Gerrit Cole on Baseball’s Greatest Dilemma
To tack or not to tack… that is not the question here. Gerrit Cole has already awkwardly commented on that moral dilemma. Rather, there is a more critical issue at hand, one that has divided baseball communities for decades:
Have a catch or play catch?
definitely a deleted scene from the office pic.twitter.com/j10d50DhId
— Cut4 (@Cut4) July 16, 2021
As with his Spider Tack response, Cole walks a delicate line so as not to provoke an emotional response from either “catch” contingent. Kevin Costner would surprisingly agree with Cole, whereas Mac from It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia would passionately argue for “have a catch.”
I, like Cole, can use both terms interchangeably. However, I lean more toward the side of “have a catch.” Perhaps it’s just because I grew up in New York, where “have a catch” is a common colloquialism. But when I asked my California friends about this, I realized that the “play catch” side has a lot more support than I expected.
This is one of baseball’s most divisive issues. Where do you stand?
As if You Need Another Reason To Love Ohtani…
“All-Star Week” is over. Although this year the more accurate term is “Shohei Ohtani Week.” It seemed as though no matter who stood in the batter’s box or on the mound, the conversation always found it’s way back to Ohtani.
In many ways, deservedly so. Ohtani is the first player since Babe Ruth in 1918 to lead the league in homers while serving as an above-average pitcher. Also, can you remember the last time that MLB changed its rules for just one player? I really can’t.
While Ohtani’s presence on the field rightfully deserves a ton of attention, his off-field actions are just as wonderful.
Ohtani earned $150,000 for appearing in the Home Run Derby. He didn’t keep a dime. Rather, Ohtani showed his appreciation for Angels staffers by showering dozens of workers with mid-season bonuses.
Shohei Ohtani got $150,000 for participating in the Home Run Derby. Here's what he did with the money. #Angels https://t.co/GPHFqfPoPn
— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) July 17, 2021
Ohtani is first and foremost a wholesome person who also happens to possess otherworldly athletic talent. That’s why the entire world can’t stop talking about him, from the United States to Japan to… Canada?
The President of Shohei Ohtani's fan club in Toronto 😁#WeBelieve I @Angels pic.twitter.com/tcZrYSutIQ
— Bally Sports West (@BallySportWest) July 17, 2021
Kevin Pillar: A Man of Many Talents
The grounds crew has a lot to deal with when it’s raining. They constantly manicure the dirt and grass, ensuring that the players are safe and comfortable. Some things can easily slip their mind. Like drying off the top railing of the dugouts. But don’t worry, the modern Swiss Army Man Kevin Pillar is there to save the day!
https://gfycat.com/freeelaborateblackbear
What an unsung Mets hero.
Drew Robinson Retires
Drew Robinson is one of the most remarkable stories in modern baseball. He toiled in the minor leagues for about a decade, earning a couple of opportunities in the majors from 2017 to 2019.
But in 2020, Robinson’s mental health struggles led to a suicide attempt. He unbelievably survived despite losing one eye after a self-inflicted gunshot. Not only that, but Robinson set off on a powerful journey to use this experience as an opportunity to inspire others while trying to make a comeback. Through unrelenting hard work and determination, Robinson started the ’21 season with the Giants’ Triple-A Sacramento River Cats.
Yesterday, Robinson announced that his playing days are over. However, he will continue to work for the San Francisco organization as a mental-health advocate.
— Drew Robinson (@Drewrobbb) July 16, 2021
For those who haven’t read Robinson’s story as covered by Jeff Passan, I highly recommend you read it here. Passan said it is “the most important story [he’s] ever written,” and for good reason. It is truly unbelievable and inspiring.
Everyone Needs Spring Training
Practice makes perfect. Much like a hitter needs their elaborate pre-game stretching routine, an announcer needs to loosen up their vocal cords or risk an injury/mistake. Remember back in 2019 when the Yankees made history as the most injured team ever? Well, Bronx broadcaster Michael Kay joined that group after receiving vocal cord surgery.
Gary Thorne has been out of the baseball booth since 2019 after the Orioles declined to pick up his contract during the 2020 season. On Friday, Thorne had a guest appearance in place of Gary Cohen in the Mets broadcast booth. And Thorne, who has decades of broadcasting experience, showed that everyone needs spring training. Even the announcers.
Gary Thorne, calling a Mets game: “So, the Orioles… er, the Mets are gonna get a couple on base here.”
— MLB Errors (@mlberrors) July 17, 2021
Sorry for bringing up painful memories, Orioles fans. Hey, at least Cedric Mullins was rightfully an All-Star starter.
Photo by Icon Sportswire | Adapted by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns of Twitter)