The 10 best moments from Will Ferrell’s spring-training adventure
It’s safe to say that, thanks to the social-media age, no baseball event has been documented like Will Ferrell’s epic #FerrellTakesTheField spring-training adventure Thursday. The actor/comedian spent 14 hours playing 10 positions for 10 MLB teams in five Cactus League games, all the while owning the Internet and raising an estimated $1 million for charity.
The entire day was a lot to consume. Our live blog was overflowing with details, photos, quotes and highlights — and while that was a lot of fun to put together, we know some folks just want the “best of.” That’s why people still buy Bob Marley’s “Legend,” right?
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Because The Stew always has your back, we’ve fully digested #FerrellTakesTheField and narrowed the day down to 10 great moments that you shouldn’t miss. Walk with us, won’t you? Or run naked down the street. Whatever works.
1. COACHING THIRD BASE FOR THE CUBS
Yep, the most excellent thing wasn’t even part of the game itinerary. Ferrell’s best contribution to the day was as a third-base coach for the Cubs, where he hilariously re-defined the way “signs” are used in baseball. The Cubs rallied for four runs that innings, so Ferrell’s coaching was obviously a big help. Just look at how he counseled young Addison Russell.
2. KEEPING A 0.00 ERA WITH THE DODGERS
Ferrell took the mound for the Dodgers in his final stop, one of the times this well-orchestrated show could get really real from a baseball perspective. But Ferrell did his job — delivering a 55 mph pitch that San Diego’s Rico Noel bunted back to the mound. Ferrell fielded it cleanly and got the out at first. One up, one down, 0.00 ERA in tact.
3. ARRIVING IN A HELICOPTER IN FULL UNIFORM
Traveling was a big part of this. The stadiums in Arizona are close, but not right-across-the-street close. To get from Scottsdale (where the Arizona Diamondbacks play) to Glendale (where the Chicago White Sox play), Ferrell got a ride in a helicopter. Of course, he landed on the field, emerging in full White Sox uniform, with a bat in his hand, ready to DH.
4. HITTING AND CATCHING IN THE SAME INNING
By the time Ferrell arrived at the White Sox/Giants game, he was behind schedule. It was the ninth inning, so he didn’t have much time for pageantry. He needed to play ball. So in the same half-inning, he DH’d for the White Sox and caught for the Giants. He struck out at the plate — he was 0-for-2 on the day with two Ks, both coming in Chicago uniforms — but did manage to foul off a pitch. Then he was “traded” to the Giants, strapped on the catcher’s gear and caught an intentional walk. We had hoped for some actual catching, but alas, this is what we got.
5. THE GREAT TRANSACTIONS OF THE DAY
The teams involved tried to play along with the spirit of the day by making roster moves for Ferrell. He was “traded” a number of times and released a couple times too. At least the teams had fun with that part of it:
6. NOT MESSING UP THE FIRST TIME THE BALL WAS HIT TO HIM
Ferrell’s first two games were tame. No balls hit his way. When he got into an Angels uniform, though, and manned centerfield, he got his first fielding chance. And he didn’t screw it up, which is really all you can ask in this situation.
7. PLAYING LEFT FIELD FOR THE D-BACKS
The toughest part of the day, baseball-wise, came when Ferrell played left field for the Diamondbacks. He got three balls hit in his direction and he didn’t boot any of them. His 47-year-old speed allowed the Reds to take some extra bases, but Ferrell certainly didn’t embarrass himself.
8. GIVING HOT DOGS TO EVERYBODY!
As Ferrell left the D-backs and joined the Reds, he stopped by a section of fans at Salt River Field and announced he was giving free hot dogs to everyone.
9. SHOWING RESPECT FOR TONY GWYNN
For most of the day, Ferrell wore No. 19 in honor of Bert Campaneris, who was the first to play all nine positions. But the Padres’ No. 19 belongs to the late Tony Gwynn, so Ferrell changed it up and wore No. 20 while he played right field. That’s an ultimate show of respect for Gwynn.
10. GIVING US A WONDERFUL SPEECH TO FINISH THE DAY
After a long day that started at 6:30 a.m. local time, Ferrell finished up at close to 9 p.m. He didn’t hit the showers right away and ice his legs. This is Will Ferrell we’re talking about. He had to leave us with something comedic. Here’s his wrap-up speech in which he compares himself to Babe Ruth, Stan Musial and Mickey Mantle, then talks about going into the Hall of Fame “as a Red or a Mariner or whatever.”
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Mike Oz is the editor of Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @MikeOz
