Ah, summer. Full of ice cream, days spent by the pool and America's greatest past time: baseball. The sport practically sweeps the nation in the warmer months, spanning from little league to the major leagues. Hypotheticals of success are drawn, fantasy teams are drafted, bets are made-- its a guy's paradise. But have you ever wondered what a fantasy team would look like if you were competing to come up with the hottest team, not necessarily the most talented team? I have. So, in my spare time I came up with the "Hard Hitting Heartthrobs".
Shall we round all of our bases?
Catcher: Francisco Cervelli, Pittsburgh Pirates
This Venezuelan Italian stole the hearts of all Pittsburgh Pirates fans in 2008 and doesn't plan on giving them back any time soon. Though he's married (sorry guys), this past season he opened up to his fans during a pregame show to give them some dating advice. He told one lady she should pretend to go to the bathroom and LEAVE THE RESTAURANT if her date spends too much time on his phone. And he told another that it definitely isn’t alright to break up via text/email. Ah, if only there were more guys like you, Cervelli.
1st Base: Eric Hosmer, Kansas City Royals
Not only is Hosmer a total hottie, but he's also a total family guy. He attributes most, if not all, or his success to his mom and dad-- the first people who introduced him to the game. When he finally made it big time, he told his parents "WE made it." *cue all the feels*
2nd Base: Joe Panik, San Francisco Giants
Don't Panik guys, he's totally single. Oh, and he's got the brains AND the brawn, too. Majoring in Finance and playing baseball at St. Johns University in NY, Joe moved to California in 2011 to play for the San Francisco Giants. They say Californians always have their head in the clouds, but I think that just might be us daydreaming about #12.
Shortstop: Corey Seager Los Angeles Dodgers
For this LA Dodger, baseball is just a family affair. Following in his brothers Kyle and Justin's footsteps, Corey headed to the MLB in 2012 after de-committing from USC. In return, the Dodgers offered him a $2.35 million signing bonus.
3rd Base: Trevor Plouffe, Minnesota Twins
Sadly, he's married. I guess there can only be so many eligible bachelors in the world. You can follow him on twitter at @TPlouffe24 to see what he's up to, you know, if you're still interested.
Right Field: Bryce Harper, Washington Nationals
Okay, this one was a total given. Whether we're fangirling about his recent 1 game suspension and calling him a "total bad boy" for it (and watching the video over and over again just to see the way his muscles flex during the altercation), or just admiring his big beautiful blue eyes, he's the poster boy for attractive baseball players everywhere. In his off time, he's a total foodie, posting pictures of mouth watering delicacies all over his Insta feed. Check it out here!
Center Field: Kevin Kiermaier, Tampa Bay Rays
This green-eyed center fielder is hard not to find yourself drooling over. And just to put the cherry on top of it all: you could find yourself (yeah, I'm talking to you) face to face with potentially interacting with him. I'm not kidding! Kiermaier has dipped his toe into the dating pool in the most millennial way possible-- Tinder. More of a reason to travel to Tampa I suppose.
Left Field: Wil Myers, San Diego Padres
This 2013 AL Rookie of the Year found his way the the Major Leagues after de-committing from USC in 2009 to pursue his dreams. He's always getting into something new, whether it be putt putt golfing with his teammates or meeting Will Ferrell. Wanna keep up on his most recent endeavors? Follow him on Instagram here!
Starting Pitcher: Daniel Norris, Detroit Tigers
During his off season, you can find this Tiger making his way home to Tennessee, and then to Spring Training in Florida to keep in tip top shape-- all in his 1978 Volkswagen Van. He sleeps in it, eats in it, cooks in it, the whole nine yards. He definitely roughs it, using windows as mirrors, shaving with an ax. You know, man things. As if being an attractive baseball player didn't give him all the brownie points in the world, he can now add "best travel buddy" to his resume. And probably "part time lumberjack", too.
Closing Pitcher: George Kontos, San Francisco Giants
If you weren't a cleat chaser before, you sure are now! I can almost guarantee it. Enjoy your summer and, more importantly, use all your free time to go see these guys play! Even if you don't know a thing about baseball.
