ALWAYS Take A Dive When deGrom Wants To Wrestle

by Tim Reilly June 30, 2021

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.

Takedown! What would Jacob deGrom’s wrestling name be?@Mets I NTT #BallparkCam pic.twitter.com/CVow4WLYbP
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) June 29, 2021

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
— Tim Reilly (@LifeOfTimReilly) June 29, 2021

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?