Catcher Danny Jansen becomes first player in MLB history to play on both teams in same game
NBCAug 29
MLB Player Becomes First to Play on Both Teams in Same Game
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Above: Danny Jansen of the Boston Red Sox at bat during the second inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during game one of a doubleheader at Fenway Park on Aug. 26, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. Image copyright: Paul Rutherford/Contributor/Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
The Facts
Major League Baseball (MLB) catcher Danny Jansen of the Boston Red Sox made history on Monday as the first player in the league's history to play for both teams in the same game.
The game began on June 26, during which Jansen was the catcher for the Toronto Blue Jays. However, when Jansen was up to bat in the second inning, the game was suspended and postponed due to rain.
The Spin
Narrative A
The magic of major league baseball is still alive, and this time it's thanks to a player whose statistics are nothing to brag about. Thanks to the Blue Jays trading Jansen, this career .200 batting average catcher is going to have his name in the Hall of Fame.
Narrative B
While trading Jansen to the Red Sox did result in some exciting history-making, the Blue Jays were wrong to let go of a catcher whose blocking abilities are in the 98th percentile of the league. While his hitting is far less praiseworthy, he's still capable of hitting for power, not to mention his popularity among fans. This historic day should never have happened.
