Springer a grand marshal, Inciarte flies and Jay lands in Chicago (again)

Springer named Grand Marshal

Astros outfielder George Springer was named grand marshal of Houston’s MLK Grande Parade along with Congressman and Civil Rights icon John Lewis. Springer, who is of Panamanian and Puerto Rican descent, will be the grand marshal for the 40th anniversary of the event on January 21. Lewis marched with Martin Luther King and 600 others through Selma, Alabama in 1965, and were attacked by white state troopers afterwards.

Inciarte in midseason form

It may be early January, but Braves centerfielder Ender Inciarte is showing us he’s in midseason form. Inciarte shared this amazing snag on his Instagram Tuesday morning with a simple question of “Statcast?” Statcast, of course responded, giving his catch five stars, and how could you not agree?!

Another Machado amigo in Chicago

It’s no secret the Chicago White Sox have been stanning hard for superstar free agent Manny Machado. It’s also no secret they’re pulling out all the stops to land him. Last month, the White Sox traded for Machado’s cuñado, Yonder Alonso. (That’s brother-in-law for you non-Spanish speakers!) Then Monday night, the White Sox signed one of Machado’s best friends, Cuban American Jon Jay. Jay, Alonso and Machado’s companionship is no secret, as the trio talked about the Miami béisbol brotherhood. Will the trio reunite on Chicago’s Southside?

Reyes gives back

And we thought we’d covered all of the Dia de Los Reyes giving yesterday! Turns out we missed José Reyes giving back as well. Monday night, Reyes shared a picture of gear he was donating to children in his hometown of Palmar, Santiago in the Dominican Republic. Gloves, shoes, balls, bats and batting gloves were laid out for the next generation of peloteros dominicanos.

Pro Post of the Day

Amigos, we’re sick of no béisbol. We’re ready for the crack of the bat, some jonrones and a Cubano (or three) at a local ballpark. Turns out, we’re not the only ones. Astros second baseman José Altuve shared this post on Instagram Sunday. Even better, double play partner Carlos Correa shared the sentiment, commenting “Miss you baby ?”.

Fan Post of the Day

We all love a piñata at a party. We love it even more when someone pranks the blindfolded hitter. But this one… man, he never had a chance and he almost took someone’s head off! Luckily, the swing and miss went wide and we can chuckle about this.

Happy Birthday!

Julio Solano, former Astros, Mariners pitcher (b. 1960)
Mike Guerrero, Biloxi Shuckers (Brewers’ AA affiliate) manager (b. 1968)

OTD

1991 – Panamaninan Rod Carew is elected into the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. Gaylord Perry and Fergie Jenkins are also elected.

2002 – Juan González signs a two-year, $24 million deal with the Texas Rangers. The Mets had offered González a deal with $1 million more, but González elected to stay in the American League.

Featured Image: Houston Astros Instagram