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          2018 La Vida Awards: Moment of the Year

          By Tab Bamford

          Fans often speak of those few, select moments in their lives when a baseball player did something that left an indelible mark on their memories. Some are powerful for political or social reasons. Some are personal because of the team or player you cheer for. Others are remarkable acts of athletic ability that make us say “whoa.”

          For example, fans of a certain age can tell you exactly where they were when on live TV Roberto Clemente spoke directly to his parents in Spanish after winning the World Series.

          Some remember where they were when the earthquake shook the 1987 World Series at Candlestick Park.

          In the future, the moment when Javy Báez pointed at Yadier Molina while applying a tag at second base during the 2017 World Baseball Classic will be spoken of in this way. (Trust us.)

          What were the moments in 2018 that got your attention? There were many to choose from, but here are our top three moments of the baseball year.

          Honorable Mention:

          Nolan Arenado / Javy Báez Hug

          “Did we just become best friends?”

          During the National League Wild Card game two of the elite players in the game got together for a beautiful moment of camaraderie.

          On a ground ball to third, NL MVP runner-up Báez got caught between second and third. Nolan Arenado, also an MVP finalist, fielded the ball and the only option was… for the two to hug it out.

          Honorable Mention:

          King Félix K’s Beltré

          Adrián Beltré announced his retirement last week and players around the league paid their respects to a tremendous career. Beltré has been loved and respected by players all over baseball for years. Perhaps no moment spoke to his light-hearted love-of-the-game approach to life as much as…a strikeout.

          Félix Hernández, the Venezuelan ace of the Mariners, has a long relationship with Beltré. On a stunning breaking ball, Beltré took a swing that can best be described as ugly. As Beltré made his way toward the dugout, Hernández couldn’t control his laughter.

          The tip of the cap between these two greats shows the respect they have for each other and speaks to what makes baseball a beautiful game.

          Winner:

          Lindor goes yard in Puerto Rico

          There were so many individual performances this year that were emotional, highlight-worthy and record-breaking. But we had to go all the way back to April 17 for the most stunning moment of the 2018 baseball year.

          After Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico in the fall of last year, there were questions about whether the series between the Twins and Indians could be played there as early as April. But the game must go on, and it did.

          Francisco Lindor, one of the young faces of baseball, took center stage on his home island during that series and arguably provided one of the signature moments of his career, hitting a home run in front of his loved ones and a rambunctious crowd. Lindor was jacked running around the bases, tears were flowing in the crowd and anyone watching on television had goosebumps.

          Featured Image: La Vida Baseball

          2018 La Vida Awards