At the start of the Baseball season, New York Mets second baseman Daniel Murphy made lots of news over his decision to miss the first two games, including the season opener, in order to take paternity leave and be with his new wife during the birth of their first child together.
Famous sports radio DJs Mike Francesca and NFL vet Boomer Esiason went on a tirade suggesting Murphy’s wife get a C-Section so the breadwinner could do what puts food on their plate.
For his bravery to put his baby over the game, Murphy was a featured speaker at an event with business leaders, administration officials and other working fathers at the White House yesterday. He spoke about the situation and challenges of balancing work and life.
About the critics to his decision, Murphy said, “I wanted to be there. I wanted to be there for my wife and for my son,” adding “Long after they tell me I am not good enough to play baseball anymore, I’ll be a husband, and I’ll be a father.”
The event also promoted the Obama administration’s policies on paid parental leave and “extensive workplace flexibility option.”
The event is in advance of a June 23rd White House Summit on Working Families that will involve engaging groups and individuals “to identify initiatives that benefit America’s working families, American businesses, and the American economy,” a White House release stated.
In order to stay competitive, companies need to attract and retain the best talent, and policies that support working families are crucial to these goals, the White House also noted.
photos: Kris Connor courtesy NY Daily News