I love Tab. I always have, I think because we have the same number, well I dont play anymore, but also because my initials are TAB- it's fate.
Legend is a good word, because it refers to something important from a long time ago and nobody can remember whether it really happened or not. Seriously, I consider Tab the greatest American to play the game, period. Nobody to this day has the talent he had. But one elbow in WC '94 and we never saw that Tab again. Even now he shows flashes of brilliance from time to time, but he just can't stay healthy long enough to prove it. If Tab had regained his health, I am convinced the Metro would have won the cup by now, but sadly we have been waiting for Tab to be healthy for six years now. It's really a tragedy, for Tab as much as for the fans. I will always try to think of the Tab from WC '94.
When I think of the "good Tab", I think of the late WCQ goal against Costa Rica in Portland in 1997. Preki drops off to Tab at the top of the box, who rifles a low shot into the right corner for the 1-0 win. Without that, the US would not have gone to France. Well, thinking about it, not going to France might have been a good thing. And Tab was one of those whiners over there. So damn you, Tab -- even your good times are tainted by bad memories!
i remember how excited i was before the MLS began back in 1996. I looked through all the new jerseys and teams. of course i knew tab from 1994, but through supporting the metrostars and qualifying for 1998, i became obsessed with his vision and command of the game. all through college, guys on my team called me 'tab' just because i talked about him so much - and really modeled my game after him (also out for much of my junior year with an injury!). i loved how unpredictable tab was, and yet, he was consistent! that is not something you can say about many players. you're either inventive and take chances, or you are rock-steady, play it safe, consistent. tab's skill allowed him to see the field in slow motion. *everything* was slower than him. he came on a chat board for ESPN one night, and i asked him to visit this camp i coach at. in turn, i found out about his camp - and then went on to become a 3 year coach there. in person, he was tremendously funny and humble, his love for the game showed through how much he cared for his camp. he has a wonderful family and is surrounded by great friends. it was a treat to watch him send in crosses for the kids. tab was a true hero to me. the game has become a part of my life that is central to who i am. and i have tab to thank for much of that. here's to him...
Metros are playing one of the biggest games in the history of their franchise tonight and you're worried about a "Tribute to Tab"? Screw him.
Screw you..... don't be an @$$hole and give respect where respect is due. Tab deserves a tribute game.
Today is Tab's birthday (9/21). He is a mere 36 years young. It also may be his last game in MLS. The Metros need him to get them a result (win/draw) today on his birthday. Mathis and Howard are out. If there ever was a time for Tab to show his magic to the doubters, today is the day!
Give Tab credit for spitting on John Harkes to really get the DC-Metro rivalry going. That said, Tab was never able to really get his act together in a Metro shirt because of...well...just about any possible reason. But all could be forgiven if he conjures up a bit of magic tonight--the same way he did against Costa Rica-- and lead us into the playoffs.
Lets not forget that when MLS was beginning, many American players in Europe were skeptical about playing in the new league. Tab was the first to say he was going to play and he told the league to pay him whatever they were able to. Many Yanks in Europe said that Tab's decision had a big influence on them coming back home. Tab definately deserves a tribute game.
SCREW TAB!?! He's the best metro player ever, about to play what could be his last game stupid loser. We'll win the game today. don't worry about it!
Well Tab came back for the last 3 games to start. Team stunk. True, they were going downhill even before Tab came back. It seemed that there was no chemistry in midfield, both offensively and defensively. It was not one particular player, rather it was that they could work as a united midfield. Had Tab been playing throughout the season, the situation might have been resolved. But Oz could not get the midfield clicking as a unit. Tab could not cure the problem, rather, the problem got worse.
You're 0 for 2. The time and place for a Tab tribute would have been at the all-star game this past summer (read: including him on the US side). That's because, since he signed with the league, Tab has done NOTHING for this league or this team. He was one of the best American players of his era-- but his era was 1985-1994. His time has long expired, and his swansong long overdue. Good riddance Tab, good riddance Balboa. Thanks for nothin.
Tab was a good player but I dont think he is worthy of a tribute game at least not one where tickets are being charged.
Seems to me whenever Tab played we lost the majority of those games as he was always coming off an injury. Never saw the Real Tab for more than a game or two in a row.
Twice this year, pretty early on he had some good moves and distributed some wonderful balls. That was months back. These last three games, with all due respect, he just played left or right please-don't-hurt-me-I'm-retirng. IT was like having ten guys out there. Other guys like Valderama and Herandez come to mind - older but still play like they want to win and are consistently good. This roster of injured people is getting way out of hand. and, lastly his antics with refs were totally unprofessional and just plain stupid - when was the last time any ref ever said, "Yes, Tab you're right, I'm wrong let me take back that card and give you a free kick. Where would you like it?"
SHAME ON YOU Wow. You're such a fair-weather fan! Reading this thread has made me sick to my stomach. You should be ashamed of yourself. For all the years Tab Ramos has invested in the Metros and for all he has done for American soccer he deserves nothing but respect.
Tab was a great national team player...no doubt. For the Metros he was nothing but garbage and dead weight. Ramos will always be the welfare queen. And Ramos, don't forget to take Balboa and Oz with you...
Man, I just don't get most of you. Tab was the best American player ever. Period. Tab was the first US player to be taken seriously by the rest of the world in modern times. Tab joined the league first, drawing players and lending respect to the league. It's like Pete Rose not getting props (in the same town as the Soccer Hall of Fame). Thank you Tab.