So Tell Me Again, Why Did You Go To Annapolis?

Mitch Harris recently graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy At Annapolis and was commissioned as an Ensign and Assigned to the USS Ponce. Sadly, that in and of itself would not be news. Ensign Harris survived and flourished under one of the most demanding and rigorous programs around to earn a degree that takes a backseat to few others in this country or the world. Additionally, Ensign Harris, should he so choose, is slated for the fast track up the promotion chain in the Navy should he choose to pursue his career in the military. All of this without owing a dime in student loans for an education that could realistically be valued near $200,000. And I, as I would expect all readers of IB, congratulate and thank Ensign Harris for his commitment, service, and accomplishments.

So, why do I mention Ensign Harris? Well, it turns out that the good Ensign also was a starting pitcher for the Naval Academy Baseball team blessed with a 94 mile-per-hour fastball and drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals. Ensign Harris also tried to find a “flexible” arrangement so that he could serve his commitment as an Officer and a Gentleman while toeing the rubber for Major League Baseball.

Needless to say, his request was denied by the Secretary of the Navy, and he has been ordered to duty on the USS Ponce, an amphibious transport dock, forthwith.
Here is what some spokesman for the Navy Department had to say:

“We are a nation at war, and we believe it’s inappropriate to allow Navy and Marine Corps personnel to be released from service obligations to play professional sports at the same time that other sailors and marines are carrying out their service obligations,”

Well, Ensign Harris was not pleased. Here is what he said recently:

“I completely understand the policy, but there’s got to be some kind of way you can do both ,”

And the good Ensign also claims that his potential to make the Big Leagues will be severely hampered by his absence.

To which I say (as I salute his service): Boo Freakin’ Hoo. Nobody made you attend Canoe U. You chose of your own free will to attend one of the most demanding schools in the nation, knowing full well what lay ahead of you upon graduation. You knew that in a time of war, few if any personnel are exempt from service and expected to give their last full measure.

Trust me, I know. I was at my father’s house yesterday when my brother called from Iraq. He said the sandstorms where he is serving have reduced the ability of resupplying him and his men. He is giving portions of his MREs to his Sergeants and Privates to keep them going while they wait out the weather. And you, Ensign Harris, are upset that a baseball career will be in jeopardy because you will be on a transport vessel?

And don’t give me the bit about pro sports careers being hindered by military service. Ask Roger Staubach, Chad Henning, Bob Feller, Stan Musial, Ty Cobb, Willie Mays, Ted Williams, Jackie Robinson, and David Robinson, to name a few, how their careers were hindered by their military service. If you are that good, that fastball will still be there in a few years.

And finally, Ensign Harris, one other thing to consider. By attending the USNA, you took a slot away from another person who would have been thrilled to attend the Academy. If you were and are so awesome, you could have attended any school in the nation, and played baseball on a full ride, owing as much in loans as you do as a recent USNA graduate.

Admittedly, this is personal for me. I admire you, your service, and your commitment to this country. But I ask again, why in the hell did you go to Annapolis if you were unwilling to live up to your end of the bargain?