MLB players obviously have a few months of rust to knock off as summer camps get underway, and Washington Nationals infielder Eric Thames credits a pastime associated with backyard barbecues and such for keeping him sharp during the league’s layoff.
Thames took to Instagram this week to explain that his sharpness during pitcher fielding practice (PFP) drills so far in camp has benefited from playing “hours of quarantine cornhole” — the beanbag-tossing game — over the past few months.
In many instances, cornhole is played with a beer or another adult beverage in one hand while tossing the beanbag with the other. It appears Thames’ glove served as a suitable replacement for a cold brew or what have you when it comes to his comfort level during the infield drills.
Cornhole reps aside, Thames did address what it’s like to be preparing for a baseball season amid the coronavirus pandemic, along with the risks and potential pitfalls associated with MLB attempting to put on a shortened 60-game season. Thames nevertheless insists ballplayers are eager and itching to get things underway.
“All of us are ready,” Thames said, per the New York Post. “All the players, America needs to see baseball. We all need it, as players, the fans and the world. It definitely needs something to watch right now. So, we’re chomping at the bit.”
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