#mlb sign stealing

[rafeyscurtainbangs]

College Baseball JJ - Headcanons

+18 Minor DNI

⭐ republished ⭐

+18

♡ who you met in the library after he was forced to go to study table. A week of shameless flirting later, he had you backed up against the bookshelf, fingers tangled in your hair as you exchanged your first kiss.

♡ who snuck you onto the baseball field after dark on your first date. The two of you, hid out in the dugout, talking and getting to know each other until the sky lightened.

♡ who waited two more days until the 12th to ask you to be his girlfriend because 12 is his lucky number, and he didn’t want to fuck this up.

♡ who was forced to stop smoking during the season; stealing shotgun kisses off your lips instead because “those don’t count, princess.”

♡ who didn’t think you could get more beautiful until he saw you in a jersey and jean shorts, watching him from the stands.

♡ whose walkout song is “Do You Believe In A Thing Called Love” because it was the karaoke song you chose for him on your first date at your dingy college dive bar.

♡ who’s fully aware that you drool over his ass in baseball pants, snickering to himself as you squeeze, slap, and pinch his butt every time you walk by.

♡ whose pregame ritual consists of the two of you driving around, listening to music, JJ’s ultimate distraction in the best possible way.

♡ who knew you were annoyed when a few other girls wore a jersey with his number even though it meant nothing. JJ, gifted you his Kildare Jersey instead with his last name on the back.

♡ who can always count on you to make a cute sign and cheer for him.

♡ who still goes surfing when he can. Making it a point to teach you, the two of you taking trips down to the OBX to get away and surf together.

♡ who doesn’t care that you don’t sit next to the other girlfriends; happier that you’re right against the fence.

♡ whose post-workout and post-game showers include you.

♡ who craves close, submissive sex after a loss and rough, dominant sex after a win. Sometimes, the two of you don’t even make it out of the parking lot without him taking you in the backseat of his Bronco, flipping his hat backward before attacking your lips.

♡ who calls you right after every away game, rambling excitedly or bitching profusely.

♡ who loves taking you to MLB games, dimples popping in his cheeks as he smiles, seeing you enjoying yourself as well. How could you not? Three hours together, nothing to do but sit back, drink a few beers, and eat some snacks. His arm’s wrapped lazily around your shoulder, whispering sweet nothings in your ear.

♡ who’ll randomly send you a new song on a long bus ride because it made him think of you.

♡ whose been razzed a few times for getting a little too distracted when you show up to the field.

♡ who races to his phone post-game when he’s out of town because he loves when you send him nudes. You didn’t know he loved them so much until you didn’t send them. JJ texted you instantly, asking where the hell they were:

JJ: titties immediately

JJ: A few extra to make up for my hurt feelings

JJ: And one in my home jersey. No panties or bra

JJ: On my bed. Mirror shot so I can see that ass

Me: Anything else Jayj lmao

JJ: woah seriously?

JJ: Show me how wet you are.

Me: You’re such a slut Maybank

JJ: for you

Me: I love you

JJ: Love you more

♡ who teases you for wearing his baseball sweatshirts and sweatpants more than him. JJ, usually tossing it back in the closet after you’re done with it, getting a few more wears out of it until your perfume wears off.

♡ whose tan is even deeper than before; his blonde locks brightened from the sun and the slightest farmer’s tan. JJ usually practices without his shirt, just a pair of baseball pants and a hat.

♡ who’s obsessed with his post-game massage from you, which almost always turn into sex.

♡ who pitched the benefits of strip studying and its positive effects on education. Which is coincidentally his favorite studying tactic. Admittedly, he wouldn’t have made it through the school year without you. And he lets you know that often.

♡ who brings you to every baseball party, the two of you, usually found at the beer pong table. He swears up and down you’re his lucky charm. And, you make a hell of a team, usually celebrating a hot streak of back-to-back wins with sloppy bathroom sex.

♡ who made sure you were center-field on Family Day because he finally had someone to give roses to.

♡ who almost creamed his pants when he saw your barely there panties with an embroidered #12.

♡ who���ll call you from his hotel room if he’s on the road for phone sex or just to fall asleep because he doesn’t like being without you.

♡ who plans on proposing to you one day in that same dugout when the time is right.

[newtonsheffield]

Ok Chicagoan here. I am guffawing my way through the Cubs AU. I don’t think I’ve ever seen my hometown feature in someone else’s fic before and I love it.

Admittedly my partner stopped avidly following the team in 2018, so I haven’t heard that much of how they’ve been doing since, and Wrigleyville was batshit the night of their win in 2016, but…

I say this with all the love in my heart but the Cubs are generally a losing team. That’s just kinda a given. There was over a century between their World Series wins. Even when they’re doing well, there’s a healthy amount of skepticism that they actually won’t screw up at the last minute. So if Anthony is on his way there, the city and all the fans outside of it are about to lose their collective minds, and I cannot wait.

Also, it takes a lot to overcome the Curse of the Billy Goat (yeah this is a thing).

Imagine a lot of confusion from recruiters around Anthony Bridgerton who’s widely regarded as one of Baseball’s best prospects because he’s got offers from a lot of places and it’s an open secret that you can offer him whatever you want: He’s signing with the cubs.

Which seems insane because they haven’t done a lot of winning and he’s got offers from the most successful clubs in MLB. But there’s also the fact that his profile picture on Instagram is a photo of him as a five year old in a cubs jersey being held up by his Dad to stare through the net at Wrigley field.

This was is dream, and it was his father’s dream as well.

And that’s how the cubs ended up drafting Anthony Bridgerton in the first round. It was where he wanted to be and everyone knew it. Did the cubs beg borrow and steal to get a high enough draft pick to be able to nab him? Yeah. But he’s a huge talent and they know that people are going to be loyal to their own. They also know watching him take a bow as he steals third base while laughing? This kid’s going to sell a lot of fucking jerseys

[verfound]

FIC: "Cookie Teeth" (MLB; Lukanette; LBSC Lukanette Month 2024)

@lovebugs-and-snakecharmers is doing a Lukanette Month for September 2024, and we all just kinda tossed some prompts in the disco to compile a list?  We ended up with 71 prompts, so I decided I’d roll some dice to pick a prompt, do a twenty minute (ish, bc we all know sometimes they run away from me) sprint, and try to get some short fics out this month?

Read on Ao3

Prompt 19: Thief

“Hey!”

Luka jumped at the shout, the macaron tumbling from his fingers as he jumped back.  He looked up to see a girl with short black pigtails angrily stomping towards him.  Her face was red and puffed out in anger, her blue eyes sparking…kinda like Ma’s did when Uncle Roger came to ‘visit’.  She stopped in front of him, her hands placed firmly on her hips, and peered up at him.

…she was so tiny.  Like…tinier than Juleka, and Juleka was pretty tiny.  And yet…for as tiny as she was, he was fairly certain she could kick his butt if she wanted to.

She’d bite his ankles, at least.  She looked like an ankle-biter.

“What do you think you’re doing?!” she asked, rocking forward onto her toes to make herself just a little taller.  He leaned back, but she just followed.  He held up his hands in defense, which might not have been the best idea: there was still a half-eaten macaron in his one hand.  “You’re only s’pposed to take one!”

“…I did,” he said, waving the one in his hand.  She puffed out her cheeks again and stomped her foot.  She pointed to the ground where the second one he’d been about to take was lying in crumbles.

“You was taking another!” she huffed.  “That’s two!”

Congratulations, you can count, he might have said, if she had been his sister and not a total stranger.

“But it wasn’t for me!” he said instead, hoping to get her off his back.  He pointed across the park, where his sister was still playing in the sandbox.  Ma was still sitting on the bench nearby, laughing with another parent.  “See?  That’s my sister.  I was getting one for her.  And my ma.  One for each of us.”

“The sign says take one,” the girl insisted, folding her arms across her chest.  Her white shirt had pink flowers on it surrounding a smiling cat.  He couldn’t help but think a shirt that happy didn’t belong on someone so…not.  “You was takin’ three!  If they want one, they gotta come get ‘em!”

He was about to argue – or maybe just agree and go get Juleka anyway – when a huuuuuuuuuuge man walked up, chuckling, and patted the little girl’s shoulder.

“Now, now, mon choux,” he said, his mustache twitching with his smile, “I think we can be a little lenient, don’t you?  He wasn’t trying to take them all for himself.”

“He was!” she insisted.  “Papa, he’s a teeth!”

…he was a what?

“You worked so hard on those, and he’s just stealing them!” she continued, and his eyes widened.

“Hey!  I’m not a teeth…thief!” he cried.  “I was just taking them for my ma and sister – honest!”

“Marinette, sweetheart, that’s enough,” the man said, sighing.  He knelt down and turned her towards him, frowning.  “It’s all right.  He can take more than one – we made them to share, didn’t we?”

“But…but…the sign…” the girl insisted, her voice warbly, but the man just shook his head with a smile.

“Maybe this time we go more with the spirit of the law and less the actual letter of it?” he asked, tapping her nose.  She looked back over at Luka, her eyes watery, and seemed to study him for a long moment before nodding.  She slipped out of the man’s hold and ran back over to the table where an older woman with short, dark hair was handing a box over to a super old guy with eyebrows as big as his mustache.  She swiped a long, thin box from the table and ran back over to him.

“Here,” she said, shoving the box at him.  She still looked uncertain.  “I’m sorry.  You can take these.”

The man smiled, nodding in approval, and she shoved them a bit closer.  Luka blinked as he reached up to take the box.  What the heck…?

“Thanks…?” he asked.  His eyes widened when he opened the box to find it was a whole box full of macarons.  “Oh, wow, you really don’t –”

“I’m sorry!” Marinette insisted, stepping back when he tried to hand the box back to her.  “…even if you are a teeth!”

She turned and ran back to the table where the woman – her ma, he assumed – was waiting.  She tucked herself into the woman’s shirt…dress…thing, peeking back at him when her ma laid a hand on her back.  The man chuckled and shook his head.

“…it’s thief!” Luka called, his brow furrowing.  “And I’m not!”  He looked back at the box of macarons, frowning.  “…I’m a pirate.”

“Enjoy the macarons, son,” the man said, chuckling as he patted a hand on his shoulder.  “I’m sorry about Marinette.  She’s…a little particular about things like signs.  She really didn’t mean any offense.”

Luka nodded, but then he puffed his cheeks out as he stared at the girl still watching him suspiciously from where she could barely see over the table the bakery had set up for the neighborhood fair.

“…I’m not a tee…thief,” he said, looking up at the man.  “I’m not.”

“I know,” the man said.  He waved him a bit closer, and once Luka had stepped over to him he leaned in to whisper in his ear: “Marinette would never tell you, but she’s a notorious cookie ‘teeth’ herself.”

His eyes widened, and he leaned around the man to stare at Marinette.  When she saw he was looking at her again, she scrunched up her face and stuck her tongue out at him.  His eyes popped open, and the man laughed as he patted his shoulder.

“Go on, son,” he said, nodding at him.  “Enjoy your macarons.”

Luka nodded and turned to head back to his ma, but he gave one last look at the little girl by the table before he left.  She stuck her tongue out at him again, and he tried not to bristle.

…Juleka would probably love her.  They were both brats.

[redpenship]

which mlb team i think sonic characters would be a fan of + justifications:

sonic -- blue jays (they have blue uniforms with birds on the logo)

tails -- twins (like his tails)

knuckles -- diamondbacks (gem type in name)

amy -- giants (she's from in-universe san francisco)

espio -- only watches Japanese baseball

vector -- dodgers (currently hiding from the feds after taking 100k from ippei for football bets)

barry -- mets (always checks the trash for their post-season performance)

lanolin -- yankees (supports us imperialism)

eggman -- astros (their sign stealing camera was egg tech)

rouge -- nationals (shoplifts from walgreens)

[oofuri2003]

i just found out about the pitchcom system today that's become a thing in mlb, and now i'm imagining abe and mihashi using it. i think mihashi would be really resistant to it because not getting traditional signs would be upsetting. meanwhile abe is kinda into it because of the risk of sign stealing that he's keenly aware of post bijou. he programs a button saying "i'm not mad at you" and "plus thinking beam" for mihashi

I did this exact gif reading this and then got to the end and went NOOOO out loud. You're right. Unfortunately bc it's abe he is also programming a button that says if you dont pitch with your all i WILL come over there and GET you

[bigbuxbolds]

ok so since ohtani gave his first statement about whats been going on, heres my understanding of the timeline based off of what he said and whats already been reported:

mizuhara first met this illegal bookmaker in 2022, he bet on several different sports, but never baseball. he accumulated a massive amount of debt because of bad gambling decisions. he somehow got access to ohtanis bank account and used the funds in there to help pay off his debt, coming to around $4.5 million. these payments are spilt over time, including two payments that are $500k each

the illegal bookmaker is being investigated, and ohtanis name is uncovered on transactions to this guy.

ohtanis representatives organize an interview last tuesday with espn talking to mizuhara, who says that ohtani knew about his gambling debt and loaned him the money to help pay it off. this is why these transactions have "loan" included on them for their purpose. this interview is apparently 90 minutes long and detailed

however, on wednesday, ohtanis spokesperson, before espn can publish the story, says that everything mizuhara said the previous day was a lie and theyr now accusing him of massive theft from ohtani

the opening day game in seoul happens later that day. there are pictures of ohtani and mizuhara talking and laughing in the dugout

after the game, mizuhara tells ohtani that he wants to speak privately with him after a team meeting. during the team meeting, while mizuhara speaks english to the rest of the team, ohtani gets the feeling that something is off

after the meeting, mizuhara and ohtani speak privately. this is when ohtani finds out about mizuharas gambling problem and debts

later that same day, mizuhara is officially fired

on friday, its confirmed that both mlb and the irs are investigating the matter

on monday, when ohtani spoke to the public, he said mizuhara lied about speaking to him before the espn interview which led to the conflicting stories, and that he was completely in the dark until that wednesday meeting. he is adamant that he has never been involved in anyway with sports betting and he never helped mizuhara pay off his debts

now one of the big questions left after all of this is how exactly did mizuhara even get access to ohtanis bank account, and how was he able to steal so much without it being noticed? of course, its no secret that ohtani has a lot of money (i mean, just look at the $700 million 10yr contract that he just signed), but one would think that missing $4.5 million would be noticable, even if it was spread out over some time.

i also wonder, if ohtani really didnt know about anything until after the game on wednesday, how did his spokesperson know that mizuharas initial story was bs? since the theft allegations came out before the game. what discovery was made between that initial interview and before the game that told them for certain that ohtani was being stolen from without any kind of word from ohtani himself? did they find some kind of evidence that contradicted mizuharas story? did he himself confess to lying? why lie at all, then, in such a supposedly detailed manner to the press?

these answers might not come to light, however, until both the mlb and irs investigations are over

[lboogie1906]

Leon Joseph “Bip” Roberts (October 27, 1963) is a former MLB second baseman and outfielder who played (1986-98) for the San Diego Padres, Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals, Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers, and Oakland Athletics.

He was a speedy second baseman. Originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first round of the Draft as a supplemental pick in 1982, after stealing a combined 90 bases in his two previous minor league seasons, he was taken by the San Diego Padres in the Rule 5 draft in December 1985.

In 1992, he was selected as a National League All-Star, going 2-for-2 with two RBI. Ηe was named the Cincinnati Reds team MVP, and was 8th in voting for the NL MVP, stealing 44 bases, and hitting .323. He tied an NL record in 1992 with ten consecutive base hits.

After the 1993 season, he re-signed with the Padres. In 1994, he recorded an MLB-best 24-game hitting streak for the Padres. He would play for the Indians in the postseason, although he missed a game in the World Series.

In 1202 games over 12 seasons, he posted a .294 batting average (1220-for-4147) with 663 runs, 203 doubles, 31 triples, 30 home runs, 352 RBI, 264 stolen bases, 396 bases on balls, .358 on-base percentage, and .380 slugging percentage. He finished his career with a .976 fielding percentage. In 16 postseason games, he hit .246 (15-for-61) with 4 runs, 5 doubles, 5 RBI, 3 stolen bases and 5 walks.

He has worked for NBC Sports Bay Area as a co-host for the Oakland Athletics pre-game telecasts. In 2008, he took over as the head coach for the Skyline High School baseball team in Oakland. He was an assistant coach to the Academy of Art Urban Knights NCAA Division II PacWest baseball program (2010–12). He has donated his time to the Students Rising Above Foundation, which helps low-income, at-risk Bay Area kids overcome obstacles.

He was born in Berkeley and raised in Oakland, attending Skyline High School And Chabot Community College. He is married to Janina Roberts and has one child. He is the nephew of former NFL player Roy Shivers. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[bmkc2a]

Shohei Ohtani’s Shoulder Injury Clouds Dodgers’ World Series Path

Los Angeles, October 26, 2024 – The Dodgers’ Game 2 victory over the Yankees to claim a 2-0 lead in the World Series was quickly overshadowed by a shocking twist: Shohei Ohtani, the team’s multi-talented sensation, suffered a left shoulder injury in the seventh inning while attempting a stolen base. The star player's setback left fans, teammates, and managers holding their breath as the Dodgers now face an uncertain path forward in their title quest. Here’s a look at how the injury happened, its implications for the Dodgers, and what it means for Ohtani’s role in MLB.

The Injury: What Went Wrong During the Slide?

In a critical moment of Game 2, Ohtani reached base and made an aggressive move to steal second. As he stretched out his left arm to reach the bag, he landed awkwardly, immediately showing signs of discomfort. Dodger Stadium went silent as trainers quickly assessed Ohtani, who eventually left the field, cradling his shoulder. Initial reports are mixed, but the injury could potentially be significant enough to impact his performance or availability in the series.

Medical Analysis: Understanding the Risks of a Shoulder Injury in Baseball

Ohtani’s injury is suspected to involve strain or possibly minor ligament stress, which commonly occurs when athletes extend joints beyond their range. According to Dr. James Mallory, a sports medicine expert, “Shoulder injuries from aggressive slides can range from muscle strains to dislocations, both of which can affect power and rotation—key for a player like Ohtani.”

Given the high stakes of the World Series, the Dodgers are expected to monitor Ohtani closely, possibly employing MRI scans to determine the severity. If Ohtani’s injury proves minor, the Dodgers may cautiously reintroduce him into the lineup. However, if recovery requires more time, they will need to make immediate lineup adjustments, as each game in the World Series is pivotal.

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Shohei Ohtani’s Role in the Dodgers’ Road to the World Series

The Dodgers have relied heavily on Ohtani since signing him in a landmark deal earlier this year. Ohtani’s numbers during the regular season—over .300 in batting average and high slugging metrics—were crucial in the Dodgers’ drive toward the postseason. His dual role, even though limited to hitting in this series, gave the Dodgers added flexibility and a reliable offensive force.

Ohtani’s ability to produce in clutch moments is exactly why the Dodgers brought him aboard. In Game 1, he notched two key hits, contributing to their initial win. His injury now places additional pressure on the Dodgers, as his left-handed power and adaptability are unique in their lineup.

Dodgers’ Strategic Adjustments Moving Forward

Should Ohtani be unable to return, manager Dave Roberts will need to make critical lineup decisions. The Dodgers’ reliance on Ohtani as a designated hitter and occasional left fielder means that his absence could affect both offense and defense. Without him, Roberts will likely have to rotate players like Max Muncy and J.D. Martinez into heavier-hitting roles to balance the lineup.

Roberts commented, “We’ll do whatever we can to get Shohei back, but our team is prepared to step up.” While confident, Roberts hinted at more conservative offensive strategies moving forward, as he navigates a Yankees bullpen well-equipped to exploit lineup shifts. Expect more bunts, base hits, and defensive plays to help control the game, as Roberts adapts to the loss of Ohtani’s left-handed power.

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Yankees’ Strategic Shift: Taking Advantage of the Dodgers’ Dilemma

Ohtani’s potential absence offers an opportunity for the Yankees to refocus their pitching plans. Without having to navigate around Ohtani, Yankees pitchers can concentrate on Dodgers’ right-handers and lean more on the Yankees’ left-handed bullpen options. Yankees manager Aaron Boone has already signaled possible shifts in their bullpen usage, suggesting his team is prepared to target Dodgers batters now vulnerable in Ohtani’s absence.

As the Yankees recalibrate, they’ll seek to cut the Dodgers’ momentum, seizing on any opportunities the lineup change might create. Boone emphasized the importance of “staying aggressive and attacking weak spots,” making it clear the Yankees intend to take advantage of any perceived gaps in the Dodgers’ lineup.

Fan Reaction: Social Media’s Response and Global Support for Ohtani

As word of Ohtani’s injury spread, fans around the world voiced their concerns. Within hours, #GetWellSoonShohei trended on Twitter, with fans sharing supportive messages and photos. Japanese fans, in particular, held watch parties for the World Series, with entire communities rallying to support Ohtani, whose journey to MLB has become a cultural phenomenon in Japan. Ohtani’s popularity is a testament to his role in elevating baseball’s global reach, with fans from all corners of the world united in following his career.

Many Dodgers fans on social media expressed frustration with the stolen base attempt, questioning whether Ohtani’s health should have taken priority over such a risky play. Others praised his dedication, framing the stolen base attempt as symbolic of his commitment to winning a title for Los Angeles. Fans await updates on Ohtani’s condition, with many emphasizing the need for him to prioritize recovery—even if it means stepping back.

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The Broader Impact: What Ohtani’s Absence Means for MLB’s Global Reach

Ohtani’s injury resonates beyond Dodger Stadium. As one of MLB’s most marketable stars, his absence could impact the World Series viewership, particularly in international markets like Japan, where his influence has been transformative. Major League Baseball, which has actively promoted Ohtani as a global ambassador, faces a potential loss in overseas engagement if he misses additional games.

For MLB, Ohtani embodies the sport’s potential to capture international attention, encouraging younger generations and aspiring athletes. His absence in the World Series may prompt discussions around the role of two-way players and the demands placed on athletes juggling multiple skill sets at an elite level. His injury highlights the risks of his unique role, sparking conversations about player safety and the physical limits of baseball’s two-way stars.

The Dodgers’ Next Steps: Roster Shifts and Possible Replacements

If Ohtani is indeed sidelined for upcoming games, the Dodgers will have to reconfigure both the lineup and defensive strategies. Players like Betts and Freeman, who already bear significant responsibilities, will likely step up further. The Dodgers may look to Muncy and Martinez for additional offensive power, though neither fully replaces Ohtani’s left-handed versatility.

The Dodgers’ 2-0 lead does provide some breathing room, but the Yankees’ resilience means each game remains critical. Roberts may consider calling on younger talent or other bench players, trusting in their postseason preparation to help secure the title. Regardless, the Dodgers’ path will test the entire lineup’s depth and adaptability in Ohtani’s absence.

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The Psychological Shift: Dodgers Rally Around Their Injured Star

A loss like Ohtani’s often fuels a team’s emotional drive, galvanizing players to push harder. Ohtani’s teammates have expressed unwavering support, and many have cited his work ethic and dedication as a source of inspiration. Veteran Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw commented, “Shohei has been a warrior all season. If he’s not out there, we’re going to play for him.”

The injury could serve as a unifying moment for the Dodgers, motivating the lineup to perform in Ohtani’s absence. With their superstar temporarily sidelined, the Dodgers may find new energy in the shared goal of securing a title not only for themselves but also for their injured teammate.

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Final Thoughts: Can the Dodgers Overcome Without Ohtani?

The Dodgers’ historic 2024 season has been shaped by Ohtani’s incredible talent and versatility. Losing him, even briefly, poses significant challenges, but the team’s depth and adaptability could carry them through. If the Dodgers succeed without him, it will reinforce their reputation as a team that can endure hardship without losing momentum.

Alternatively, if Ohtani’s recovery allows him to return to limited action, his presence—however small—could be the emotional lift the team needs to secure victory. Either way, the Dodgers’ resilience will be tested, as they strive to bring home a championship title with or without their star player.

In a season filled with unforgettable moments and dramatic shifts, the 2024 World Series now has an added layer of intrigue. Shohei Ohtani’s injury is yet another twist in a story of perseverance, resilience, and the pursuit of greatness. Whether he returns or watches from the sidelines, Ohtani’s spirit will remain embedded in every inning, pitch, and play, as the Dodgers chase baseball’s ultimate prize.

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[brendanthebomber]

Major League Baseball should be the first sport to incorporate silverback gorillas

Major League Baseball should be the first sport to incorporate silverback gorillas

“But why? What team would it be the mascot for? The Dodgers, the Yankees, and the Angels are the only teams without mascots, and they have nothing to do with gorillas.” (technically, the Angels have the Rally Monkey but monkeys are obviously not apes)

No. That’s not what I’m talking about.

I believe Manfred should give an adult male lowland silverback gorilla a spot on an MLB team’s active roster.

I’m sure you’re thinking, “Why? How?”

Have no fear. Let’s start with the “why.”

A recent surge is baseball viewership is the perfect time to capitalize on the market.

While still our national pastime, baseball is not the most popular sport in America. With the “Three True Outcomes” approach becoming dominant in recent years, fans have found the sport to be even more dull than usual. Strikeouts, home runs, and walk rates are all on the rise while the amount of balls-in-play is dropping. Small ball is dying in favor of the big-power approach. Introducing gorillas, even for just a season, would revamp fan excitement and give baseball the kick it needs to get back into the spotlight.

Gorillas are endangered.

A large portion of the revenue that would be created by this new addition would be donated to gorilla/wildlife preservation organizations, and team owners would also be required to donate a payroll-adjusted fee to each of these non-profit organizations yearly.

No longer critically endangered, gorilla populations have been slowly but steadily increasing. Increased funding to nonprofit wildlife foundations could give gorilla populations an enormous boost in numbers, allowing them to thrive in their natural habitat.

Now that we all agree we should do this, the next question is “how?”

I'm so glad you asked! There's see two clear options for how we could incorporate a gorilla into the game:

Option 1: The gorilla is taught to play the sport (includes conditions/restrictions)

The gorilla could neither pitch nor field. At some point in human evolution, we developed the ability to aim and throw objects with a decent level of accuracy & at a high velocity. This is due to our tall waist, shoulder placement, and the way our elbow and humerus rotate together. This allows us to hold and subsequently release large amounts of energy at once in the form of throwing. Gorillas lack these attributes and cannot throw a baseball anywhere near the professional level.

To avoid technical fielding skills, our gorilla would have to function as a Designated Hitter. This would likely involve conditioning a silverback gorilla to learn how to hit a ball from birth (baby gorillas begin to move objects at three months and explore at eight months). I believe Steve Cohen would easily be able to fund this project.

If teaching the gorilla to swing a baseball bat proves to be unsuccessful, it could be given the spot of Designated Runner instead, where its only job would be to run the basepath.

Despite their size, gorillas have been known to reach speeds of 20-25 mph. That's faster than Corbin Carroll, who, according to BaseballSavant, clocks in at 21 mph (league average 18.4 mph). As long as the gorilla can be taught to stay within the basepaths, stealing bases should be a breeze, providing immense value in BSR and SB.

Here are the top five MLB players by sprint speed:

​

|Player|Sprint Speed | |Corbin Carroll|30.7 ft/s| |Bubba Thompson|30.4 ft/s| |Jose Siri|30.4 ft/s| |Bobby Witt Jr.|30.4 ft/s| |Trea Turner|30.3 ft/s|

​

Our furry 350 lb superstar tops out between 30.8 to 36.67 ft/s, well above the elite MLB speedsters.

As seen with the famous zoo Gorilla “Koko”, gorillas are able to understand a limited form of sign language, which can be used to communicate in basic ways with humans. On the basepaths, third-base coaches and managers in the dugout can communicate with runners through signs (not ASL, but signs nonetheless). Teaching the gorilla how to differentiate sign language and baserunning signs should not be difficult, as Koko was able to communicate effectively through basic signs.

To make up for a lack of finesse and technical ability, the MLB should lean into the gorilla’s raw power and allow it the option to use PEDs. This would be coupled with a strict workout regimen to improve muscle mass and reach the gorilla’s full potential.

Adult gorillas are estimated to possess the strength of 20 adult male humans WITHOUT PEDs, so with enough time and patience, we could see a gorilla putting up a historic 80 home run season.

It's worth noting that depending on the workout regiment and the parts of the body that are focused on, we could see either an increase OR decrease in sprint speed.

Option 2: The gorilla is used as an environmental hazard/win condition during games.

For this option, I propose that once per game, each team has the ability to “Kong” the other team by placing two silverback gorillas on the field while the opposing team is fielding to cause chaos.

The gorillas can be placed in any spot, and fielders must play normally as if nothing has changed.

However, at any point that a team is getting Kong’d, any single member of the fielding team can request a 1v2 bare-knuckle boxing match against both gorillas. They would be risking their lives, but if they win, their team automatically wins the game and is instantly guaranteed a spot a postseason playoff spot.

This should not be a competitive concern because any human being would definitely not survive a fight with two furious gorillas.

If the safety of mutual parties becomes too much of a concern, this rule would be removed, as the safety of the gorilla is of the utmost importance.

Only good things can come from expanding into gorilla baseball. This experiment could lead to other animals in other sports, with charitable funding saving wildlife populations.

And remember, if this experiment doesn’t work out, we always have the apes running the Rockies’ FO to keep us entertained.

[thinkazul]

The dodgers spend nearly a quarter of a billion dollars every year and like clockwork, we end up with Kershaw, who is no longer a number 1, starting game 1 and a bunch of other mid pitchers in the rotation. Make it make sense. Regardless, the offense takes a vacation every October so why would the pitching even matter. I'm convinced even god-like Ohtani would turn into a pumpkin in October if he signed with us. Just venting, but damn is it frustrating.

I understand completely. And I feel it cause it's frustrating. The fact is the Dodgers have to adjust to the mlb push of stealing bases, pitch clock, and dealing with playing 2 baseball games in a 9 day span. Almost every year, baseball has changed the rules in some way to have baseball look different.

It's rough, but all it takes is one game to turn things around.

[sputnikodin]

how does one get into baseball. can you just start watching a random thing or should you try to start at the beginning of a season or like. hows that work

here was my process

have boyfriend who loves baseball (this is truly not an essential step bc i went a year and a half of our relationship before making any active moves towards getting into baseball but having someone in your life who loves it DOES help)

read The Echoing Green by joshua prager, a book chronicling a sign-stealing (cheating) scandal that led to and marred one of those home runs informally monikered The Shot Heard Round the World bc of its impact on baseball fans during a time when baseball was still really popular in the usa. the book was written by a journalist who is an avid baseball fan, so it's FULL of statistical information, technical terminology, humanity, and deep, elegant, funny, sad, joyful insights into the role of the sport within people's minds and american (and global) culture. it's additionally about the giants and dodgers, bf's team and bf's team's eternal rivals

look up a lot of definitions and explanations while reading that book, start to become enamored with the weirdness of the game

download the mlb app, make an account, and use it to listen to radio broadcasts of giants games, because the app aggregates the radio stations for every team and broadcasts them almost-live for every game, for free

have switch flipped in your brain for you after your first time listening to a complete game on the radio

listen to at least part of every one of your team's games since then except all-stars bc you were on a plane

you don't have to start at the beginning of a season, and a random thing is totally fine! honestly i recommend the live radio steps of my method bc they were hugely accessible and following what's happening with a team in the present day makes things pretty exciting and engaging. (baseball has also been broadcast on the radio for a very long time so it's a cool way to engage with history.) there are also livestreaming piracy sites for sports including one that has had video streams of every baseball game i've wanted to watch rather than listen to .... i can share the url privately if u want. the mlb app/mlb.com also does a Free Game of the Day every day, where the video stream of one game will be free! also there are lots of full games on youtube, and old radio games on archive.org.

i can't in good faith recommend like, reading a long book and going on wikipedia deep dives trying to piece things together and teaching yourself stuff as an entry method for everyone since that's not .... fun, for everyone, but it did a lot towards getting me into the game in a way that exposed me to some of its most interesting elements right from the getgo, so (shrugs). (and it was fun for ME!! hehe) i also sort of had a team picked out for me going in, which helped -- like i totally could've gotten into another but i'd heard about the giants from mar, and about some interesting parts of their character as a team and their history, and for several reasons they on their own were appealing to me so while i listen to a broadcast from other teams now and then i was locked in from the start. which fast tracked me towards caring about specific players, eras, moments. plus, alaska doesn't have a baseball team

re: the season -- the way baseball works is for most of the season every team is playing every other team, more or less, in series of 2-4 games. during this period everything is just hammering out division standings. tournament-stuff starts happening during the postseason (starts october i think?) so that's when jumping in in the middle might get confusing. even then tho u would probably be fine. games happen like, often every day and sometimes twice a day, with occasional rest days

thank u for asking me this this was fun :D feel free to ask me to clarify anything

[verfound]

MINIFIC: Oct. 23: Day 6: Tiny (MLB, Lukanette, DLM AU)

Shout out to Quick for this one.  I liked what I had, but I also didn’t, and she had some suggestions that…quadrupled its size.  Huh.  Maybe I shouldn’t say thank you.  😝

For @lovebugs-and-snakecharmers October Minific Challenge 2023.

Read on Ao3

To Feel Alive Again: Day 6: Tiny

Luka hissed as the tug on the leash he was holding caused his hand to slip and the flame from his lighter to get too close to his thumb, burning it.  The cigarette he’d been trying to light fell to the sidewalk and rolled away with the breeze, and he sighed as he looked down at the runt that had caused it all.

“Would you just piss already?” he grumbled, digging in his pocket for another cigarette.  “It’s fucking cold out here.”

The dog he had been charged with walking today, an annoying little shit named Pip (who was seriously the tiniest dam dog Luka had ever seen, and she was full grown), skittered up to another lamp post and sniffed.  Luka sighed and tipped his head back, frowning at the cloudy skies above.  He wondered if it was supposed to rain today.

“Have a great day!”

His head dropped back at the voice, his eyes scanning the street around him until he heard the voice again.

“Hi!  What can I get…?”

Pip had stopped outside a café to (attempt) to do her business.  Through the plants and signs lining the glass, he could see a familiar raven-haired undead girl…smiling behind the counter.  Not just smiling, but laughing and talking to people like…like she was a normal, well-adjusted, happy person.  That liked interacting with other people.  It was a completely different person from the girl who had kicked his shin under the table an hour ago for stealing her bacon.

(…he should probably stop that.  It wasn’t like he couldn’t afford his own bacon.  She just got so indignant every time he did it, and her eyes got a bit bluer when she was annoyed, and…he owed her a few breakfasts’ worth of bacon.  He should fix that.  Soon.)

The customer she was helping said something that made her laugh, and he was momentarily distracted by the way her smile filled her entire face, how her eyes crinkled at the edges, the laughter that itched at the edges of his mind like an old, familiar song when the door opened again.  The way his hand twitched for some paper – for his fucking guitar – eager to get the notes down before he lost them forever.

He was moving before he fully registered what he was doing.

Pip yelped as he scooped her up and dropped her in her doggie bag.  She growled when he went to zip it up, and he sighed as he scratched behind her ears.  She shook his hand off and snapped at him.

“Be nice,” he said, rolling his eyes as he moved to the door, “or I won’t get you anything.”

The café was busier than he’d expected, and by the time he reached the front of the queue Pip was snoozing in her bag.  Marinette didn’t notice him at first, busy counting the change the last customer had given her, and he took a moment to just…appreciate her.

Because he wasn’t staring.  Or admiring.

Or checking her out? Théo’s sleazy voice drawled in his head, and he tried not to roll his eyes.  He wasn’t doing any of that, because that would be weird.

“What can I get…oh,” Marinette said, her eyebrows lifting as she finally looked up to see him standing there.  “H-hi.”

“Hi,” he said, the side of his mouth twitching with a smile.  He looked up at the menu, pretending not to notice the way she was suddenly fidgeting with the hair trying to escape her messy bun.  “Barista, huh?”

“It’s close enough to patisserie,” she said, shrugging one shoulder as she tucked some hair behind her ear.  “And the boss is…flexible.  With hours and breaks.  Plus, y’know.  Free coffee.”

“Cool,” he said, nodding.  He was still looking at the menu, trying to find something that passed as plain, black coffee.  What the hell kind of place was this?  He couldn’t pronounce half the shit on the board.

“Did…did you want…” she started, and he hummed as he looked back at her.  She was shifting from foot to foot awkwardly, her lower lip between her teeth and her cheeks a light pink.  “I mean…were you…”

“Hmm?” he asked, an eyebrow lifting as he watched her.  She sighed and gestured to the board.

“What do you want, Luka?” she asked.  “Are you going to order something, or are you just…checking up on me?”

“Hey, I didn’t even know you worked here,” he said, holding his hands up defensively.  “I just…saw you from the street and…wanted to say hi.”

“…hi?” she asked, her voice flat.  She raised her own eyebrow, and he tried to smile at her.  “Because you totally didn’t do that when you were stealing my breakfast an hour ago.”

His smile fell, and she winced as she looked back at the till.

“Sorry,” she said.  “That was…”

“I refuse to do Mendeleiev’s dirty work for her, Mari…Emma,” he said, glancing at her name tag.  “If she wants to check in on you, she can do so herself.”

He hesitated a moment, but then he reached out and laid a hand on hers.  Her eyes snapped up to him, surprised.

“…I’m just being a friend,” he said.  When her eyebrows rose, he shrugged and pulled his hand back.  “Or trying to be.  Honest.  We don’t…you don’t get many lasting friends.  Unlife like ours.”

He stuffed his hands in his pockets and looked back up at the board, frowning as he resumed his search for whatever the hell they called black coffee.

“…thanks, Luka,” she finally said, making him glance back at her.  Her smile was still hesitant, but it was more genuine this time.  Honest.

…he liked her smile.

“Seriously, though,” she said, shaking her head.  “Can I get you anything?  Black coffee?”

“Please,” he said, smiling at her.  He patted the bag at his side, where Pip grumbled at the jostling.  “And something for my friend?”

“Your…?” she asked, and her eyes widened when he opened the bag to reveal the sleeping dog inside.  “You…you have a dog?  And it’s so little!  When?  How…how did I not know this?”

“She’s not mine,” he said.  At Marinette’s confused look, he shrugged.  “Part-time dog walker.  I can make my own hours and move around the city as needed.  Plus, dogs.”

“…you like dogs,” she said, as if she found that amusing.  Maybe surprising.  Her smile grew a bit more, and he shifted uncomfortably as he felt heat crawling up his neck.  “Well, what do you know.  Luka Couffaine’s just a big ol’ softie, isn’t he?”

“…shut up,” he said.  “Pip’s a vicious killer, thank you very much.”

“Pip?” she asked.

“…Pipsqueak,” he said.  She was outright grinning now.  The bell above the door jingled as another customer came in.  “Her maman thought she was being clever.”

Marinette was still giggling as she handed him a large black coffee and a to go bag.  He reached for his wallet, but she shook her head and waved him off.

“On me,” she said.  Her cheeks darkened as she ducked her head.  “For a friend.”

He smiled, and she told him to go before he held up her line.  He had a feeling it was more before he could fluster her any more, though.  He held the door open for a group of collège students on his way out, still smiling.  He was at least a block away before he opened the bag and found two cookies – a macaron for him and a shortbread biscuit for Pip – and his smile grew.

“…I think she likes us, Pip,” he said, pulling the biscuit out and handing it to the dog.  He frowned when she nipped his fingers taking it.  “…oh, fuck you.  You’re walking the rest of the way, asshole.”

If he hadn’t dropped the entire biscuit at the bite (and she wasn’t happily devouring it), he would have taken that back, too.

[kkeeu88990]

Will there be another big leaguer…Kim Hye-sung Ahead. Seattle (MLB) Attention

In fact, Seattle is well known for continuously sending scouts to closely monitor Kim. MLB Network reporter John Morosi also expressed his stance on social networking services (SNS). In addition, the Boston Red Sox, San Francisco Giants, and Los Angeles 다파벳슬롯 Angels are mentioned as teams that need to strengthen their second base, which could naturally lead to Kim Hye-sung. Kim Hye-sung, who announced her entry into the big league ahead of this season, is one of the best infielders in the Korean pro league. In 2017, she made her first step in her professional career by ranking seventh in the first round of the Nexen Heroes (the predecessor of "Kium"). 넥스트벳우회주소 After playing for eight years, she recorded a batting average of 0.304 (3,043 hits in 3,433 at-bats) with 37 homers and 211 steals for 953 games. With his fast feet, he became the king of stolen bases (46) in 2021. He also set a new record by moving between second and shortstop. Kim is the only one in the history of the KBO league to win both the Golden Glove award. He has emerged as a strong candidate for the Golden Glove award in the second base category this season as well. Kim plans to monitor the situation by getting physical at the training site set up by her agency CAA. 메이저사이트 CAA is well-known as a major agency that signed a 10-year, 700 million-dollar jackpot contract with Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers last year.

[usa-town-talks]

Shohei Ohtani Makes MLB History with 50-50 Milestone:

Shohei Ohtani Achieves Historic 50-50 Milestone with Spectacular Game

MIAMI (AP) — Shohei Ohtani put on a dazzling display on Thursday, solidifying his place in Major League history by becoming the first player to achieve at least 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. The Los Angeles Dodgers superstar captivated a cheering crowd at LoanDepot Park, where fans chanted “M-V-P!” as he rounded the bases after his 50th home run.

Ohtani’s milestone came in a remarkable game that saw him hit three home runs and steal two bases, contributing to the Dodgers’ 20-4 rout of the Miami Marlins. His performance not only highlighted his exceptional talent but also secured a playoff spot for the Dodgers.

“I almost cried, to be honest,” said Dodgers shortstop Miguel Rojas. “It was a lot of emotions because of everything that happens behind the scenes that we got to witness every single day.”

A Record-Setting Performance

Ohtani, who finished the game with a perfect 6-for-6 at the plate and a staggering 10 RBIs, hit his 49th home run in the sixth inning and followed it up with his 50th in the seventh. He capped off the night with his 51st home run in the ninth. His home runs showcased impressive power, with two shots reaching the second deck in right-center.

“I have no idea where this came from, but I’m glad that it was going well today,” Ohtani remarked after the game.

This performance allowed Ohtani to surpass the Dodgers’ franchise record of 49 home runs, previously set by Shawn Green in 2001. He also became only the third player in MLB history to record at least six hits, three homers, and 10 RBIs in a single game, joining legends Walker Cooper and Anthony Rendon.

The Journey to 50-50

Entering the game with 48 home runs and 49 stolen bases, Ohtani quickly swiped his 50th base in the first inning and added another steal in the second. He has been successful in his last 28 stolen base attempts.

Ohtani reached the 50-50 milestone in his 150th game of the season, having already made history as the fastest player to reach 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases, accomplishing that feat in just 126 games. His previous career high for home runs was 46 during the 2021 season with the Los Angeles Angels.

A Memorable Venue

Thursday’s game added to Ohtani's memorable moments at LoanDepot Park, where he previously struck out then-Angels teammate Mike Trout to clinch the 2023 World Baseball Classic championship for Japan.

“This stadium has become one of my favorite stadiums,” Ohtani said, reflecting on his history in Miami.

Future Prospects

Having signed a $700 million, 10-year deal with the Dodgers last December, Ohtani has focused on hitting this season while recovering from elbow surgery. He has played exclusively as a designated hitter and is now poised to lead the Dodgers into the postseason—a milestone he never reached with the Angels.

As the Dodgers prepare for October, Ohtani is also a frontrunner for National League MVP honors, potentially making history as the first player primarily playing as a DH to win the award.

His teammates have expressed admiration for Ohtani’s consistent performance. “Every night I feel like he does something that we haven’t seen,” said third baseman Max Muncy.

As Ohtani continues to break records and captivate fans, the baseball world eagerly anticipates what he will achieve next.

[twins2994]

Philadelphia Phillies-Minnesota Twins Series Preview

7.22.24-Ranger Suarez LHP (10-4) 2.76 ERA Vs. Bailey Ober RHP (8-5) 4.14 ERA

7.23.24-Zack Wheeler RHP (10-4) 2.70 ERA Vs. Simeon Woods Richardson RHP (3-1) 3.51 ERA

7.24.24-Aaron Nola RHP (11-4) 3.54 ERA Vs. TBA

The Phillies At A Glance- The Phillies are the best team in baseball with a (63-36) record. They are built for October without many weaknesses. Bryce Harper leads the team with a .297 average and twenty-two homers. Alec Bohm has knocked in seventy-one runs. Trea Turner has been banged up throughout the year, so he only has twelve steals. He has a .339 average through sixty games though. Kyle Schwarber has mashed nineteen homers as the DH. Brandon Marsh ha sbeen hampered by a sore right elbow lately. The pitching staff is a little beat up at the moment. Spencer Turnbull has been out since mid-June with a lat injury. Taijuan Walker has a finger injury and is slated to throw a bullpen session on Wednesday. The starting staff has been great with a 3.22 ERA, which leads all of baseball. Zack Wheeler has a 2.70 ERA, Ranger Suarez has a 2.76 ERA, and Aaron Nola has been very good. Cristopher Sanchez is a solid starter as well. The Phillies bullpen has a 3.86 ERA, which is fourteenth in MLB. Jeff Hoffman was an All-Star and has allowed five runs over 41 1/3 innings of work. Jose Alvarado has locked down thirteen saves. Gregory Soto has 41 strikeouts over 32 2/3 innings. Orion Kerkering has a 1.72 ERA.

The Twins At A Glance- The Twins had five days off and lost two tough games to the Brewers. They couldn't get a timely hit and the bullpen gave up runs late. The team does have some good news. Royce Lewis will begin a rehab assignment on Tuesday with the Saints. Carlos Correa was put on the injured list with pantar fascitis. Chris Paddack will miss two weeks with a right forearm strain. Kody Funderburk was put on the injured list with an oblique strain. Ronny Henriquez and Eddie Juilen were called up and Austin Martin was activated off the injured list. Brock Stewart struck out the side in his latest rehab appearance, so he should be back soon. Byron Buxton is hitting .397 with seventeen extra-base hits in his last nineteen games. The starting pitching was good over the weekend. Pablo Lopez gave up a run over seven innings and couldn't get run support. Joe Ryan allowed four runs over six innings. The bullpen had leaks and Brock Stewart should be activated within a few days.

What To Watch For- The Twins are (13-11) all-time against the Phillies. The Twins won two out of three games last year in Philadelphia in August. The Phillies haven't been to Target Field since 2016 when they took two of three games. Ranger Suarez gave up two runs over 6 1/3 innings in his only start against the Twins. Bailey Ober and Simeon Woods Richardson have never faced the Phillies. Zack Wheeler has never faced the Twins. The Twins were in talks about signing him before the 2020 season, but his wife wanted to stay on the East Coast. Aaron Nola gave up seven runs over three innings in his only start against the Twins. The Twins will likely start either Louie Varland or David Festa for Wednesday's game.

-Chris Kreibich-

[bm2ab]

Arrivals & Departures . 06 May 1931 – 18 June 2024 . Willie Howard Mays Jr. 

Willie Howard Mays Jr.  nicknamed "the Say Hey Kid", was an American professional baseball center fielder who played 23 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). Regarded as one of the greatest players ever, Mays ranks second behind only Babe Ruth on most all-time lists, including those of The Sporting News and ESPN. Mays played in the National League (NL) between 1951 and 1973 for the New York / San Francisco Giants and New York Mets.

Born in Westfield, Alabama, Mays was an all-around athlete. He joined the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro American League in 1948, playing with them until the Giants signed him upon his graduation from high school in 1950. He debuted in MLB with the Giants and won the Rookie of the Year Award in 1951 after hitting 20 home runs to help the Giants win their first pennant in 14 years. In 1954, he won the NL Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award, leading the Giants to their last World Series title before their move to the West Coast. His over-the-shoulder catch in Game 1 of the 1954 World Series is one of the most famous baseball plays of all time. After the Giants moved to San Francisco, Mays went on to win another MVP Award in 1965 and also led the Giants to the 1962 World Series, this time losing to the New York Yankees. He ended his career with a return to New York after a midseason trade to the New York Mets in 1972, retiring after the team's trip to the 1973 World Series. He served as a coach for the Mets for the rest of the decade, and later rejoined the Giants as a special assistant to the president and general manager.

A 24-time All-Star, this tied him for the second most in history. He led the NL in home runs four times and in slugging percentage five times while batting over .300 and posting 100 runs batted in (RBIs) ten times each. Mays was also at the forefront of a resurgence of speed as an offensive weapon in the 1950s, leading the league in stolen bases four times, triples three times, and runs twice; his 179 steals during the decade topped the major leagues. He was the first NL player to hit 30 home runs and steal 30 bases in the same season, the first player in history to reach both 300 home runs and 300 stolen bases, and the second player and the first right-handed hitter to hit 600 home runs. Mays also set standards for defensive brilliance, winning 12 consecutive Gold Glove Awards after their creation in 1957, still a record for outfielders; he led NL center fielders in double plays five times and assists three times.

A classic example of a five-tool player, Mays finished his career with a batting average of .302. At the time of his retirement, he held the NL record for career runs scored (2,062), and ranked second in league history behind Stan Musial in games played (2,992), third in home runs (660), at bats (10,881), runs batted in (1,903), total bases (6,066), extra-base hits (1,323) and walks (1,464), fourth in hits (3,293), fifth in slugging percentage (.557), and eighth in doubles (523); his 140 triples ranked fourth among players active after 1945. He holds major league records for games as a center fielder (2,829), putouts as an outfielder (7,095) and extra-inning home runs (22), and ended his career behind only Ty Cobb in total games as an outfielder (2,842), ranking seventh in assists (188) and third in double plays (59) in center field. Mays was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979 in his first year of eligibility, and was named to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team in 1999. Mays was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015.