The hosts discuss the divergent Twitter reactions to a cat video and a tweet about Henry Kissinger. They explore the engagement of the tweets, the challenges of staying connected to baseball from afar, and the impact of weak divisions on playoff teams. They also delve into the way bodies are described in the baseball industry and investigate conflicting reports about historical baseball games.
The baseball community is becoming more conscious of the impact of body image on players' mental health.
Felix's return to Earth sparks excitement and curiosity among the inhabitants of Island 2.
Deep dives
The Impact of Body Swapping on Baseball Players' Performance
If baseball players were to undergo a freaky Friday-style body swap, it would likely be immediately noticeable and disorienting for both players and observers. While some players may adapt more quickly to their new physical attributes, the overall performance and coordination would likely be disrupted, leading to a decline in their abilities. The mental and emotional impact on the players involved should also be considered, as sudden changes in self-perception and body image can have significant effects on mental health. However, it is worth noting that the baseball community has become more conscious of these issues in recent years, and efforts are being made to approach discussions of players' bodies in a more sensitive and humane manner.
Felix, the Alien Baseball Player, Returns to the Earth
Felix, the extraterrestrial baseball player from the planet Harmony, makes a dramatic return to Earth after 19 years. He arrives at Island 2, an orbiting space habitat, and requests to dock and play baseball. Felix holds tryouts and plays pick-up games, showcasing his talent as a hitter and fielder. His return sparks excitement and curiosity among the inhabitants of Island 2, who are eager to learn why Felix has come back. Meanwhile, Felix entertains the crowd with his signature style and humor, hitting a remarkable inside-the-park home run with the help of the Coriolis effect. After the game, Felix invites his old friends, Ollie, Lily, and Randy, to join him on the field, calling them his travel team and his favorite humans. The story ends with the promise of further adventures and the anticipation of what lies ahead.
The Mystery of Felix's Return
Despite Felix's triumphant return, the reason behind his sudden reappearance remains unknown. Ollie and Lily speculate on possible explanations, such as a recall from his superiors or a desire to showcase Earth's readiness to join the interstellar space pack. They discuss Felix's enigmatic nature and his love for the game of baseball. Randy joins them and shares his recent experiences as a pilot, shuttling between different locations in space. The friends enjoy the spectacle of Felix's performance, including his signature running style and his humorous antics. They revel in the nostalgia of seeing Felix once again, while also realizing that their lives are about to become more interesting and unpredictable.
Felix's Return Creates Excitement Among Fans
As Felix's legend grows, so does the excitement among fans witnessing his return to Earth. The story highlights Felix's exhibition game at Island 2, where he amazes the crowd with his incredible hitting and fielding skills. The fans eagerly cheer on Felix, eagerly anticipating his next move. The narrative shifts to a specific game at Island 2, where Felix unexpectedly reenacts Babe Ruth's famous called shot in the 1932 World Series. Ollie explains to Lily the concept of the Coriolis effect, which affects ball flight in the rotating atmosphere of Island 2. The crowd erupts as Felix hits a home run and completes an inside-the-park run. The scene captures the sheer joy and awe of the fans as Felix demonstrates his extraordinary abilities and rekindles their love for the game of baseball.
Ben Lindbergh, Meg Rowley, and top-tier Patreon supporter Kevin Peskuric banter about and quantify the difference between the receptions to an @MLB tweet about a Shohei Ohtani cat encounter and an @Yankees tweet about Henry Kissinger. Then (18:48) they talk about Kevin’s background as a baseball fan and EW listener, answer listener emails (32:13) about […]
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