Winning an MVP award takes supreme talent, unwavering focus, and the will to be the best.  But it also takes something else.  It takes sacrifice.  Pat Burrell, clearly the favorite for the 2008 NL MVP, won’t hesitate to make sacrifices for the betterment of the team.  He won’t think twice about doing whatever necessary to help his teammates.  To prove the point, consider this:

You’ve probably heard the silly rumor that Pat Burrell is taken out of late-inning Phils-led games because he’s a defensive liability.  This ludicrous assumption couldn’t be farther from the truth.  In fact, Pat removes himself from the game, when he decides he’s ready, to let seldom used bench players experience the thrill of playing left field.  It is the talent, focus, and will that make Pat Burrell a great player.  It is the sacrifices that make Pat Burrell a hero.

Recently, Pat made his biggest sacrifice yet on his journey to NL MVP.  Last week, in an effort to promote teamwork and unity, Pat Burrell generously offered Chase Utley the opportunity to carry the MVP torch.  Utley graciously accepted and immediately turned in the best performance of his career by hitting a home run in five straight games.  However, he knew that he was not meant to carry the torch, not this year, not just yet.  Chase Utley would soon pass the torch back to its rightful keeper.

Tuesday night, April 22, with the Phillies down 6 - 5 in the top of the ninth, Pat Burrell hit what would be a game-winning bases-clearing double.  The crack of his bat was an explosive reminder that we are watching something special.  We are witnessing Pat Burrell present his strong case to the most harsh judgements of sports writers.  We are watching Pat Burrell fight through the 2008 season with the MVP torch held high.