Some players just stand out from the others.
It could be because they are simply the best at their position, the most unorthodox guy on the field or some other reason, but baseball can trace its legacy as our National Pastime through these kind of players.
I can't help but watch Hunter Pence and feel like I'm seeing the essence of raw, quirky ball-playing that was even more popular before the baseball swing became such a science that could be taught, rehearsed and perfected.
Players like Pence, whose natural ability allow them to maintain their oddball mantra, understand what's at the core of the game. Some parts simply can't be taught—only played.
The Praying Mantis
Hunter Pence got the Praying Mantis nickname due to his funny sidearm throwing motion as well as his highly unusual batting stance. But you can't deny that it all works just fine.
Having hit 25 home runs in each of his three full seasons in the majors, Pence has earned his third spot in the lineup in Houston. Even though his chances to excel on an extremely weak Astro team are limited, Pence racks up admirable RBI, stolen base and batting average statistics on an annual basis. His yearly average is 82, 14 and .278, respectively.
But it's not the stats that make him truly standout. It's his weird way of going about it all.
Today's sluggers want to look intimidating in the box. They wear enough protective padding to shield them from a grenade if need be. They step slowly into the batters box, call for time, and dig into the dirt viciously. Joey Votto and Ryan Howard also like to take time to point their barrel straight at the pitcher.
Hunter Pence, on the other hand, steps in quickly, chokes up on the bat a full inch and a half, squats low with his weight shifted to his back foot, and wastes no time before he starts rapidly gyrating his while body. He goes old-school by wearing only one batting glove .
You can't help but laugh at his swing, too.
If he likes the pitch, he cocks the bat, brings his front foot up high, and proceeds to whip his arms forward with a really loose swing. Baseball hitting instructors out there cringe when they see his incredibly loose swing—the opposite of what most sluggers do today.
But that's just it. Hunter Pence is not today's slugger. He reminds me of the hitters that made the game great. The guys who are forever immortalized by a picture on a baseball card or their stories that live on.
Cooperstown Bound?
It's way too early make such a ridiculous prediction, but he has a few things on his side. His follow-through is identical to Mickey Mantle's. His short-stride home run trot looks exactly like Babe Ruth as he rounds second. His consistency at the plate brings back memories of Hank Aaron.
The only thing left is for us to start talking about this guy. A few more years in the majors might also help.
Some players are years before their time. Hunter Pence is years after his time and is one fun guy to watch.
Mariah OBrien Uma Thurman Alice Dodd Kate Walsh Autumn Reeser
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