People did not care too much for Mr. Weeks in 2008, and somewhat in 2009. The first year I honestly blame Ned Yost more than Weeks for rotating him in and out of the lineup. But people did not like Weeks' lack of production plus his horrendous defense. The next year, rumors started to rumble about whether Weeks was injury-prone plus when he did play, his defense still wasn't strong. I remember suggesting Weeks play centerfield at one point instead of staying at second base. I considered myself a Weeks fan, and believed at some point, he would turn it around. It takes my optimistic sports brain a long time to give up on a hometown player unless your name is Jose Hernandez.
I have a couple of reasons why I think Weeks is popular amongst the 18 to 25 year old range. The first is he has excellent work ethic, which people love out of their professional athletes. Milwaukee is a blue-collar town, and people love the guys who they could call one of their own. Weeks never seems to stop working on making himself better. For example, Jerry Crasnick of ESPN said this spring 'Weeks got even bigger, and now looks like a strong safety.' People continue to talk about how much effort Weeks puts into each offseason. I do think all fans appreciate a professional who takes his job very seriously. Another part of the explanation is Weeks displays more class than anyone on the team. I never hear Weeks speaking out in the media, not hustling out a grounder, or being a distraction to the team.
The other reason is, young people feel like if you say Braun or Fielder then you are classified as a bandwagon uninformed fan. Trust me, there are a good amount of students around the area who love to tailgate and get drunk without a care in the world about baseball. Does the thought of sounding brainless cross my mind when talking baseball? Yep. Do I think it's fair? Not at all. But for whatever reason, you lose credibility with young adult baseball fans if you start off saying 'I love Prince Fielder.' It's much cooler to start off with a conversation regarding Weeks, Corey Hart, Casey McGehee, or John Axford who I would consider the second-tier of stars for the Brewers.
Weeks can be an All-Star and make the next step this season. With the uncertainty of Fielder for 2012, it appears that Weeks will assume his role as the other superstar next to Braun if Prince were to leave the Brew City. I hope for a great season from Rickie and that people continue to show him the love even if he struggles a bit in April.
-Charlie.
