Jerry Manuel: Keepin’ It Gangsta

As already mentioned on this blog, Jerry Manuel (Mets’ manager) likes to keep it gangsta. Case in point, Mets’ new 3rd base coach:

What Is It To Be ‘Gangsta’?

A couple of days ago, crestfallen Mets fans were looking for something to cheer for; and they got it in the form of a complete game 3-hitter from lefty ace Johan Santana. In a game that the Mets had to have to keep their playoff hopes alive, Santana came off three-days rest and a game in which he had pitched a 125-pitch complete game shutout to wow fans with another commanding pitching performance. After the game, Mets manager addressed the media by praising Santana in a unique way. “Wow, wow, wow, wow,” he said. “I think if I had to describe that one, I’d say that was gangsta. That’s gangsta. That’s serious gangsta right there.”

Many questions arise when a middle-aged African-American manager describes a pitching performance in this way. First, would Manuel apply such language to a complete-game shutout by, say, Mike Pelfrey? That is, does race play any part in the application of “gangsta-ness”? Many in academia would contend that the term always already echoes raced intonations. However, some writers have argued that for Manuel, the term ‘gangsta‘ “is considered the ultimate compliment, a term of respect and admiration.” They assert that Manuel is simply trying to appeal to his younger athletes, and that the term sounds better than terms like ‘warrior’ or ‘titan.’ Indeed, he even reportedly applies the term to his own children. Quips Manuel: “A good report card: Now, that’s gangsta.” In these contexts, it becomes evident that ‘gangsta’ indicates success through hard work and dedication, and has none of the disparate cultural undertones that may exist in other situations.

However, this benign meaning seems at odds with Manuel’s use of the word ‘gangster,’ which does seem to have violent and aggressive connotations. In June, Manuel played it safe and pulled reluctant in-fielder Jose Reyes from the field because of the player’s tight hammy. Reyes threw his helmet, and Manuel felt he had to assert his authority. Said Manuel, “I told him next time he does that I’m going to get my blade out and cut him. I’m a gangster. You go gangster on me, I’m going to have to get you. You do that again, I’m going to cut you right on the field.” While it seems clear that Manuel was speaking metaphorically about the knife, it is also clear that the term ‘gangster’ is meant to call to mind the images of Gambinos, Sopranos and West-coast rappers: no-nonsense, by-any-means-necessary, self-assured and possibly violent individuals. ‘You show me up,’ Manuel was saying, ‘and I’ll put you down.’

Not only is this distinction fascinating within the world of baseball, but it also makes me wonder in what contexts I could use these words. If I make a spongy, yet firm bunt cake, can I show it to friends and brag, “Now that’s gangsta right there”? What if I am able to make gardenias flourish in soil whose acidity level is much too high to generally allow such perennials to bloom? Can I host a garden party, stoop by a patch of the creamy white blooms, pick up a handful of soil and say, “Soil pH my ass: you ain’t never seen somethin’ so gangsta as this!”

Conversely, if I drive through a Rally’s burger and am not given the ranch dressing I request for my chili cheese fries, may I return to the drive-in, ask for the worker who handed me my bag and claim that I will not stand for his insolence? Can I yelp, “I’m a gangster! My fries must have sufficient wet toppings!” Are there rules for who may take ownership of these words, and are there situational limits to their flexibility? How far can the arbitrariness of language extend?

Conspiracy Theories

Jerry Manuel sort of resembles New York’s new Governor, David Paterson. In addition to the less than striking resemblance, both earned their positions while their organizations were in disarray. Coincidence?

Christian Bale: the new king of the Hollywood blockbuster franchise, turning around bankrupt traditions (assuming Terminator 4 works out, which it will…trust me). Bill Parcells: the king of turning around bankrupt football franchises (assuming the Dolphins works out, which it will…believe me)

I should stop, I’m getting freaked out.