Boricua history in Toronto, Gleyber flexes, Berríos has fun
By Tab Bamford
History in Toronto
For the first time in major league history, a Puerto Rican umpire called balls and strikes in a game managed by fellow Puerto Ricans. Roberto Ortiz worked behind the plate in Toronto on Wednesday night when Charlie Montoyo‘s Blue Jays played Álex Cora‘s Red Sox.
Not happy in Toronto
Not everything between the Red Sox and Blue Jays was as smooth as the photo opportunity. Marcus Stroman wasn’t thrilled with some comments made about him to the media and spoke up on Twitter.
I compete. That’s it. Didn’t know I had to cater to opposing teams to like me. Everyone messes with timing, deliveries and pitching mechanics these days. Everyone. Get over it. I’m going to keep that dawg mentality always. Pops raised me right and approves of it all! ??♂️ https://t.co/y5xvA6dGhm
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) May 22, 2019
It’s Gleyber Day
The Yankees – specifically Gleyber Torres – have feasted on Baltimore pitching this year at a pace that hasn’t been seen before. When Torres went deep again on Wednesday night the Orioles’ great broadcast team had enough.
Way back, up and *Gary Thorne dies inside* I dont even know. goodbye. home run. i mean... last two at bats he's hit home runs numbers 11 and 12 on the season and now has TEN HOME RUNS against the Orioles this year" pic.twitter.com/w5jIURHlu7
— Jomboy (@Jomboy_) May 23, 2019
Trei Day
Rice University second team all-Conference USA shortstop Trei Cruz hit a big home run earlier this week. His father, former Gold Glove-winning outfielder José Cruz Jr., enjoyed the show.
Go Trei!!! Go Rice!! https://t.co/fHkvPowitC
— Jose Cruz, Jr. (@cruz22) May 22, 2019
Duck!
José Berríos and Willians Astudillo were having a casual conversation on the bench recently when the Twins’ ace made sure his young catcher was paying attention to the game.
Goin’ yard
Jim Passon tweeted this fun breakdown of 2019’s historic home run pace as a few of Wednesday’s matinee games neared their conclusions.
HRs hit in 2019 by birthplace:
— Jim Passon ?? (@PassonJim) May 22, 2019
?? 1,203
?? 235
?? 195
?? 81
?? 68
?? 25
?? 14
?? 11
?? 9
?? 9
?? 8
?? 2
?? 2
?? 2
Pro Post of the Day
The Twins-Angels game in Anaheim was postponed Wednesday, but that didn’t keep some fans from seeing their favorite players. Nelson Cruz and Mike Trout, together with Hall of Famer Rod Carew and Twins legend Tony Oliva, visited the Children’s Hospital of Orange County together.
We hung out with the @Angels again today - this time with our friends at the Children's Hospital of Orange County! #BiggerThanBaseball pic.twitter.com/fyIaz7sqHs
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) May 23, 2019
Fan Post of the Day
The players raised the spirits of the kids and their family members at the hospital.
woke up to a call from my uncle telling me mike trout, tyler skaggs & nelson cruz all stopped by to see my little cousin in the hospital. my heart has never felt more full to see this!! ❤️? pic.twitter.com/0ZXX4ScaWy
— stav ? (@stavi_augur) May 22, 2019
OTD
2011 – Alexi Ogando throws his first career shutout and, with a little help from a Nelson Cruz home run, the Rangers defeat the White Sox 4-0.
2006 – In a game that lasts 5 hours, 22 minutes, and has 522 pitches thrown, Carlos Beltrán hits a two-run home run in the bottom of the 16th inning to give the Mets a 9-8 victory over Philadelphia. It is the longest game for the Mets in 11 years.
2006 – Baltimore’s Ramón Hernández 3 for 5 with two home runs – a three-run shot and a grand slam – to lead the Orioles to a 14-4 victory over Seattle.
2003 – Tampa’s Geremi González earns his first major league victory in nearly five years as the Devil Rays beat the Angels 3-1. González wins for the first time since June 28, 1998.
2002 – Marlins second baseman Luis Castillo hits his first home run from the left side of the plate in his 600th major league game‚ leading Florida to an 8-4 win over Cincinnati.
Happy birthday!
César Hernández (b. 1990)
César Crespo (b. 1979)
Mike González (b. 1978)
Ramón Ortiz (b. 1973)
Ricky Gutierrez (b. 1970)