So, the rule of thumb is that you’re never supposed to slide head-first into first base because all that you’re doing is slowing down your momentum instead of going at the highest speed by continuing to sprint down the line. Well, when your nickname is El Mago you can pull off tricks on a baseball field and rules don’t seem to apply to you.
I’ve said it since last year, more people saw it during the 2016 postseason and it remains true in 2017, Javier Baez is the most exciting player to watch in MLB.
In the ninth inning of another awesome game between the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers, Baez hit a slow ground ball to the right side of the infield. It was a pretty routine play, but Milwaukee’s closer Corey Knebel made a mistake. He kind of took a stutter step before stepping on first base and that ultimately cost him. Baez was called out, but he and Cubs first base coach Brandon Hyde immediately signaled over to Joe Maddon to challenge the play.
Baez slid head-first and guess what, it worked out after all.
Javy is safe! pic.twitter.com/B6gyHiE6Es
— Kevin Marchina (@kg_holler) September 23, 2017
EL MAGO!
How did Javy beat it? Because he's EL MAGO! #Cubs pic.twitter.com/76STIgcFMk
— Aldo Soto (@AldoSoto21) September 23, 2017
Unfortunately Willson Contreras hit a rocket right at an infielder for a double play after Baez was safe, but hey that play was cool and the Cubs won 5-4 anyway.
BONUS BAEZ VIDEO!
Javier Baez EL MAGO! #Cubs pic.twitter.com/zEzz0lFxaf
— Aldo Soto (@AldoSoto21) September 23, 2017
