The Airplane Flies Again!
In Game 4 of the 2020 World Series, Brett Phillips captivated the baseball world as he literally flew into the outfield following his dramatic walk-off hit. Last night, Phillips stepped up the plate with the chance to be the hero: score tied at 2 – 2, bases loaded, 2 outs in the bottom of the ninth. And just like he had done on that legendary October night, Phillips became the hero.
Brett Phillips first walk-off hit since who knows when pic.twitter.com/TROQ3RTTn8
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 15, 2021
And into the outfield he flew again.
https://gfycat.com/ornerypolishedichneumonfly
Few players capture the pure, child-like joy of baseball as well as Phillips does. In fact, Phillips’ airplane celebration is so unique that he says everyone in his hometown calls him “airplane dude.”
Fly on, airplane dude. And keep up the wholesomeness.
baseball is fun. gnight friends! pic.twitter.com/LJmDSDeBqq
— Cut4 (@Cut4) May 15, 2021
Schwarber Gets Clobbered by the Freight Train!
In 2006, David Peralta made his minor league debut—as a pitcher. For two seasons he toiled with the Cardinals’ Rookie affiliate before injuries forced him out of the minors for over five years .
Then, in 2013, the Diamondbacks gave Peralta another chance. This time, as a hitter. He carved up A+, then AA, and finally he was in the majors.
But in his first seven MLB seasons, Peralta never got the chance to throw a pitch. Until yesterday.
Now pitching, the former pitcher, David Peralta! pic.twitter.com/f1isyfrddc
— Bally Sports Arizona (@BALLYSPORTSAZ) May 15, 2021
Peralta didn’t exactly have the speed needed to thrive at this level. But Kyle Schwarber still put on his best acting display after getting plunked.
Schwarber's reaction is top notch! 😂 #NATITUDE pic.twitter.com/QmFIq8vrTa
— Jay (@AnAverageJay) May 15, 2021
Even though Peralta gave up a couple runs and worked the bases loaded, the “Freight Train” recorded a personal milestone with his first ever MLB punchout.
A @DPFreightTrain6 strike out followed by the #FreightTrain celebration, of course. pic.twitter.com/BXcFjuYQ4Q
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) May 15, 2021
Aces!
Starting pitchers have a lot of spare time at the ballpark. They usually arrive at least three hours before game time, and you can only chew so much gum and sunflower seeds before you have to find something else to do.
The Phillies staff found a fun way to pass the time on their off days making use of the 300+ feet of clean-cut, green grass that is at their disposal.
The crossover you didn't know you needed. pic.twitter.com/9u3ImXNEOd
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) May 15, 2021
As a pitcher, Zach Eflin doesn’t have to worry about his golf swing messing up his baseball swing, so he has long used golf as a way to help him perform on the mound. But can he rip seemingly-impossible swings like Mike Trout does at Top Golf?
Ozuna Hits His Face, Takes a Selfie
Marcell Ozuna carries himself with a lot of swagger. Last year’s NL home run leader hasn’t really been able to show off this season, seeing as how he entered yesterday’s game hitting just .207/.281/.331 with only 5 HRs. But in Friday’s game, Ozuna clobbered a baseball off of his own face.
Ozuna off the video board 😱 pic.twitter.com/mPYxCNY2pE
— MLB (@MLB) May 15, 2021
As he rounded third base, Ozuna paused for a moment to immortalize this moonshot as the Milwaukee faithful voiced their displeasure.
https://twitter.com/gifs_baseball/status/1393382372708691975
Lindor Looks Loony
Just one week after Francisco Lindor and Jeff McNeil’s fierce debate over the age-old question of “rat or raccoon,” Lindor had another off-the-field highlight.
No, he didn’t pick brawl with Jacob deGrom about whether or not a hot dog is a sandwich. Rather, Lindor decided to sport a new… eye-catching look.
Francisco Lindor's rocking the green hair tonight
Keith: "Who you gonna call?" 🤣 pic.twitter.com/Vw1GpMEWaV
— SNY (@SNYtv) May 14, 2021
Zack Greinke Speaks His Mind
Zack Greinke isn’t afraid to tell you exactly what he is thinking. Sometimes, Greinke will say to your face that he would trade you for a better player. Other times, he will let everyone know what pitch is coming.
But on Friday, Greinke did something very rare, especially for a baseball player: he complimented the umps.
When Zack Greinke finished his last inning he spoke to the home-plate umpire&told him:”They had done a good job,everyone in his group. Not a big zone,but consistent” Zack says he does this probably 3 times a year. “I think that’s the 1st time I’ve said the whole crew’s done good” pic.twitter.com/HhATJ0T2rk
— Mark Berman (@MarkBerman_) May 15, 2021
According the wonderful UmpScorecards on Twitter, the HP umpire called the most accurate zone (95% accuracy) of any Friday game. Greinke, as is usually the case, was right on the nose.
Photo by Icon Sportswire | Adapted by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns of Twitter)