The Little Joys of Baseball - 6/15
Animals! at the ballpark! Catch of the year? I appreciate you Kiké!
No you’re not reading the date wrong. This was supposed to go out yesterday and today is the 16th it’s being published. But I’m not changing it just cause I’m a little late as I was swept up in the No Kings protests, Father’s Day and a bonkers Rafael Devers trade this weekend. But better late than never? Onto some of the things that personally brought me little joys in the world of baseball!
Animals! At the Ballpark
One of my favorite genres of things at the ballpark are when animals are involved, and this last week did not disappoint! You know I love a good call-up story. Well, the goodest paws-pect, Bruce the Bat Dog from the Nationals’ Triple-A team, the Rochester Red Wings, got the call to join the big league club! He officially made his debut Saturday, including his own MLB debut patch on his bandana! He may have taken the inefficient route to the bat, but he’s still an All-Star in my heart.
Not to be outdone, I could not get enough of Pepe the Penguin, who “threw” out the first pitch in Chicago. And apparently, neither could the White Sox players. While I loved everything about Pepe’s appearance, the timing of this closed captioning was simply *chef’s kiss*. It’s true, he really is trying his best.
Mrs. Met responds to Dinger
In last week’s “Little Joys”, I noted how Dinger, the Rockies mascot, decided to shoot his shot with Mrs. Met when the Mets were in Denver. At that time, we did not yet have a response from Mrs., but this week we got one! And well, Mrs. Met clapped back. Barney? Ouch! Sorry, Dinger, but looks like you’ve got nothing on Mr. Met.
Willi Castro, ally?
Twins utilityman Willi Castro caused a stir, in a good way last week, when he wore eyeblack that appeared to mimic the Trans flag when he entered a game in the ninth inning. The moment quickly went viral with outlets all over the country reporting on it. Unfortunately, no Twins beat writers or baseball media asked Willi about it post-game, nor did Willi post any direct statements as to what prompted his support, especially coming the day before the Twins’ official Pride night celebrations.
X user @rowdytellezbian, who happened to be making a tongue-in-cheek MLB players that are “woke” list, mentioned that allegedly Castro’s sister came to her comments to purport that Castro’s eyeblack was merely a “coincidence.” Again, with Castro having not spoken publicly on it, there’s no real way to know. Even if that’s the case, it would feel ill-advised to undermine the impact it’s had and the progress it pushes to see an act of support broadcast to a bigger stage for a community that is constantly in danger. Besides, why would you want to disappoint actor and ally Pedro Pascal who is now aware of Castro’s existence as a result??
911? I’d like to report a robbery
When I strolled into Angel Stadium last Monday night, I had no idea I’d be witness to one of the greatest catches ever made not just this season, but in the history of MLB. Going into the Angels / A’s matchup, Denzel Clarke’s reputation as a defensive wizard already preceded him in the short week and half he was called up, so I already knew what to expect.
I didn’t however expect that my Angels would become his latest victim when in the bottom of the first inning, Clarke climbed up and had half his body hung over the center field wall to rob Angels first baseman Nolan Schanuel of a home run. As I watched the ball leave Nolan’s bat there was no doubt in my mind that we’d go up 1-0. But as soon as I saw Clarke hang over that wall and his immediate reaction after, I was dumbfounded just like everyone else in the ballpark. I don’t ordinarily have my phone up filming ABs and home runs, but I really wish in that moment I had! I was so mad that I couldn’t even be mad because that was one of the greatest plays ever made and I got to see it unfold in real-time. Both Angels and A’s fans gave Clarke a standing ovation. You have to give respect where it’s due.
When moments come full circle
Speaking of the A’s, rookie sensation Jacob Wilson, who is from Southern California, grew up a big Mike Trout fan (who didn’t??). Although Mike was with the Angels during their road trip in West Sacramento, he had not yet been activated off the IL. But with Mike in the lineup in Anaheim, Jacob’s dad, former big leaguer Jack Wilson, posted this photo of Jacob and Mike when Jacob was just a kid (“just a kid” but he’s only 23 right now). Wonder if little Jacob knew one day, he’d be on the same field as Mike. You gotta love these full circle moments when players get to play in the same game as their heroes!
Kiké Hernández Appreciation Post
Taking a moment to end this week’s edition of “Little Joys” with a Kiké Hernández appreciation post. While I am not a Dodgers fan nor a Red Sox fan, the last two teams he has spent time with, I have always been a Kiké Hernández fan. The ultimate vibe guy and an individual who is unapologetically himself, it’s hard to root against someone like him, and frankly if you do, I believe it says more about you than it does about him. When he strolls out to the mound with his “pitching helmet”, it’s hard not to crack a smile. I just appreciate him as an individual and the spark and fun to the game he brings.
He is also, to-date, the only active Dodgers player to speak up and out about the ICE raids that have happening in Los Angeles for over a week. Given the uncertainty and fear, especially from a fan base that is largely Latino, and in the aftermath of the club’s White House visit, Kiké speaking up is warranted, appreciated and does not go unnoticed. The world and game is a better place when guys like Kiké Hernández are in it.
And that’s all for this week’s little joys! Until next week!