Joe Mauer vs. LeBron James

by Odin on Jul 10, 2010 5:23 PM EDT

These two sports heroes were both drafted #1 overall by their hometown team in their respective sport. Both are considered the best at their position in their game today. Both are considered one of the best in their sport today and both look to be future hall of famers. Neither has ever won a championship title at the pro level. And both have recently signed or agreed to terms, on HUGE contracts. And that is where the similarities end.

One is still a hometown icon. The other is a hometown pariah. He is called a traitor and worse. I don't blame LeBron, but I am grateful that Joe signed here. Joe could have tested free agency and probably signed for more with a big market team. Instead, Joe will pursue his championship dream at a new stadium in his hometown. LeBron went the free agent route. He probably will sign for less than Cleveland would have paid him. He opted for a team of 3 superstars/mercenaries in his quest for a title. I am sure South Beach and the Florida climate had a little to do with this. (And maybe the lack of a state income tax.)

Personally, I hope both win a title soon. (like this year for Joe.) But LeBron, if he ever wins that elusive title, will always have a stigma attached to it. He let down his hometown fans.

We fans, we are a fickle bunch.

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Screw LeBron

Mauers cool.

…they should send down Huntington & Nutting, because they aren’t ready, either. - royshowell

by Marinerfanjake on Jul 10, 2010 6:16 PM EDT reply actions

Don't let ESPN hear you say that

That’s sacrilege to them

Those turtles that were climbing turtles couldn't climb over the turtle fence...

by what_would_gil_thorp_do on Jul 10, 2010 6:32 PM EDT up reply actions

espn

wishes they had their own NBA team, so THEY could have signed mr James

by twinscrazy_german on Jul 11, 2010 5:57 AM EDT up reply actions

they would probably call their team

The ESPN LeBrons

Those turtles that were climbing turtles couldn't climb over the turtle fence...

by what_would_gil_thorp_do on Jul 11, 2010 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions

anyome with the tatoo

“chosen 1” is suspect in my mind

by clutterheart on Jul 11, 2010 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions

+100

This is a spot-on comparison. We truly are lucky fans.

by MarshalltheIrish on Jul 11, 2010 5:08 PM EDT reply actions

meh

Personally, I hope both win a title soon. (like this year for Joe.) But LeBron, if he ever wins that elusive title, will always have a stigma attached to it. He let down his hometown fans.

To which I say “so what”….I guess he was supposed to play there all his life because he is from the area and his local team drafted him. Man if I were 20 something and rich I would sure want to live in Cleveland over Miami…I dont really care if he wins a championship or not, I think he made a smart decision.

by guinness junky on Jul 13, 2010 1:11 PM EDT reply actions

most people arent upset he made the switch

they’re pissed at him for how he did it. Completely classless, less class than the Cavs owner despite what the ESPN talking heads will tell you.

When I left my employer I had a closed door meeting. When LeBron leaves an employer he apparently holds a one hour ESPN special.

by Milt on Tilt on Jul 13, 2010 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions

I am not disagreeing with LeBron's decision.

But most superstars are not drafted by his home town team at the #1 overall position. That too, is not LeBron’s fault. It is just a fact. Fair or unfair, he will always be known as the guy who let down his home town. If the Clippers had won the LeBron lottery when LeBron was drafted, the outrage today would have been nearly non-existent.

Your fantasy football expert since Jerry Rice's rookie year.

by Odin on Jul 15, 2010 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Do you really think Mauer

would have gotten a larger contract in free agency if his second half matches the first? Don’t get defensive, this isn’t Mauer bashing. I’m honestly curious.

by Pedro Munoz is fast on Jul 15, 2010 12:11 PM EDT reply actions