Yadi defends St. Louis, Clemente family honored and Javy makes snow angels

Let’s hug it out

Today is National Hugging Day. Players and teams around MLB are showing off their favorite hugs on social media. A few of our favorites below:

This Wild Horse also loves kissing

Salvador Pérez with Royal hugs

Reds showing off the abrazos

Meet Yadier Molina in St. Louis, Kris Bryant?

This weekend at Cubs Convention, third baseman Kris Bryant was caught during an interview calling St. Louis “boring.” The name calling didn’t sit well with superstar Yadier Molina. The Cardinals veteran catcher clapped back with a post on his Instagram: “All stars, elite players and leaders of their teams do not speak bad about any city. There should be respect and you should play and compete with respect… only stupid players and losers make comments like the ones made by bryant and dempster …. Bueno pues, the rivalry between the Cubs and Cardinals is alive and well. Yadi ended his caption with #QueVivaStLouis and #LOVESTL. We’re here for Yadi and any other player sticking up for their cities.

Vera Clemente Honored

On Sunday the St. Louis Chapter of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America honored Vera Clemente, widow of The Great One. Vera along with Sharon Robinson, daughter of Jackie Robinson, and their families were honored for carrying on the “innovation through the game of baseball” through inspiration. These powerful and strong women bravely carry on the legacies of their family members who still have a huge impact on the game.

Pro Post of the Day

The Chicago Cubs held their annual Cubs Convention this weekend, bringing players back to Chicago on a snowy weekend. Javy Báez used the opportunity to show how much he loves the snow. It’s no Isla del Encanto, but El Mago digs it anyway.

Fan Post of the Day

This little man sure has a big swing. If you’re a true pelotero, there’s no such thing as days off. This young pelotero is proving that, hacking away and ripping some nice swings. How many days till Spring Training?

Happy Birthday!

José Uribe (b. 1959, d. 2006), 10-year pro with San Francisco, Houston and St. Louis.
Wil Ledezma (b. 1981), nine-year pro with Detroit, San Diego, Arizona, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Washington and Toronto.
José Ramírez (b. 1990), Atlanta Braves pitcher

OTD

1981 – César Gerónimo is traded to the Kansas City Royals from the Cincinnati Reds. The Reds receive Mexican German Barranca for the four-time Gold Glove winner.
2010 – The Pittsburgh Pirates sign Octavio Dotel to be the new closer.
2011 – The Tampa Bay Rays sign free agent Manny Ramírez.

Featured Image: Michael Thomas / Getty Images Sport