The most famous quote from the 2006 film "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby" comes from the title character: “If you ain’t first, you’re last.” Given the existence of Wild Card spots, this doesn’t necessarily hold true in baseball -- or in auto racing for that matter!
But that didn’t stop Tyler Stephenson from incorporating the famous quote from Will Ferrell's racecar driver in his catcher’s gear for the Speedway Classic, when Stephenson and the Reds meet the Braves on Aug. 2 at Bristol Motor Speedway for the first regular-season AL/NL game in Tennessee.
Past the quote, the attention to detail here is admirable: Stephenson has “Tyler Robby” (his middle name is Robert) on his chest protector and New Balance cleats, the “Wonder Bread” logo from Ricky Bobby’s car and the flames from his jacket are prominent, and there are checkered flag patterns everywhere. We’ll find out Aug. 2 whether the Atlanta native will get the start behind the plate vs. the Braves, and he might not be able to wear some of the gear due to MLB rules. But it's the thought that counts.
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