Tuesday, February 22, 2005

 

Robb Nen Retires

In Norse mythology, a group of warrior maidens called valkyries, in the service of the god Odin, chose special warriors. Warriors worthy of serving Odin forever in the halls of Valhalla would, in battle, feel a tap on their shoulders. Turning, they would see a valkyrie, riding a winged horse. At the moment, the chosen warrior knew three things:

First, he was about to give his foes the fight of their lives. Disregarding all danger, the warrior would fight with all the energy and spirit he had.

Second, he would not survive the battle. Despite being chosen, his time was up.

Finally, his legend would live forever. So would he, drinking and fighting forever in Valhalla.

Before the 2002 playoffs, the baseball version of the valkyrie visited Robb Nen. Knowing he had a horribly torn rotator cuff, knowing his career was at risk with every pitch, Nen battled on valiantly. In the end, in that horrible Game 6 of the World Series, he and the Giants fell short. Nen never pitched again.

I think we all knew he was never going to come back, but it wasn't official until the other day. Robb Nen retired a Giant, and he will always be remembered as one of the best pitchers the team's ever had. Few gave up more than he did for the team, and none earned greater honor.

Jefferson 1:21 PM

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