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Baseball lore has it that the great Willie Mays would wear his cap somewhat loosely atop his astute dome so that it would fly off during one of his dashes in the outfield or on the bases. It was a flourish that added to his deserved mythology.
Recent baseball events have given us occasion to suspect the same of Eduardo Nunez of the Yankees. In his case, however, it's the batting helmet and not the cap that's turned into a projectile during instances of haste. Other than that, I can think of no differences between Eduardo Nunez and Willie Mays.
Anyhow, in the eighth inning of the Yanks' eventual win over the Rangers on Thursday, Nunez stayed out of a possible double play and helped plate a crucial insurance run. In the process, Nunez's helmet took to wing, not unlike the vulnerable birdies that Dane De La Rosa so loves ...
At this point, Yankees broadcasters David Cone and Ken Singleton described recent, present and future helmet-abusing events almost perfectly ...
And now, watch on as Mr. Nunez absolutely Russell Erxlebens his lid during the course of this championship caught-stealing play ...
Excelsior!
Know who else approves of ritual desecration of protective Yankee headgear? Mickey Rootin'-Tootin' Mantle, that's who ...
Remember, Eduardo Nunez's helmet, the safe word is "juniper." Or "Erxleben" on weekends.
