Soto’s Big Mac education, an epic bat flip and Puig hits Hawaii
A New Way to Celebrate Home Runs – On Your Knees?
We’re not talking about thankful prayers here. We’re talking straight up admiration. Minnesota Twins and Venezuelan utility player, Willians Astudillo, hit a bombazo. He unloaded a game-winning home run on Tuesday during a game in the Venezuelan winter league. He lifted his team, Caribes de Anzoategui to a win, while watching his dinger plow into the crowd – on his knees while leaning on his bat. His enthusiastic celebration rounding the bases was the icing on the cake.
How Juan Soto learned English
It’s not easy leaving home. It’s especially difficult going to a new country and having to learn a new language. Washington Nationals’ Dominican outfielder Juan Soto knows that struggle. So how did he pick up English? Well, in a very American way. Soto would go to McDonald’s and learn by ordering, although he was never corrected when he was wrong. That’s when his teammates stepped in and helped him to learn English.
Puerto Rico 12 Showcase Baseball Tournament Take Two
Roberto Alomar wants to help the next generation of Boricua peloteros. Alomar and Major League Baseball will partner to bring the Puerto Rico 12 Showcase Baseball tournament to San Juan, P.R. July 25-30. It will showcase the best 150 Puerto Rican-born amateur players by putting their talents on display in front of MLB scouts and college recruiters. Tryout dates, locations and registration info will be released the first week of February via Alomarsports.com. Here’s hoping the next Roberto Alomar comes out of this showcase!
Rodón’s Coming addition
White Sox pitcher Carlos Rodón and his wife, Ashley, shared some pretty fun and exciting news Wednesday morning. The couple announced they’ll be adding a baby to the Rodón roster. How cute is the baby White Sox jersey?! It also has the matching accent! ¡#PonleAcento!
Puig in midseason form
Most people completely cut themselves off from work while on vacation. But new Reds outfielder Yasiel Puig isn’t most people. Puig, who is vacationing in Hawaii, shared a video of him ripping some nice hits. While the swing is there, the bat flip was the true star.
PRO POST OF THE DAY:
Kiké Hernández is the life of the party. So, he can get away with some crazy statements. Like calling his new wife “Viejita” – little old lady. Mariana, who turned 30 yesterday is a little less than three years older than Kiké. That didn’t stop Kiké from having some fun with her age. At least he showed his love and celebrated their one-month anniversary!
No me importa que usted sea mayor que yo ? Happy 30th & 1 month anniversary a mi esposita!! Te amo demasiado amor de mi vida!! Can’t wait to grow old with you; aunque ya hayas llegado a viejita!? #RealHastaLaMuerteOiteBebe #30LooksSexyAFOnYou https://t.co/ME6AonXIfu pic.twitter.com/UL4QJUnlge
— Enrique Hernández (@kikehndez) January 8, 2019
FAN POST OF THE DAY:
The future looks bright for this young pelotero, who received some pitching advice from his idol, Colombian pitcher Julio Teherán. In the fan post below, young William is absorbing some wise words from Teherán, a memory that he will take with him for a lifetime.
Happy Birthday!
Julio Navarro, six-year MLB veteran with Angels, Tigers and Braves (b. 1934, d. 2018)
Gabriel Moya, Twins pitcher (b. 1995)
OTD
1952 – The U.S. Marines announce they will recall Red Sox star Ted Williams into active duty to serve in the Korean War. Williams will play a bit in 1952, but doesn’t return to the Red Sox on a full-time basis until late in 1953. Williams flew 39 missions and survived a crash landing.
2001 – Juan González signs with the Cleveland Indians.
2005 – Carlos Beltrán becomes the 10th $100 million player in MLB history, signing a seven-year, $119 million deal with the Mets.
2010 – Vladimir Guerrero signs with the Texas Rangers.
Featured Image: Infield Chatter