In my opinion, there was nothing wrong or unusual about the post, nothing inappropriate or unreasonable. However, I would still consider it ill-advised for one simple reason. Given the thousands of cameras, the millions of eyes, and the countless means and motivations for manipulating an image, it is eminently doable for almost anyone to find/cook up an image like this one that implies some kind of misdeed. Not too long ago we had that video of Joe Mauer “blatantly” tipping pitches to (I think) Jason Kubel. Then there was the Rogers thing, and I’m sure there are others that just aren’t springing to mind. If you give these stories too much credence/time, you run the risk of a) getting bogged down in constantly reporting possible scandals and b) providing motivation to everyone with photoshop or a creative sense of editing and an axe to grind or an itch for attention to whip together an image or two that seems to suggest a story that just isn’t there. Like I said, I don’t think there was anything in the content of what you wrote to get mad at or upset by, but I don’t know that the story was worth your time at that point in its own little microcosmic news cycle.

On another note, I think Kepros might have a point. It’s admirable and fun that you wade in and respond to the cranks and scumbags, but I’m starting to think it’s counter-productive, not only because it causes the idiots to get angrier, but also because it’s possible that you, yourself, are starting to think a little too much about these folks when you’re doing your writing. I don’t mean to presume to know one whit about what’s going on in your head, it just seems lately you’ve taken more glee in poking the morons and have just generally been more focused on the failures of humanity.

Craig,

I concur with the majority of posts that support your position and believe that it was both legitimate and acceptable for you to question the video and whether it may be a random event (as it appears to be) or the first bit of evidence of cheating behaviors (Mitchell Report naming names). 

I agree with Jack in that many cheaters and unethical folks are often viewed as positive role models and stand up people until the wall that hid their misdeeds begins to crumble.  For example, I am bothered more by Clemens’ relationship with a teenage singer than his use of PEDs but until the Mitchell Report broke a hole in the facade of his life I was ignorant of all his misdeeds. 

My concern is more with the death threats and the irrational behavior of others that has now found it way into your life.  We had a discussion here a while ago about the honor of using your name in the blog and issues of integrity associated with your words and the anonymous nature of hiding behind a nickname.  As one who uses such a moniker I wish to explain why I prefer to use a pseudo name as I believe it has some connection to your current plight.

I work in the field of education with a focus on issues of race and ethnicity and have been able to connect my vocation with matters that I personally advocate for as well (i.e. racial reconciliation/challenging issues of privilege).  As I have shared in the past I am a white man married to a woman of African American and Puerto Rican heritage and the father of a 4 yo little girl.  While we have never experienced death threats as an interracial couple we have been mistreated and threatened and have friends who have similar experiences. 

Unfortunately others have experience far worse and recently a white woman was murdered in Arizona for being married to a black man.  Closer to home two men in Ohio were convicted in the last few years of terrorizing their interracial neighbors for years with the most heinous act of spreading mercury around their house in hopes that members of their family be poisoned. 

I visit blogs and chat rooms on issues of race on a frequent basis and often participate in some very intense discussion that occasionally cross a similar line to one you have now experienced.  Fortunately I was never the person directly threaten but because I enough of a realist to understand it may only be a matter of time until that threat is for me and my family. 

Leonard Pitts, a columnist for the Miami Herald, who never shies away from provoking controversy on issues of race had his address, children school schedule and other personal details posted on several white supremacist web sites and required protection as the result of threats.  As a husband and father, one of my roles is to protect my family so I visit such site with a pseudo name as one measure to keep my wife and daughter safe from folks who may be willing to cross the line.

I pray that the line crossed in your case is history, that it was a simple and idle threat and other than being spooked no other ramification will ever occur.  Unfortunately even baseball blogs can have unstable and irrational visitors as evidenced by your experience and while some folks may think I am being overly protectionist I will prefer to use my playful moniker of MooseinOhio. 

With the utmost respect for your work,

Mark Skillings

Michael: SOME players “will try anything.” Not all. Important distinction, too often ignored.

Moose: Glad to know your real name. I’m sympathetic with your thinking, but f everyone had to post their genuine name, you know, there wouldn’t be any anonymous death threats on the web. Overall, I think it would be best for everyone if we took responsibility for our comments, and required others to do the same.

I’m all about protecting the first amendment, but death threats are ridiculous.  I hope NBC is going to take an action—certainly far more serious action than removing a comment or banning him/her from posting comments.  I’d like to say that I’m not surprised that a Yankee fan did this (and I’m not), there are crazy fans from every fan base.

Look on the bright side though Craig.  Just imagine if you’d linked to a video that showed Jeter corking his bat.  It would’ve been far worse…

Jack - I have internal debates about using my name as I wholeheartedly agree with you that if everyone had to use their real names and be accountable for their words then a great deal of the foolishness, verbal attacks, slander and threats would cease.  However since there is no universal/mandatory requirement to posting on the vast majority of web sites then I struggle with the it for the reasons I state above as well as several more.

From an education perspective I can see the value in anonymous posting as it may give someone a sense of his/her own voice that they otherwise may not express.  I have utilized anonymous methods of engagement, both online and paper, that has resulted in some amazing revelation that benefited the group learning process immensely.  As time progressed many of the anonymous folks were able to express their thoughts in name but the ability to begin the process in a safe place was invaluable to their, and the groups, learning.

From an employment perspective I am somewhat leery of using my real name for fear that it could affect my future employability as organizations mine the internet and site such as Facebook to vet potential employees.  While I am not embarrassed or ashamed of anything I have posted I wonder how I may be viewed if someone Googled my name and saw I posted several times a day to Shysterball.  While I use the time on the site as a great mental break from my work and seldom take lunch breaks how will a future employer view my contributions to Shysterball?  Will they do the ethically right thing and ask me about it or make assumptions on my work behavior/product and dismiss me based on my postings?  My intention is to be self-employed some day and when that occurs maybe I will be more willing to risk as my work product will speak for me but until then I worry about trusting that others will do the ethical thing on my behalf.

To date I have chosen a more risk-adverse, safety first approach that may be the result of my being a former combat MP that considers threats first, establishes a defensive perimeter, prepares for the worst and hopes for the best.  Obviously I am willing to let me guard down as I did in the previous post and as a learner and leader I am more than willing to make myself vulnerable so maybe there is hope for me as a blogger.

@Jack
My comment of yesterday was based on personal experiences which is why I also use a pseudonym.  I understand MooseinOhio’s concern all too well.
Long before I moved to the Ozarks, I was elected to public office and was also an activist. Because I was unique for the era, I received considerable ongoing media coverage and received “death” threats (and worse, as a female) from the loony element.
There is nothing that I say here or anywhere for which I would not take responsibility. I am also willing to learn from those who have opposing opinions. I believe you can disagree without being disagreeable.
However, there is a segment of the population that is incapable of engaging in a dialogue on that level.
Today’s technology has made it near impossible to be untraceable and safe. For that reason, I prefer to remain anonymous.