That’s One Itchy Ump!
Yankees vs. Red Sox games are always intense. These slugfests usually last five hours (minimum) and are filled with little moments you don’t usually see.
Yesterday was no exception. On a 3 – 0 count in the third inning, a borderline pitch from Nathan Eovaldi broke the home plate umpire Nic Lentz. Check out how he reacts to this ball.
https://gfycat.com/assuredfrankamethystsunbird
At first, he thinks it’s a strike. But then, he suddenly changes his mind. The problem is, his body is lagging a bit behind his mind! His hand is in the air, ready to make the strike call. Uh oh, how does he play this one off? By faking an itchy shoulder pad of course!
https://gfycat.com/sneakyfavorableemu
Don’t know if I’ve ever really seen that before. The Red Sox definitely hadn’t, and Alex Cora was upset with the deke to say the least. Aaron Judge, on the other hand, didn’t quite know what to make of Lentz’s fake-out.
https://gfycat.com/weirdringedgoshawk
This isn’t the first time that Lentz has inspired some memeable moments in a Yankees game.
Mullins Stands Alone
In 1901, the Orioles franchise was born. Well, at first they were the Milwaukee Brewers… then they became the St. Louis Browns… and FINALLY then they became the Baltimore Orioles.
Nonetheless, for over a century this historic franchise has not seen a player record a 30-30 season. And this team has seen Hall of Fame greats like Cal Ripken Jr., Eddie Murray, and Frank Robinson put on the uniform.
But then Cedric Mullins came along. It’s been a rough season for Baltimore fans, but at least Mullins’ ascension into stardom has been a beacon of light. With this second-inning blast, Mullins became the 43rd of baseball’s 30-30 club—the first Oriole ever.
The O's 30-30 club has one member.
And his name is Cedric Mullins. 👏 pic.twitter.com/xHnhKqD5ex
— Orioles on MASN (@masnOrioles) September 24, 2021
That is right, he stands alone. And when the next inning began, the Orioles made sure that everyone in Camden Yards knew that.
The @Orioles hung back in the dugout after the second inning so Cedric Mullins could take the field by himself after joining the 30/30 club.
A goosebumps moment. pic.twitter.com/h1tm3EDked
— Kevin Brown (@kevinnbrown) September 24, 2021
America’s Next Hop Model
I’m sure you are aware of the devil magic that has propelled the Cardinals to unfathomable highs over the past two weeks. Tyler O’Neill is a big reason for their success. In their 14-game win streak, O’Neill is slashing .309/.361/.673 with 6 HR and 19 RBIs. I mean, just look at his absurd Baseball Savant profile.
Ridiculous.
Unfortunately, Baseball Savant doesn’t rate home run celebrations, because this one would be in the top 10 percent.
He knew it!
No-doubter from, @toneill21! pic.twitter.com/zrr2dwRwpw
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) September 25, 2021
Since Sammy Sosa left the Cubs after 2004, there has been a severe shortage of hops in Wrigley Field. But O’Neill is bringing the hops back.
Here’s another look at O’Neill high-stepping his way down to first.
https://gfycat.com/fearlesstightgerbil
Whoever earns that first NL wild card spot should be scared… I’m starting to get 2011 vibes again.
You’re No Bo
Sorry, Tucker Barnhart, there’s only one Bo Jackson, and you ain’t him.
Barnhart apparently didn’t know that.
— Nick Kirby (@Nicholaspkirby) September 25, 2021
On a tangentially-related side note, is Wander Franco the physical reincarnation of Bo? I’m starting to think so…
Kyle Gibson: Fashion Icon
What can’t Kyle Gibson do? With the Phillies desperately fighting for the NL East crown, Gibson came in clutch not on the mound, but at the plate with this second-inning solo shot to open the scoring: the first home run of Gibson’s career.
KYLE GIBSON!
His first Major League home run!!! #RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/8SPLoCSuok
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) September 24, 2021
But wait, there’s more! In the dugout, baseball’s latest fashion icon was caught wearing a magnificent sombrero while showing off his even more magnificent shoulder flexibility.
Congrats on hitting that HR, Kyle Gibson! 😎 @kgib44 pic.twitter.com/xHdVRVJO8X
— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) September 25, 2021
Sorry Bryce, there’s a new king of swag in Philadelphia.
The Friday Fan of the Day
Sure, Kyle Gibson’s sombrero won yesterday’s award for “Best Player Hat,” but it wasn’t the best one we saw in any old ballpark. That honor goes to this Red Sox superfan who is just dripping with style.
icon, legend, etc. pic.twitter.com/reQgNtQYBM
— Cut4 (@Cut4) September 25, 2021
Someone get New Era on the phone!
Photo by Icon Sportswire | Adapted by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns of Twitter)
Just FYI, every phillie gets that hat after a HR, just like the chain in SD, the jacket in TOR, etc.