As if Chicago Cubs fans had not had it hard enough the past 108 years, YABO machine Kyle Schwarber suffered a season-ending ACL and LCL tear in the first week of the season against the Arizona Diamondbacks. In order to avoid triggering Cub-fan tears, I will not post the video of the collision, it has haunted me enough as it is. Thy sky is not falling on the youthful team’s season, however, Jorge Soler is a more than serviceable replacement in left field and is able to provide some thunder at the dish as well. Schwarber’s roster spot was filled by fan-favorite Munenori Kawasaki, who just may be the most entertaining man in baseball.
Never mind that he hit .367 in Spring Training with a dinger and eight RBIs, the man is electric. He is a giddy teenager trapped in a seasoned veteran’s body, truly plays for the love of the game, and has the time of his life doing so. I have worn sports goggles for years, but those spectacles he rocks are absolutely diabolical. What I am most excited about is the addition a fun-loving personality to the clubhouse. Team chemistry is an oft-overlooked dynamic of many successful ball clubs, and Muni Kawasaki will contribute heftily in boosting morale. It is a long season, but with Kawasaki on board, it will be a great one both on the field and in the clubhouse.
The icing on the cake is his entertainment value, though. Every time a microphone and/or camera is put in front of the guy something great happens. Whether he is belting out Aerosmith at a Spring Training karaoke session, playing rock-paper-scissors with an opposing mascot, or being interviewed by the local news, Kawasaki never fails to disappoint. A quick YouTube search of his name provides some great content that is entertaining to everyone, whether they are a baseball fan or not.
As a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, I have dealt with heartbreak and disappointment more times than I can count, so losing Kyle Schwarber for the remainder of the season is just another bump in the road. I do now know how (or if) the Cubs will regress without one of their biggest bats in the lineup, but I do know one thing. When I go to Wrigley Field on April 30, I will most definitely be donning a Munenori Kawasaki #66 jersey.