May 31, 2013
1. Best of Vanderbilt Baseball Shenanigans 2013.
 |
Brandon Barca (Archive) |
The VandyBoys know how to entertain.
Yes, the Commodores’ record-setting regular season speaks for itself, but what also catches the eye of spectators is their unique routines to stay loose during games.
Everything from handshakes and outfield stretches, to swimming in the green ocean of Hawkins Field. Some of the rituals have gone on for years, and the antics continue to grow.
The most talked about addition this season involves pitchers Jared Miller and Steven Rice. Their pregame routine starts as a handshake and ends up like a scene between Johnny and Baby in Dirty Dancing. “It’s just one of those things where we have to lay it all on the line for the team,” Miller said.
Miller created the idea when he was swing dancing with friends over winter break. Bored at first by the activity, he soon became intrigued by the flips and turns. Miller then persuaded Rice, who had no reservations performing the stunts, even though most of the risk falls on the 5-foot-8 reliever. “Rice doesn’t have many fears,” claimed Miller. “He was all for it. He loves giving the people what they want.”
The flashy display includes Miller flipping Rice backwards at his hip and then lifting him high above his 6-foot-6 frame. The reaction from fans gets louder every game once Rice hits the ground.
For safety measures, the duo goes through a dry run during stretches and then it’s showtime minutes before the game.
The only thing missing is a name. Miller described it as a finale to pregame activities, but said nothing was official. (You know, that actually might do it, at least for now: The Finale.)
Check out this delightful reel to see a bunch of Vanderbilt shenanigans at its finest. VIDEO
2. Fungo Golf with Jared Miller and Steven Rice. Another tradition of Vanderbilt baseball takes place outside of game day called Fungo Golf. Miller and Rice were kind enough to let our cameras follow their session at Hawkins Field a few weeks ago after practice. And a big thanks to Wes Whaley for producing this gem. VIDEO
3. Deleted Scenes: Vanderbilt Baseball Shenanigans. We collected too much footage during the regular season to let it go to waste. So here’s a bonus reel of shenanigans just for you. One stipulation: learn every handshake and outfield exercise for NCAA Regionals this weekend. VIDEO
