The most notable action that took place on the field Tuesday wasn't McCann's game-tying home run or Lindor's game-winning RBI single. Nope, the most notable action took place before the game. Jacob deGrom was spotted on MLB Networks ballpark cam wrestling with bullpen catcher Eric Langill.
When I first saw this tweet come across my feed, I legit gasped. Here we have the best baseball player on the planet wrestling around on the ground...with the Mets luck on his side. I watched every single second waiting for something to go wrong. How could you expect this to end in anything other than disaster?
It didn't. Langill clearly knew his role on this team and took a dive. He went into immediate dead fish mode and made sure deGrom walked away with every limb exactly where it needs to be. That's how you secure yourself longevity in the bullpen catching game. Be the star pitcher's punching bag, and protect him from hurting himself along the way.
Rules for wrestling with Jacob deGrom --
No. 1: Play dead No. 2: If you hurt him, become dead No. 3: Don't wrestle with Jacob deGrom https://t.co/A9FapoFQtc
I have to imagine this isn't the first time deGrom has sought out a sparring partner, and I have to imagine this isn't the first time a teammate took a dive. When teammates see that look in deGrom's eye they must go into Toy Story mode and collapse to the floor. Swallow any ounce of pride you might have for the greater good.
It wouldn't surprise me if Uncle Stevie hands a little bonus cash to anyone who lays on their back for deGrom. And if you don't, well, I fear for what might happen to you. The bench mob might be called upon to put in some late-night hours for anyone who dares fight back.
I would, however, be ecstatic to never see another deGrom wrestling video. Wrap Jake up in bubble wrap every second he's not on the mound. We must do whatever it takes to protect this national treasure.
And if we're being honest, Jake would probably be the best wrestler on the planet if he really wanted to. What can't that man do?
Despite the ending, I had such a fun season. Thanks for being a part of it with me either at Citi Field, on the road, or at the Playwright. I met so many new fans this year. Not new to the Mets, but new to hanging with T7LA. It was a great time. Every game new faces would show up, and that's always encouraged. I know it's tough for some people to throw themselves in to a new situation, but I promise we don't bite. One of my favorite things about The 7 Line Army is watching strong friendships form from it.
We'll be tailgating in our usual spot in the Marina Lot before all home Postseason games! Fans should be rolling in at least 4 hours before first pitch. BE THERE! As always, you don't need to be sitting with The 7 Line Army to tailgate together.
Your eyes do not deceive you, we don't have any available Mets 2024 Postseason merch. It's not that we don't have designs ready to go, we just aren't allowed to release them for another 2 weeks. Fanatics gets an exclusive 2 week window on licensed merch.
Tim Reilly
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T7L contributing blogger - Follow Tim on Twitter