You know what this offseason’s been missing? A little Javy Baez in your life.
Fortunately, El Mago was one of the many stars who showed up for Yadier Molina’s All-Star extravaganza – an event created for the benefit of Baez’s home country, which is still recovering from damage sustained during Hurricane Maria – at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan last weekend.
The Yadier Molina Home Run Derby and Celebrity Softball Game took place on December 9, and provided an avenue for Baez to show off his skills in a way we’ve never quite seen before:
VIDEO: #Cubs 2B/SS JAVIER BAEZ @javy23baez El Mago Batting Left and Right at Yadier Molina 2018 HR Derby in PR. pic.twitter.com/jpX161J5r6
— Chicago Cubs Rumors (@cubs1611) December 14, 2017
WUT.
I knew that Javy Baez was naturally left-handed, it’s among the many reasons people suspect his tagging has become downright legendary – but I didn’t quite think he’d look like such a natural from the opposite side of the plate.
I mean, sure, someone is lobbing pitches in there for him to hit to the moon, but his nonchalant switch to left-handed was smoother than pretty much anything I’ve ever done in my entire life. And, hey, even he seems to be pretty impressed with his work, right?
And if his wonderfully positive attitude during that charity event for his home country wasn’t enough to bring a smile to your face, maybe this short video of how he’s spending his offseason with his family on his farm will:
Both on and off the field, @javy23baez is living the dream. pic.twitter.com/wsAgB2JSXh
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) December 15, 2017
Javy Baez is the man. I hope he gets a nice, long, well-deserved rest in this winter, because I can’t wait to see what he brings back to Chicago in April.
Luis Medina contributed to this post