I know this might come as a shock to many, but players and coaches in the dugout and the bullpen aren’t always up at the fence watching the game. Sometimes they’re making smalltalk with each other, sometimes they’re playing games, and sometimes they’re even scouting the bleachers for tail. For tail. But fear not; their motives aren’t always completely impure. On rare occasion, there may be real depth to their carnal surveillance.
Bullpen Catcher At Heart Of Only Feel-Good Story Of Mariners’ Season
As we see from the example of Jason Phillips, former big league backstop for the Mets, Dodgers, and Blue Jays, and current bullpen catcher for the allegedly big league Seattle Mariners. I’ll let columnist Jerry Brewer tell the story:
Jason Phillips spotted a woman at Safeco Field last May and knew he had to make a choice: Be bold or be ignored.
...
The game with the Oakland A’s went into extra innings. Phillips grabbed a baseball, scribbled his number on it, got the woman’s attention and tossed it to her.
...On Sunday, Jason Phillips and Molly Ray will get married, and their wedding guests will attend the ceremony in the only logical place to celebrate their serendipitous romance.
The bullpen.
Molly Ray being the woman at Safeco Field. I probably shouldn’t have left that detail out.
It’s a heartwarming tale of true love, and how deep, meaningful connections can be forged in the most unexpected of places. It would’ve been easy to think that Jason Phillips was disappointed with having to retire and become a bullpen catcher in his early 30’s. However, he retired in his physical prime, he has a steady job that keeps him involved with the game, and he just met a lovely new wife at the ballpark by means of a bold act he’ll be recounting for the rest of his years. Jason Phillips, it seems, is living a life worthy of envy.
So there’s your d’awww moment of the night, in case you find yourself disappointed with the NBA outcome. Also, because this is the Internet, following are some embarrassingly easy alternate headlines:
Bullpen Catcher Jason Phillips First 2010 Mariner To Score
Mariners’ Catcher Skips Middleman, Delivers Ball Straight To Seats
Reception For Phillips/Ray Wedding To Make Even Bigger Mess Of Mariner Bullpen
Rough Season Drives Mariner Coach To Escapism Through Marriage
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