The world would be a better place if all baseball teams participated in 'Simba Cam' from the dugout
It's a simple request: Can all baseball teams do the 'Simba Cam' from their dugout? It isn't really asking that much.
For those unaware, the 'Simba Cam' is a thing many teams show on the Jumbotron during games, urging fans to hold up their babies/children/each other from the stands in a way that calls to mind "The Lion King" -- either the 1994 or 2019 versions, whichever you prefer:
In a baseball game setting, it usually looks like this, if it happens on 'Bark at the Park Night' when dogs are allowed into the stadium:
It is our honor & privilege to present to you this Good Content. pic.twitter.com/aTHq1KCGk3
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It's a fun between-innings prompt to get fans engaged at the ballpark, the same way as "Make Some Noise!" and other Jumbotron-led entertainment options help spice up the game between action on the field.
In the Nats' 9-3 win over the Marlins on Sunday afternoon, "Simba Cam" was a hit with the crowd IN the Nats' dugout. As in, the players took part in it themselves, even hoisting hitting coach Kevin Long up high:
We love the new Lion King!!!!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/TewFWKhr7v
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It's especially appropriate that Juan Soto was involved in this display from the Washington dugout. The kid is on a quest to do things even Bryce Harper couldn't do during his time in D.C., so in a sense he's the real Simba here.
You know, the prodigal son who holds the keys to the animal kingdom in his paws (or hands, in his case), eventual ruler of all that he can see -- in this case, the NL East and the Nats' aims of a division title and October glory.
Just picture this, but with a Nats cap and Soto's signature smile all over it:
Back to my original point. In-game, Jumbotron-prompted entertainment is generally geared toward the fans and only the fans, but this moment in the Nats dugout was just so pure and exuberant. Imagine if you saw this more often from a bunch of teams? Sure, it might only really work for teams winning that particular game or not dealing with prolonged losing streaks or anything, but still.
I think it's worth it, because that moment was pure bliss -- the Nats announcers were giggling on the air, the players were giggling in the dugout, and fans were laughing along with the whole thing. It was great.
More of that, please!
Adrian Garro joined MLB.com in 2016. Throughout his travels, both Bartolo Colon and Vin Scully have placed their hands on his shoulders. Not at the same time, though. That'd be amazing.
