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Killakaronic t1_jc5su1o wrote

Reply to comment by JaqenHghar in 21 year old Nicaraguan pitcher Duque Hebbert signed by Detroit Tigers immediately after game in which he struck out a trio of MLB stars. by carnifex2005

McClung wasn’t some unknown dunker. He was picked specifically for this competition because of that known skill he has. And there weren’t any big dogs in the dunk contest.

The kid that struck out those 3 Allstars wasn’t even signed by a team that has to fill a roster for a low A, high A, Double A and Triple A team.

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Lemur718 t1_jc720r1 wrote

Also mclung is not doing anything in the NBA -being a dunker is not the same as contributing and being able to hang in the NBA. this guy will be an impact player in the game of baseball.

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JaqenHghar t1_jc6e6zp wrote

Idk a D leaguer coming in is still pretty impressive. That’s never happened before right? As a casual viewer I wasn’t familiar with him so the story piqued my interest.

Obviously this kid can pitch and was chosen to the team for his skill. Much like mcclung was chosen for his…skill.

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alreadyreddituser t1_jc6f9ld wrote

This was in an actual game against the very best competition in the world. The equivalent of McClung winning the dunk contest would’ve been this guy coming in and lighting up a radar gun during a practice throwing session that only backups were participating in.

They’re not the same.

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demarderollins t1_jc6jvr8 wrote

It’s more like Sundiata Gaines signing a 10 day contract with the jazz and hitting a game winner buzzer beat in his first game against lebron’s team

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Think_please t1_jc6j1px wrote

It's like if Hebbert won a stuffed bear at a carnival for knocking over some milk bottles

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JaqenHghar t1_jc6hs1w wrote

This also isn’t the MLB so I’d argue those mega paid stars aren’t trying 100%.

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DTaH_Flux t1_jc6i7h6 wrote

They're playing in the World Baseball Classic. Team USA just lost to Mexico and was clowned by the fans. They have an all-world lineup including Trout, Goldschmidt, Betts, and Turner. This is their chance to win an actual world championship.

I would bet a lot of money that a majority of them are trying hard even though this isn't the main league they play in.

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Useful-ldiot t1_jc6invm wrote

If you don't think they were trying during an at bat, I have a bridge to sell you.

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JaqenHghar t1_jc6ix60 wrote

I said not 100%. Calm down everyone, Jesus. Y’all are way too literal.

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TimRoxSox t1_jc6v63a wrote

I think the point is that these guys aren't going 50%. You don't get to the majors without a crazy work ethic. This is occurring during Spring Training, where the players are getting ready for the season (so they are doing their best to get into playing shape -- dogging it doesn't help their long-term outlook). And nationality-based team sports are always stocked with patriotic players who want to win.

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Useful-ldiot t1_jc7lqy9 wrote

And on top of this, if you aren't trying, it's not going to be during an at bat.

Do they dive to make the ridiculous catch? Maybe, maybe not.

Do they try and stretch the double into a triple? Maybe, maybe not.

The "easiest" part of baseball, in terms of physical effort, is hitting.

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kactus t1_jc88y62 wrote

But...they probably are giving it 100%. Competition is competition for these guys. They aren't going to turn down their effort level just because it's not the MLB.

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TopShotsTopShots t1_jc6h9yh wrote

Would it surprise you to find out that there are professional dunkers out there that would wreck any NBA player in a dunk contest, but would probably lose to a G league scrub in actual basketball? Turns out jumping really high is not all you need to be a good basketball player. They only called up McClung because thats how far the dunk contest had fallen off.

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slothlovereddit t1_jc6t5rf wrote

I stopped watching the dunk contest when they started jumping over Kias. Can't imagine what they are doing now

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DenFlyvendeFlamingo t1_jc7h915 wrote

This year was great. Best one in a while and second best the last 15 years or so, after the Aaron Gordon and Lavine one

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TopShotsTopShots t1_jc7im8l wrote

I wanna see real nba players...star players

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DenFlyvendeFlamingo t1_jc7j4vn wrote

Well we all do. But in regards to quality this year was a step up. I’d they can keep this up, maybe stars will be inclined to participate again.

Also Lavine is an all-star caliber player and he participated. The thing is that it’s mostly the young athletic players that’ll participate, and sometimes they grow into star players and sometimes they don’t.

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Brutal007 t1_jc6s9m7 wrote

This is the equivalent of a guy that didn’t even go to college or get signed to play basketball outta HS. Getting to play in the the all star game, but this all star game is actually competitive and both sides want to win, and dropping 50 points against the best of the best.

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