If you chose not watch the 2017 MLB All-Star Game, you missed a peculiar moment.
Prior to his sixth-inning at-bat for the American League All-Stars, Seattle Mariners designated hitter Nelson Cruz had an unusual request for St. Louis Cardinals and National League catcher Yadier Molina: he wanted a picture. More specifically, Cruz wanted a picture with home-plate umpire Joe West.
Yes, really. Here's the evidence:
"But first, let me get a picture"
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 12, 2017
Nelson Cruz had to get a pic with Joe West! #ASG 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/SbqXprETKl
During the Fox broadcast of the game, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal asked Cruz about the stunt. The reason? He just likes Joe West.
What a photo! @ncboomstick23 tells @Ken_Rosenthal all about his in-game pic with Joe West. #ASG https://t.co/MsM2yPY9rl
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 12, 2017
"Well, it was on my mind earlier," Cruz told Rosenthal. "They told us you don't have the phones in the dugout, and I was like, OK, they don't say the field. So I come up with that. I'm a big fan of Joe, he's been around for a while, so I was like, I have to do this."
So there you have it. Just a fun gesture from Cruz in a game that is once again an exhibition. That's about all you can ask for from the All-Star Game.
