MLB: Three Old Baseball Heroes to Watch in 2016

As we all know, all good things must come to an end.

These three baseball legends are expected to possibly retire following the 2016 season. While it’s not completely certain that all three will hang it up, why take a chance on not getting to watch some spectacular plays unfold? I say we jump on the opportunity, regardless of whether or not you’re a Sox fan. I know personally I will take away nothing but joy in watching these three play (or broadcast) some of the best baseball just one or two more times.

Let’s start with the 88-year old.

Vin Scully, one of the greatest voices to ever bless professional baseball, will likely not return to the Dodgers booth after 2016. He will have served 67

years in the booth for the Dodgers alone, even travelling with the team on their move from Brooklyn. Let that sink in for a moment. The man’s been doing his play-by-play thing longer than most of us have been alive. If that’s not a reason to go catch a Dodgers broadcast this season, I don’t know what is.

For our second man, let me start off by saying that he does, in fact, have a club option on his contract for 2017. Ichiro, now of the Miami Marlins, would be 43 years old, going on 44 in the 2017 season. As youthful as he may seem, most would agree that father time is going to win out after the 2016 season.

But my goodness- Is he fun to watch or what? Having moved to the MLB in 2001, this lead-off batter turned-occasional pitcher has captivated audiences even since his days in Japan playing in the NPB (Nippon Professional Baseball). Not to mention, Ichiro is 65 hits away from the great 3,000 mark. Now that’s going to be a lot of fun to follow. Assuming he can stay healthy, 65 hits is a reasonable mid-season mark to reach for Ichiro, and I haven’t been more excited for such a milestone in a long time. The guy has played professionally since 1992. With over 4,000 hits across multiple leagues and continents, I do hope to see him two more years to see what he can accomplish, but I’m not going to risk ignoring the Marlins in case they decide to scratch him for 2017.

We end with the big fella. So he swears, gets angry, plays for Boston, occasionally charges mounds, and feasts upon press box phones with a bat.

In the words of early British punk band Anti-Nowhere League, “So !@$%ing what?”

It’s time we looked at David Ortiz for what he really is- a big, lovable, teddy bear who just happens to have over 500 home runs in his career, and, DH or not is hella fun to watch. Ortiz announced in November that he will be retiring after the 2016 season. While it may be hard to see now, especially for some of you New Yorker’s out there, it’s a damn shame to see him go. Ortiz is truly a great personality for the league, and he should be appreciated before he departs. I don’t expect Ortiz to change his mind on retirement, either. I don’t know many 40+-year-olds carrying 240+ pounds that can keep up in the Major Leagues for too long.

2016 is blessing you with at least one more opportunity to watch these living legends. Let’s all take advantage of it. Watch some Dodgers, Marlins, and Red Sox this year; I don’t care if it goes against everything you believe in! It’s going to be a lot of fun.

ATTN Dynasty Commissioners: Do you want to do something cool for your league? How about a 1-hour live show dedicated to YOUR league? Team-by-team breakdowns, rankings, and more. For details and to book a show, visit: GoingFor2.com/plp.

The GoingFor2 Live Podcast