ATLANTA -- Jimmy Baseball has become a fan favorite in Atlanta. He’s long been loved by friends and family members in his native San Diego. But they may not have had as much fun watching him do his thing the past few days.
Jim Jarvis, who has become known as Jimmy Baseball, further endeared himself to Atlanta fans when he delivered a go-ahead double in the eighth inning of a 7-6 win over the Padres on Wednesday night at Truist Park.
Braves fans have been clamoring for Jarvis to remain the primary shortstop even when Ha-Seong Kim ends his current Minor League rehab assignment on Aug. 1. The 25-year-old infielder has enhanced the likelihood of this occurring by playing great defense and exceeding offensive expectations.
Jarvis played at the University of Alabama, but he grew up in the San Diego area. So, this game-winning hit had more meaning, because it came against his hometown team.
Michael Harris’ first-inning groundout accounted for Atlanta’s only run until Jarvis laced his go-ahead double off Wandy Peralta into the right-field corner. The fleet-footed infielder scored moments later on Brewer Hicklen’s double.
Jarvis has hit .308 (16-for-52) with an .826 OPS for Atlanta this season. He got a taste of the Majors with a pair of games in May. But most of his big league experience has consisted of the regular playing time he has gotten since Kim’s struggles led to him being placed on the injured list in early July.
Jarvis played a total of three games above the Double-A level before this season. The Braves acquired him from the Tigers in exchange for reliever Rafael Montero before last year’s Trade Deadline.