Having never been to Dodger Stadium before last night, I can confidently say that when Knox Kelly took the field to throw out the first pitch, Chavez Ravine was humming with the anticipation that normally only accompanies playoff contests.
And after Joe Kelly’s toddler hurled a strike (I’m assuming the batter would have swung at the ball in the grass), the energy only grew more potent.
Yes, it was Joe Kelly Bobblehead Night in Los Angeles, and the world could not contain its excitement.
“This is one of the highlights of my life.”
“I’ll treasure this bobblehead ‘til the day I die.”
“Wow, Knox has some moves!”
And these were all just the things that I said. Imagine what everyone else was saying.
Dave Roberts opted not to put our hero into the game—probably because it wasn’t a save situation—but it was no matter. Joe Kelly was appropriately celebrated, and appeared to be enjoying the experience (while, of course, steeling himself for the next opportunity he gets to blow 99 mph fastballs past some of the best athletes in the world).
Yes, Dodgers fans haven’t been particularly pleased with Joe Kelly so far this year. But while I’d venture that some of them are still #haters, it seems goodwill was fostered, especially when the Dodgers PR department made the savvy move of putting a two-or-three-year-old (I don’t know Knox’s birthday—that would be crossing a line) front and center.
Joe Kelly and Los Angeles: A love affair with twists and turns, trending towards love.
