MLB: Five players the game needs to market moving forward
By David Hill
Fernando Tatis Jr.
Fernando Tatis made his mark on MLB record books by hitting two grand slams in the same inning. His son, Fernando Tatis Jr., has become one of the best young players in the game.
After finishing third in the NL Rookie of the Year last season, Tatis has had a breakout campaign this year. Entering action on Saturday, he was leading the NL in runs, homers, and RBI, staking a claim as one of the front runners for the league’s MVP award.
Tatis has also brought about a discussion regarding the unwritten rules of the game by hitting a grand slam on a 3-0 pitch. In doing so, he put a spotlight on an antiquated code that, in some ways, holds the game back. It keeps players from celebrating in big moments and from displaying the type of enthusiasm that can draw younger fans.
That is something lacking in the game. MLB needs to show its players having fun and celebrating a clutch home run or a key strikeout. Bat flips and fist pumps on the mound should not be an issue. Let the players show their personality, as Tatis did in this in-game interview while on the diamond.
Fernando Tatis Jr. is a young star on an up and coming San Diego Padres team. He is the perfect player for MLB to look at marketing.