May 26: Rougned Odor vs. Jose Bautista. Sounds like a UFC showdown
These two meet for the first time in 2017 as the Texas Rangers visit the Toronto Blue Jays. If you don’t know the backstory, it started with Jose Bautista’s bat flip way back in the 2015 ALDS after he hit a key 3-run shot. The New York Times called it “the most ostentatious bat flip in MLB history.” The Rangers’ entire team took exception to the celebration. The grudge continued until it hit a boiling point in a game in May 2016 when Odor punched Bautista in the jaw after a late slide (see the video below). The teams met again in the 2016 ALDS. Odor threw the game and series ending error that allowed Toronto to win the game 7-6, and series 3-0. It was the first time in MLB history that any postseason series ended on an error. So ya – these guys don’t like each other very much.
May 28: Milwaukee Brewers’ bobblehead night featuring Robin Yount riding a motorcycle
The kid, the legend, the moustache. Robin Yount played his entire 20-year career with the Milwaukee Brewers. During this time, he amassed over 3,000 hit. During the 1980s he had more hits than anyone else in MLB. He later became a coach. His moustache lives on in MLB folklore. Imagine that, on a motorcycle, in bobblehead version. Second best souvenir giveaway of the year (keep reading to find out the number one bobblehead giveaway of 2017).
June 12: MLB draft begins
We’re fans of high school and college sports so this day is extra special for us. Who do you think the Minnesota Twins will select with the first overall pick?
July 9-11: All-Star Break in Miami
Three days of fun and sun in Sothern Florida. Futures game on July 9, the classic Home Run Derby on July 10, and finally the All-Star Game on July 11 – all from Marlins Park in Miami.
July 22: Best bobblehead night of the year: Noah Syndergaard pitching in a Thor costume
Noah Syndergaard looks a lot like Thor, and he knows it. Just check his Twitter. The New York Mets are having fun with this…
It’s Halloween! You know what that means? Max out on squats! pic.twitter.com/OUORUntwaZ
— Noah Syndergaard (@Noahsyndergaard) October 31, 2013
July 28: Clayton Kershaw versus Madison Bumgarner
Two of the best pitchers in baseball. This matchup never gets old. Neither does this blast…
July 31: Non-waiver trade deadline
Every armchair managers’ favourite day of the year.
August 20: The MLB Little League Classic from Williamsport, Pennsylvania
It’s the St. Louis Cardinals vs. the Pittsburgh Pirates from BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field (shown below) in the home of Little League Baseball – Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Two classic teams playing in a nostalgic setting. Did that give you goosebumps too?
September 6: Roberto Clemente Day around the majors
Known as “The Great One”, the MLB celebrates Roberto Clemente and his legacy every September…
October 1: The final day of the regular season
2,430 games done. The most important ones yet to come.
October 3: The postseason begins
Ahhh October baseball…
October 24: The World Series begins
After waiting 108 years, Chicago Cubs fans finally had reason to celebrate last season. The Cubs received their first championship rings in franchise history (they didn’t get rings in 1908) and in doing so, finally shook off the Curse of the Billy Goat. Who will be celebrating this year?…
