McAfee Rallies for Infield Single vs. Kershaw!

McAfee Legs Out Infield Single Against Hall of Fame Pitcher Kershaw

In a highly anticipated showdown that pitted viral internet sensation Pat McAfee against future Hall of Fame pitcher Clayton Kershaw, the unthinkable happened. McAfee, known more for his boisterous broadcasting and punting prowess than his baseball acumen, managed to put the ball in play and leg out an infield single against the legendary Dodgers lefty.

The friendly, yet competitive, matchup was framed with a unique incentive system, as outlined by McAfee, where donations to Kershaw’s challenge would be tied to specific outcomes. A hit would net $10,000, an extra-base hit a hefty $15,000, while a walk would secure $10,500. Even making contact would trigger a $5,000 donation, highlighting McAfee’s goal to simply put the ball in play against one of baseball’s all-time greats.

Kershaw’s Arsenal Meets McAfee’s Grit

From the outset, the challenge was clear: could McAfee, a self-proclaimed amateur, even make contact with Kershaw’s signature breaking balls? “If he throws you a curveball, you’re in trouble. That breaking ball, good luck. It’s pretty nasty,” one observer noted, setting the stage for the daunting task ahead. McAfee himself admitted his limitations, questioning, “Do you think I make contact? I can barely make contact again.”

Kershaw, ever the professional, seemed to toy with McAfee initially, throwing pitches that were clearly balls, eliciting confusion and amusement. “No balls, no strikes,” was the call, allowing McAfee to get a feel for the legendary arm without immediate penalty. However, the first real pitch, described as a “fast bass curve,” resulted in a foul tip, a sign that McAfee was at least in the same zip code.

The Moment of Truth: Contact and a Hustle

The tension built with each pitch. After a few swing-and-misses and more foul balls, McAfee found himself in an 0-2 count. “You’re definitely going to hit me with something,” he mused, anticipating Kershaw’s move. Then, it happened. A pitch, described by Kershaw as a two-seamer that was “supposed to kind of run but it kind of ran the other way,” was met by McAfee’s bat.

While not a clean hit, the ball was put in play, and McAfee, fueled by adrenaline and perhaps the thought of the donation, hustled down the first base line. The throw to first was tight, but McAfee’s effort was enough to beat it out for an infield single. “Well, count that as a single. Infield single,” the announcer confirmed, acknowledging the momentous achievement.

McAfee’s Reaction and Kershaw’s Perspective

A triumphant McAfee couldn’t hide his excitement. “Made contact. What’s your drone?” he exclaimed, already planning his Twitter bio update. He even claimed to have read Kershaw’s mind on the subsequent pitch, anticipating a curveball after making contact. Kershaw, while acknowledging the single, offered his perspective on the play: “I was aiming away through a two seamer and it’s supposed to kind of run but it kind of ran the other way. You got jammed, but contact.”

Despite the single, the overall encounter saw a significant number of swing-and-misses from McAfee. “A lot of swinging misses,” was noted, underscoring the immense challenge Kershaw presented. However, the single was the headline, a testament to McAfee’s determination and a moment that will undoubtedly be replayed and celebrated in internet sports lore.

What’s Next?

For Pat McAfee, this single is a personal victory, a story he can tell for years to come – he got a hit off Clayton Kershaw. It reinforces his persona as someone who embraces challenges, no matter how improbable. For Clayton Kershaw, it’s a minor blip in an otherwise stellar career, a brief, lighthearted moment in his preparation for the upcoming MLB season. The real winners, however, are Kershaw’s Challenge and the fans who were treated to a unique and entertaining display of sportsmanship and unexpected success.

Source: Can Pat McAfee Get A Hit On Future Hall Of Famer Clayton Kershaw? (YouTube)