The signing of Fred Lewis has been a heist of epic proprotions; it’s actually tightened security at Luftansa airport. Even more unfortunate: They haven’t made an air freshener potent enough to purge the scent of swindle lingering in the San Francisco Giants’ front office.
For the Toronto Blue Jays, having a true leadoff hitter in their ranks once more has been reaffirming. It hearkens back to a simpler time, when OBP was maybe just an acronym for something that was possibly offensive. It’s also a reminder of what a purebreed table setter looks like.
Baseball is a tricky game, get enough alcohol in anyone and they’d try to hit for the cycle in a T.G.I. Fridays parking lot if possible. Sometimes, it’s refreshing (and slightly depressing) to see a player perform feats that make it clear that, no, you can’t do what these professional ball players do. Fred Lewis is that kind of reminder (one of many).
He’s putting the athlete back in, “Professional Athlete” and also at the top of the Jays order. To say that fans are gushing over the acquisition is an insult to everyone’s favorite fruit snack (Gushers). In tribute to Lewis, here’s a few more reminders of the proud tradition of Toronto leadoff hitters.