down. the rays have had a great off season...alstott has been a figure in tampa for a long time, hard work and power. are you really going to put a guy like that down who has been so great in our community? come one...are you out visiting the soup kitchens; helping out the homeless, what makes you so great to put a great guy down. get over yourself and go help someone. sting 'em!

[Reality]

I am just saying he should look into starting a literacy program. I am sure Purdue is very proud of him.

I wish I had a link to something I heard on Bubba The Love Sponge's show in regards to Mike being unable to read a commercial. It was quite sad. I have seen Mike have issues in the past, but they actually had it on tape. Good stuff for Bucs Girl to listen to.

[BucsGirl]

I really do not need to hear anything. So maybe his top skill isnt reading aloud. Thats probably his only flaw. Big deal! Nothing could change my view or many others' view on how amazing he is as a human being and as an athlete. Not to mention he's totally hot. So, if ya gotta pick on the guy for his reading skills, so be it. I think if you are on here just to attack people, there are plenty of republican candidates that, unlike Alstott, really deserve it. Perhaps click over to the political articles.

[BucBall]

As someone who has talked to Mike over a couple of beers and a game of pool, he has absolutely no problem conversing. He certainly isn't the first person that was uncomfortable with public speaking. I agree with everything what BucsGirl said except that the home opener will be a sell out, and I believe with a little luck in the injury department the Rays will contend for a wildcard spot. So Mr. Perfect, sit in your library overlooking the lavish grounds of your trailer park, stare at your degree duct taped to the wall, and practice your public speaking in front of your dog or cat because with your holier than thou attitude you sure as hell will never get an invitation to speak to real people...Get a life!

[Reality]

Wow, alot of trailer park hatred in the hearts of the Mike Alstott fans. I didnt keep my degree from 8th grade, I didnt even know they gave them out for 8th grade.

It is not reading in public that I was referencing, it was reading a radio promo, you know those things they play for 30 seconds, and the "celebrity" has to "read" something. This is not public speaking.

FYI- I am the president of the trailer park association, so I talk to large groups all the time.

Most people that can't read converse really well, since they have to be able to hide their issue.

I am so glad that Mike has duped all of you, "his fans."

[Jeff]

How 'bout Gruden behind the plate. Giv'em the heater Mike!