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Walter's Perspective: Marlins' McKeon Has Earned Respect

By WALTER JACOBSON
June 21, 2011

Here's some news you may not have heard because it's from out of town.

An 80-year-old man has been hired to lead a Major League Baseball team – the Florida Marlins. That seems to me like a Major League, bases loaded, bottom-of-the-ninth home run; a no-hitter; a World Series.

It's great news from the Marlins. They hired a senior citizen – Jack McKeon – who is older than any two of his players combined.

They called McKeon out of retirement, back into the National League. It's good for the Marlins, and for McKeon, and for senior citizens.

For those long days at late nights on the road, it's not necessary to hire a junior. A senior can do it just fine.

McKeon's age is his MVP, his years in the game, his managing in the Majors before most of his players were even born.

All age is, is a number. It's not how you count it, it's what you do with it.

So happy 80 to you, Mr. McKeon. Try for 81, for 85. Why not 90?

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