Orioles right fielder Nick Markakis said today that he has turned down an offer to play for the...

Orioles right fielder Nick Markakis said today that he has turned down an offer to play for the United States in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

Markakis, who hit .306 last season with 20 homers and 87 RBIs, said he got a call this week from Billy Ripken, who is on the staff of the American team, which is managed by Davey Johnson. But he had to decline the invitation due to family concerns. Markakis was married earlier this offseason and he and his wife, Christina, are expecting their first child during the tournament.

"My first child is due on March 12 and that's right in the middle of it," Markakis said. "It was an easy decision. It's definitely a big honor and something I'd like to do. But with my first kid being born, I have other responsibilities to take care of. It was a hard decision, but an easy decision. They said I could have a couple of days leave, but you don't want to neglect a team like that."

Comments

March, eh?

So, it was a shotgun wedding. That explains a lot.
Mazel tov!

"The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again."

by 2632 on Dec 23, 2008 1:21 PM EST reply actions

Does that term even apply anymore?

I know a significant portion of my HS students parents aren’t married, and the ones that are, it’s often not to the other biological parent. Let’s just say the social stigma’s gone.

Duck Around - a progressive blog about the Eastern Shore of Maryland. And getting off my lawn.

by duck on Dec 23, 2008 1:58 PM EST up reply actions

I think there's a rich-ballplayer exception...

by mpire on Dec 23, 2008 1:59 PM EST up reply actions

I don't give a shit about morals.

But I had always speculated that there was some other reason for a rich, ridiculously good looking professional athlete like Nick to settle down and get married at the age of 25. A reason like knockin a girl up. Turns out, I was correct.

by 2632 on Dec 23, 2008 2:56 PM EST up reply actions

first thought that came to my head as well

by birdman on Dec 23, 2008 3:55 PM EST up reply actions

Indeed.

Now I understand why Baltimore’s most eligible bachelor called it quits so early in life.

[Guthrie's] president of my heart. ~PhilR8

by Stacey on Dec 23, 2008 1:36 PM EST reply actions

How diplomatic

I can’t let down the team by taking a day off to see my child enter the world. Perfect timing for that excuse. Dodged that bullet, Nick!

by blawk359 on Dec 23, 2008 1:40 PM EST reply actions

I googled Christina Markakis

hoping to find a picture. This was the first link that was returned:

http://www.facebook.com/people/Christina-Markakis/531420164

Way to go Nick!

by VB O's Guy on Dec 23, 2008 2:26 PM EST reply actions

Can't look at Facebook from work

But I will go ahead and say, please. Way to go Christina is more like it. No offense to her, but Nick is most definitely the catch in that relationship.

[Guthrie's] president of my heart. ~PhilR8

by Stacey on Dec 23, 2008 2:31 PM EST up reply actions

When you see Christina

I’m afraid you may just change your opinion.

My best game plan is to sit on the bench and call out specific instructions like 'C'mon Boog,' 'Get ahold of one, Frank,' or 'Let's go, Brooks.' -Earl Weaver

by Baltimo on Dec 23, 2008 2:43 PM EST up reply actions