I don’t know how to quantify this, but I’ve long assumed Jonathan Lucroy is the most popular Brewer. Sure, Carlos Gomez and Aramis Ramirez were voted into the All-Star Game last year, but I sense that Lucroy has broader appeal. If there were a tool for measuring crush/man-crush intensity among Milwaukee baseball fans, I bet Lucroy would bury the needle. Not only has Lucroy been a stellar performer in the batter’s box and behind the plate, he has a humble demeanor, he’s a team player, and he seems like he’d be a fun dude to hang out with. That he’s a handsome guy with a warm (one might say bewitching) smile goes without saying.
But my personal man-crush on the Brewers’ catcher took a ding today when it was announced Lucroy would be the guest of U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson at next week’s State of the Union address. There’s something about an otherwise beloved pro athlete palling around with a politician that makes me heartsick. Nothing good can come from associating oneself with a member of the least popular branch of government.
To be sure, Lucroy’s acceptance of Sen. Johnson’s invitation is being framed in non-partisan, patriotic terms. The press release highlights Lucroy’s charitable contributions, with particular emphasis on his work with veterans and military families:
In a statement, Lucroy said, “I am honored that Senator Johnson has asked me to be his guest at the State of the Union. We both share a passion for veterans and serving those who serve us, and I am looking forward to the privilege of being in our nation’s Capital for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Added Sen. Johnson: “The president inspired millions when he spoke of Americans of differing opinions coming together for the common good. Nearly two centuries ago, Alexis de Tocqueville was astonished at the way Americans came together voluntarily to solve problems left to the state or aristocrats in other countries. Mr. Lucroy’s charitable service illustrates these ideals by shining a light on the good work Wisconsinites are doing for their communities. It is an honor to in turn honor Mr. Lucroy.”
Maybe it’s just me, but when any politician talks about “the common good” I think a major civil liberties violation is probably right around the corner. “The president inspired millions?” When elected officials talk like this, don’t we all assume they’re being disingenuous?
Not to get all political, but Sen. Johnson seems relatively tolerable for a Republican (faint praise, admittedly). For example, he’s only a mild opponent of marriage equality instead of a shrill opponent. But how’s Lucroy going to feel next time his State of the Union host engages in some obnoxious grandstanding (as our elected representatives are wont to do)? Surely Sen. Johnson will make some intemperate remark or vote in favor of some awful legislation in the not too distant future. Lucroy could be tarnished by even a fleeting association with the senator.
In fairness, I have an exceptionally low opinion of politicians. Most Brewers fans probably wouldn’t hold anything against Lucroy even if Sen. Johnson is implicated in some nasty scandal at some point. I just don’t see what good comes from Lucroy being at all cozy with the guy. Attending the State of the Union may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but so is leprosy. I guess I significantly undervalue the opportunity to attend the State of the Union in person.
I’m reminded of when Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker was pushing his controversial bill to limit the bargaining power of public employee unions. At the time, former Brewer Craig Counsell issued a statement opposing the legislation. That went quite a bit further than Lucroy accepting a politician’s invitation to an event, and because of that I assume it made a lot of folks look at Counsell in a less flattering light. Obviously it was something Counsell felt strongly about, but the chance of anything good coming out of him sharing his opinion was basically nothing, while the chance of people losing respect for him was more than zero.
Like all of us, pro athletes have every right to take up whatever political causes they want. They also have the right to express whatever religious beliefs they have. But there’s a reason that most folks typically don’t discuss politics or religion in polite company – because you’re running the risk of people thinking (with some justification) that you’re an asshole if you do. Even being seen with a politician – not to mention saying you’re “honored” to be seen with him – is approaching asshole territory.
Of course, this is all subjective. If Lucroy issued an unsolicited statement in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana use in Wisconsin or hung around with a politician who took that position, I’d have zero qualms. Though I like to think I’d still be able to acknowledge that no good could come of it.
(Image: Associated Press)
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