Let me just say to lead this post off that I hate tributes. I have never in my life watched a Lifetime Achievement Show, Roast, or the Kennedy Awards. I find them to be a waste of time, ususally accompanied by annoying celebrites who assume you care about their life. However, I believe credit should be given where it is due, and I am here today to give some to a person who has done a lot for me.
It was six months ago that I was a free agent blogger. Up to that point I had run three failed blogs on my own, a task too tall for me and one that I shouldn't have taken on. It was David Bloom, the founder of this web log and a veteran among not only Rays bloggers, but baseball bloggers, who took me in following the departure of Jim Wisinski. It was he that believed in me and believed that I could make a suitible co-writer. My reason for joining this blog was simple. So I could have other writers cover my abscence in case I should be unable to write for long periods of time, as has been the case recently. And David was a perfect companion for that, as he is one of the most reliable people for daily writings.
In short, let me ask you something. How many writers on professional sites such as this would taken on a 14 year old with three failed blogs and a reputation of ruffling feathers with his opinions? David did that for me and I will be forever grateful to him for lending me that opportunity, and as he steps aside, I just want him to know how much I admire him and how thankful I am, not only for the content he has put out over the years, but for giving someone like me a chance.
Thank You David