As we remain socially distant from the game, let us celebrate those who did it best, followed the rules, and played “safe” baseball. Let’s also look at those who fell short.
Tag Avoidance Therapy
We have a cracker for the weekly “unbelievable missed tag” award! Today’s patient for “Tag Avoidance Therapy” is Colorado Rockies first baseman Josh Fuentes and the runner who (somehow) manages an act of socially distant “Matrixesque” contortionism to avoid the tag is veteran A’s infielder Tony Kemp. Or, as he is now known, “The Artful Dodger.”
https://gfycat.com/rightleadingfruitbat
During the circus-style rundown, 7-time Gold Glove winner Nolan Arenado manages to snag the runner trying to reach 3rd. He then thinks he has a double-play only for Kemp to high-jump Fuentes to score a run.
https://gfycat.com/variabledamagedizuthrush
The look on Rockies manager Bud Black’s face is priceless (note the Homer Simpson disappearing gif act from a member of the Rockies dugout)
https://gfycat.com/adorableimperfectkillifish
Why Wearing A Mask Is Important
The advice is clear—wear a mask and stop the spread to keep safe. Plate umpire Jeremy Rehak is still with us today because of the mask.
https://gfycat.com/grimheartybluebottlejellyfish
This 94 mph wild heater from Chad Kuhl strick the umpire dead center, there was no place to go. Masks save lives, simple.
https://gfycat.com/groundedgiganticbluebottlejellyfish
The Worst Socially Distanced Fielding Of The Week
It would be criminal for me to not mention the antics of Eloy Jimenez during our section on the worst fielding of the week—after completely misjudging a line drive from Byron Buxton, which resulted in the ball flying over his head and to the bottom of the wall, the enigmatic White Sox superstar seems to act as if he cannot see the ball (which is in clear view) at the bottom of the wall. Meanwhile, the speedy Buxton flys around all the bases to score. Good socially distanced fielding at its worst!
https://twitter.com/Starting9/status/1305718142216425473
It’s Raining…Popcorn!
Step aside, Fredbird! The Philly Phanatic took the best mascot crown this week for observing social distancing in the stadium. He graciously hung out with a New York Mets fan’s cutout before showing him what he really thinks.
.@Phillies come get your mans pic.twitter.com/hrWPXVZueJ
— Cut4 (@Cut4) September 17, 2020
The Future Of Socially Distanced Camerawork Is Here
We have to agree, here. This is wonderful.
https://twitter.com/Starting9/status/1305633511542587394
Please Stay 1.5m Away From This Flyball
Carlos Martinez really needed help from his defense to get him out of a jam in the top of the 3rd inning against the Cincinnati Reds. Left fielder Austin Dean did not get the memo, remaining socially distant from this routine flyball.
https://gfycat.com/CrazyCloseKillifish
Be sure to join me next week for more of the best socially distanced baseball from week 9.
Featured Image by Justin Paradis (@FreshMeatComm on Twitter)