Now that he has established himself in the majors and is armed with a long term extension, Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider is ready to change his number.
After wearing number 65 thus far in his major league career, Strider is set to switch to number 99 in homage to Ricky ‘Wild Thing’ Vaughn from the Major League movies. However, it is worth noting that Guardians reliever James Karinchak wears number 99 in Cleveland and has adopted the Wild Thing persona.
Charlie Sheen recognizing Spencer Strider’s number change with Atlanta Braves
That number change, and the reasoning behind it, was not lost on Vaughn’s actor. Charlie Sheen tweeted at Strider, asking if he needs to grow his iconic moustache since Strider is wearing his number. There is no indication that Strider will be wearing Vaughn’s glasses on the mound, however.
He has already impressed during his brief time in Atlanta. The NL Rookie of the Year runner-up, Strider posted a 2.67 ERA and a 0.995 WHiP in his 131.2 innings striking out 202 batters with 45 walks. Opponents mustered a meager .180/.254/.264 batting line in their 528 plate appearances, hitting just seven homers.
It will be a difficult season to improve upon. And yet, the Braves may be hoping for just that as he signed a six year, $75 million extension with a team option for 2029. At 24 years old, it is certainly possible that Strider has another gear he can reach.
At the same time, the Braves have to hope that Strider does not channel Vaughn too closely. After all, the fictional Cleveland pitcher had an impressive fastball but zero command of it. No one needs Strider to be knocking the head off of a wooden stand-in in the batter’s box.
Spencer Strider is planning on honoring Ricky Vaughn this season for the Atlanta Braves. It is something that did not escape his actor, Charlie Sheen.