When Los Angeles left-handed pitcher Clayton Kershaw recorded his 3,000th strikeout in opposition to the Chicago White Sox final week, there was one notable particular person lacking from the historic evening.
Extra information: Lineup vs Astros: Shohei Ohtani Beginning and Main Off on Birthday
Austin Barnes, who beforehand spent his total MLB profession with the , was not capable of watch his longtime teammate and good friend turn into the twentieth member of the three,000 strikeout-club from the dugout.
“I want I might have been there,” Barnes mentioned to The Athletic’s Sam Blum. “I’m simply tremendous excited for him. It’s an unbelievable accomplishment.”
Barnes was behind the plate for 86 of Kerhsaw’s begins all through their time in L.A. collectively. The veteran catcher was designated for task in Might within the midst of his eleventh season with the .
Barnes has since signed a minor league take care of the San Francisco Giants. And so, he needed to settle watching Kershaw from his cellphone.
Like many followers watching from dwelling, Barnes eagerly adopted alongside because the three-time Cy Younger winner took the mound in opposition to the White Sox.
“I used to be identical to, ‘Man, throw the curveball, throw the curveball,’” Barnes mentioned. “Get to 2 strikes and end him. I used to be going together with the sport, making an attempt to get a strikeout with him. Making an attempt to will it over the cellphone.”
Whereas Barnes didn’t need to make the story about himself, it was evident the backstop had hoped to witness Kershaw attain the feat as his teammate.
“You need to be there. … I want I might have been there for him. However yeah, it’s what it’s.”
Extra information: How Will Change Max Muncy at Third Base? Dave Roberts Solutions
Photograph Credit score: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports activities
Have you ever joined our Discord Channel but? Be part of the final word Nation group and get VIP Nation Entry! Don’t miss out on real-time discuss, call-in entry to Dougout, behind-the-scenes content material, unique interviews, giveaways, and extra!
