Sports Nut: Being Tony Plush

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sports nut Being Tony Plush Finding redemption through Nyjer Morgan's gentleman alter ego. By Jason Albert Posted Friday, Aug. 12, 2011, at 10:28 AM ET The Milwaukee Brewers' trade for Nyjer Morgan this March was the kind of move that moves no one. Morgan had been a decent player in Pittsburgh and Washington, but he was mostly known for his bizarre and petulant on-field behavior--throwing a ball at a fan, instigating a brawl, and other assorted jackassery. What didn't make the wire was that this deal was a two-for-one. Along with Nyjer Morgan, the Brewers were acquiring the outfielder's alter ego, Tony Plush. According to a story in the Washington Post, this was Morgan's "gentleman's name." I didn't know what this meant exactly, and I couldn't decide whether this guy was a free spirit or just insane. Could anyone possibly be that much of a dick? In the succeeding weeks, I spent hours searching for Plush intel. I was consumed by baseball thoughts in a way I hadn't been since I was 10, a time when mastering Ben Oglivie's batting stance qualified as an afternoon well spent. After finding mostly dead ends, I decided to explore my preoccupation in the only place that made sense. On the day of the Brewers' home opener, I pulled a headshot off Google Images and wrote a bio for @Tony_Plush: "The gentleman alter ego of the Milwaukee Brewers' Nyjer Morgan." I didn't open this Twitter account to jock-sniff or to fool anyone into thinking I was Morgan. It was merely a new way to waste time. To continue reading, click here. Jason Albert is a freelance writer living in St. Paul, Minn. You can find him on Twitter at @Tony_Plush or @Jason_Albert. Join the Fray: our reader discussion forum What did you think of this article? POST A MESSAGE | READ MESSAGES Also In Slate Lithwick: The GOP's Scurrilous Attempts To Undermine the National Labor Relations Board The Guy Who Downgraded America's Credit Rating Is an Old Friend of Mine. Here's What He's Like. How Far Do I Have To Ride My Bike To Offset the Energy It Took To Make It?	Advertisement
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