Alas, the last #ManCandyMonday of the regular season and it has brought us to our nation’s capital of Washington, DC and might I just say, God Bless America. This week’s #ManCandy is one of my first non-Yankee, baseball loves, Ian Desmond of the Washington Nationals. When I went to Nationals Park in the summer of 2011, I chose him to be my favorite National strictly because of his name, fyi I love the name Ian; then something magical happened, his face appeared on the jumbotron and I was lost forever.
The best part is that his looks match his talent as well as the positivity he spreads to his teammates, fans and all of baseball. Desmond completed this season with a respectable .280 average but the real focus is on his awesome defensive skills at shortstop. Since making his major league debut in 2009, Desmond has been shaping up to be one of the top shortstops in the league and a leader on the young Nationals team. Desmond has not only set an example of talent and professionalism on the field but off the field as well.
Desmond and his beautiful wife Chelsey do great work off the field to benefit charities and raise money for great causes. In 2012, Desmond launched his, “Spread the Glove” campaign. Fans were given the task of nominating charities that they believed were the most deserving and at the end of the season, money that Desmond and the fans raised were donated to the charities picked. On top of that, Desmond is nominated for the MLB Alumni Association’s Heart and Hustle Award for the third time. This award goes to the MLB player, “who demonstrates a passion for the game of baseball and best embodies the values, spirit and traditions of the game.” The 2013 winner will be announced next month and if it doesn’t go to my Yankee, Brett Gardner, I’m hoping Desmond gets the honor. Now, Ms. Desmond, not to be topped, showed her heart and hustle during the Wounded Warriors charity softball game. Chelsey flashed some glove on a great defensive play at shortstop, causing her husband to give her a shout out on twitter, “My wife’s a boss. Nice work.” This dynamic duo does wonders in helping other’s out and also spreading positive energy. On Desmond’s twitter, he is often quoting inspirational and moving words from the Bible to his followers for some uplifting energy.
The world of MLB could use some more players like Ian Desmond; players who aren’t all about showboating, bragging and the crazy life that sometimes comes with the athlete life territory. So to all my bad boy baseball players out there, take a page out of Ian Desmond’s book and commit to loyalty and helping others on and off the field.
Ready to be inspired? Follow Ian on twitter @iandesmond20.
Sequined Yankee hat off to you Mr.Desmond, one of the most respectful athletes out there.
Love and baseball.
xoxo
