There has been a lot of things that have stood out this year for the Tigers. Whether it be any one of Justin Verlander’s starts, Jose Valverde’s save opportunities or watching Victor Martinez come up to bat with runners in scoring position the Tigers have certainly been an entertaining team to watch this year.
You also cannot forget the number of consecutive starts catcher Alex Avila and just his overall play this season.
Something else associated with Avila this season has been the beating he’s taken from behind the plate. On a nightly basis he takes a number of foul balls to the mask, arm, wrists yet still is able to go back out and give it 100%.
During Tuesday night’s victory over the Chicago White Sox, something else happened involving Alex Avila that he as well as fans probably won’t forget.
During the 8th inning, White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski fouled off an 0-2 fastball from Tigers relief pitcher Joaquin Benoit. The ball struck Avila’s mask and sent sparks flying from it.
“It was ridiculous,” Avila said. “That looked like a firecracker coming off my mask.”
Avila did not see the sparks at the time but saw replays on the Internet later that night.
“I hope none of the tape the trainers use is flammable,” he joked. “I’ve got to check my mask out. I didn’t notice anything. I left my mask on. I didn’t feel anything jar or break on my mask. I don’t know. Maybe there are some burn marks on my mask.”
Avila’s mask is just the latest thing catching fire with the Tigers. Going into Wednesday the Tigers have won 11 straight, a feet that hasn’t happened for the organization since 1934.
Perhaps the sparks are a sign of things to come…
Source: Mlive.com, MLB.com
