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.
Clinch Socially Distanced Celebration
Freddie Freeman is my choice for the National League MVP. Last night, he gave us all another reason why he should win.
https://gfycat.com/anothertameichthyosaurs
The walk-off win meant the Braves clinched the National League East crown and secured the 2nd seed for the playoffs. The team celebrated in a classy socially distanced fashion.
https://gfycat.com/apprehensivehelpfulcassowary
Tag Avoidance Therapy
Now for our weekly “unbelievable missed tag” award! And, it also features Freddie Freeman. To be fair, he actually makes the tag but he was so very close to being sent to “Tag Avoidance Therapy” thanks to the agile, mobile frame of…Jesús Aguilar!
https://gfycat.com/reflectingthreadbarebear
It is very rare to see this kind of dodge and swerve action from such a muscular man as Aguilar. Unfortunately, the freight train just couldn’t turn the wheels fast enough to get back to the bag before Freeman recovers.
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Aguilar managed to see the funny side of it.
https://gfycat.com/scarypracticalhyracotherium
Cool Off Responsibly
Speaking of the Marlins slugger, he had a busy week and with touching out of the window he wasn’t able to relax with his usual massage. So, he had to cool off using less conventional methods.
us after doing one (1) at-home workout pic.twitter.com/AeZ9HLcSGG
— Cut4 (@Cut4) September 21, 2020
The Worst Socially Distanced Fielding Of The Week
It is not often that a ball boy features in our worst fielding highlights. In the Reds-Brewers match up on Monday night, there was an unfortunate incident that this ball boy will want to forget after fielding a foul ball from Jace Peterson. Sadly, every moment was caught on camera. Ouch!
https://gfycat.com/wetinsignificantkodiakbear
It is even better with commentary. The said ball boy was put on 10-day IL after the game.
the new season of "Wipeout" looks great pic.twitter.com/uMEvSYNVXS
— Cut4 (@Cut4) September 22, 2020
Grounds Crew Socially Distanced Orchestra
The grounds crew for the Cincinnati Reds are doing their utmost to propel their team towards the playoffs – use of head instead of hands is recommended!
same pic.twitter.com/hYtC9ANCp4
— Cut4 (@Cut4) September 23, 2020
It was appreciated by the mascot, Mr. Redlegs, who was hanging out and staying safe in the crowd.
The Cincinnati Reds are above .500. pic.twitter.com/5c0gWYXVV3
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) September 22, 2020
Nelson Cruz’s Secret
Nelson Cruz is 40 years old and a six-time All-Star! He has been tearing it up this season to the tune of .314/.403/.603 with a league-leading 1.026 OPS. What a legend! His secret? A nice socially distanced nap prior to taking the field.
You have heard about it … but now you can look at it.
Live look at the Nelson Cruz pregame nap session on the road.
He has already worked out, done cage work and video work. Now he rests his body and mind before more cage work.
(20 minute POWER nap)#MNTwins pic.twitter.com/oCb61NQgHu
— Dustin Morse (@morsecode) September 8, 2020
Be sure to join me next week for more of the best socially distanced baseball from the playoffs!
Featured Image by Justin Paradis (@FreshMeatComm on Twitter)
Ironically, this is the one guy that is likely immune. This is silly now even more than it was at the start of the season. You can see in the NFL how important social distancing is but keep on clinging. Testing is important but putting on a little display to pacify folks that want to see what they want to see probably isn’t.