Ostriches, butt cheeks and relentless energy: How Austin Hedges became an indispensable MLB teammate
Briefly

After the Texas Rangers traded for Max Scherzer, players were hesitant around him due to his stature. Contrarily, catcher Austin Hedges embraced the challenge, jokingly targeting Scherzer and fostering camaraderie. Despite Hedges' low batting average, his value lies in elite defensive skills and the positivity he brings to the clubhouse. With a one-year contract from the Cleveland Guardians, Hedges's life in the locker room is central, ensuring players feel comfortable engaging with established stars like Scherzer, ultimately aiding team morale and success toward a playoff berth.
"The best of the best, no one picks on them. These guys are dying for banter, just to be one of the boys."
"I love that he went for my throat immediately. He immediately transformed the dynamic of the entire team instead of having Max be on his own separate island."
Read at www.nytimes.com
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