ÔPF Flier flies for the final timeÕ

By: Patrick Bryan

This is my final column for the Tropolitan.

Before I say goodbye, I want to mention something about the Florida Marlins.

I love the fact that the Florida Marlins (11-3), the club with the lowest team salary in the Bigs, has the best record in Major League Baseball.

The Fins combine to make $36,834,000 a year.

This number is at least five times less than the Yankees' $201,449,189, yet the Yankees do not even lead their division.

Granted, it is still very early and Alex Rodriguez is hurt, but nonetheless, the Marlins are still legitimate contenders in the National League East despite being paid the least.

Speaking of A-Rod, his salary alone is almost equal to the salary of the entire Florida Marlins team.

I think the Japanese have proven in the last two World Baseball Classics that big names and big paychecks are not necessary for victorious baseball teams.

Team Japan is two-time WBC champions.

The Oakland A's, historically a lower budget team, made it to the American League Championship Series a few years back with the league's lowest pay day.

The Tampa Bay Rays won the pennant with the second lowest team salary last year.

I now digress to the sentimental part.

It has been nearly two years since Professor Chris Warden asked me to write for the Tropolitan.

I have to admit that 'Prof' sealed the deal when he mentioned free pizza.

This being my last Trop article, I can easily say that there have not been nearly enough pepperonis and cheese.

Still, I am not complaining.

My two years here at Troy have been great.

I retired from playing ball a few years ago but never retired from loving games.

During my time at Troy, I discovered I could get my competitive fix by writing about the games I love.

For a year, I have been able to sit and talk sports with men that know the games well and have enjoyed every second of it.

Without the Trop, I suppose I must now purchase the two-buttoned, navy blue coaching shorts and join the ranks of the old men in slow-pitch softball.

It is unfortunate that running is more strenuous than writing, but I must put the pen down for a while in order to pursue other adventures.

So, for the second time in four years I am 'hanging up the spikes.'

I give thanks to everyone who has allowed me this opportunity to have a good time.

Go Trojans!