Every electrifying home run robbery deserves a celebratory Incredible Hulk flex
If you do something incredible in a baseball game, you deserve to have some fun. Why not go nuts? You've earned it.
The difficulty of being a professional baseball player can't be understated. They say hitting a baseball with a bat is among the most challenging things in any of the major sports, after all. On defense, making amazing plays requires precise attention and perfect reflexes, not to mention flawless execution as you make the catch.
Meet Orioles outfielder Austin Hays. He robbed Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of a homer in Thursday night's game against the Blue Jays with a leaping, one-handed catch over the wall in right-center field. Upon coming down with the ball, the man let it ALL out.
I don't make the rules, but if I did, there would be a designated moment after every epic home run theft by an outfielder where he's able to stop, gather his thoughts and just let loose.
Because this rules. Take another look at Hays' chest-pounding, fist-pumping outburst:
We've got a regular Bruce Banner here, guys.
It's also worth pointing out that Hays' catch is reminiscent of one a young Mike Trout made at the same ballpark in 2013.
Back on topic, I'm on #TeamMoreHulkSmashes in baseball, specifically in this circumstance. It just looks so cool.
That's not to say there aren't other solid methods of post-robbery celebrations. Last month, Braves phenom Ronald Acuña Jr. robbed a homer with the nonchalance of a man who excels in life without even trying. He didn't do a Hulk Smash afterward.
Acuña did, however, sit on the warning track after making the catch. A more subdued version of celebration, maybe?
That's a strong reaction, but it's not quite Hulk Smash territory.
Every home run thief should feel encouraged to bust out a Hulk flex. Is that really asking too much?
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.
