Torii Hunter’s a Good Sport About Flipping into the Fenway Bullpen in 2013
Photo via AP
Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts is one of several reasons to shake off the disappointment of this year’s club and look ahead to an increasingly promising 2016 campaign. Friday night, the 22-year-old made a highlight-reel catch at the wall, robbing Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis of a game-winning two-run home run to preserve pitcher Rich Hill’s shutout.
The rest of the league took notice, including veteran right-fielder Torii Hunter of the Minnesota Twins.
https://twitter.com/toriihunter48/status/648247199944601600
@toriihunter48 thanks bro! I’m trying to get like you in RF now. I have a LONG way to go to be close to you!
— mookiebetts (@mookiebetts) September 27, 2015
@mookiebetts stay health, keep learning and you will be better — Torii Hunter (@toriihunter48) September 27, 2015
In case the last two years have left you without clear memory of brighter days, it was Hunter who, in Game 2 of the 2013 ALCS as a member of the Detroit Tigers, flipped into the Fenway Park bullpen while chasing a David Ortiz game-tying grand slam, much to the delight of bullpen cop Steve Horgan.
Hunter was injured on the play, as play-by-play man Joe Buck notes. Two years later and wearing a new jersey, Hunter can joke about the most famous somersault in Boston sports history.
