Baltimore Orioles Catcher James McCann Displays Remarkable Toughness After Taking Fastball to the Face
In a gripping display of resilience and grit, Baltimore Orioles catcher James McCann stunned the crowd and his teammates by continuing to play after being struck in the face by a 94.6 mph fastball from Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Yariel RodrĂguez. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon during the first game of a doubleheader, and despite the intense impact, McCann endured, contributing significantly to the Orioles' 11-5 victory over the Blue Jays.
Trainer Brian Ebel quickly attended to McCann on the field, managing to stop the bleeding and provide initial care. After changing his blood-soaked jersey, McCann impressively returned to catch the remaining innings. His determination and toughness left a lasting impression on everyone present.
Manager Brandon Hyde praised McCann saying, "He is incredibly, incredibly tough. Catches eight more innings after that. He doesn't have a head or eye trauma or injury. We're suspecting it's a broken nose. He's going to get a CT scan tomorrow. All signs right now are we dodged a major bullet."
Teammate Tyler Wells echoed this sentiment: "He really appreciated McCann's toughness."
Unyielding Spirit Amid Adversity
McCann's resilience was evident as he completed the game despite his eye swelling notably later in the innings. The initial suspicion is that he has sustained a broken nose, necessitating a CT scan to assess the extent of his injuries. Remarkably, McCann still managed to go 1 for 3 in the game, which included the hit-by-pitch incident, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the team.
Throughout the season, McCann has been serving as the backup to Adley Rutschman, maintaining a batting line of .218/.273/.324. Adding a layer of complexity to his story, McCann is in the final year of his four-year, $40.6 million contract initially signed with the New York Mets in December 2020.
Currently, the Mets are covering the majority of McCann's salary, providing financial flexibility for the Orioles. Despite the financial and physical challenges, McCann has consistently showcased his value on the field.
A Vital Win for the Orioles
The Orioles' 11-5 triumph over the Blue Jays bolstered their standing in the AL East, improving their record to 63-43 and providing a 1 1/2 game cushion at the top of the division. McCann’s perseverance played a pivotal role in securing this victory, solidifying his reputation as a resilient and dedicated player.
This incident also recalls a similar occurrence earlier in July, when Orioles outfielder Heston Kjerstad was hit in the head by a pitch from New York Yankees pitcher Clay Holmes. Kjerstad was subsequently placed on the concussion list and missed eight days, indicating the team's prudent approach to player health and safety.
Looking Forward
Given the context of Kjerstad's recent injury, the Orioles' management is expected to proceed with caution regarding McCann's condition. Ensuring his full recovery is essential, as his health and availability will be vital elements in the Orioles' pursuit of continued success this season.
In the realm of professional sports, a player's toughness and resilience often become the stuff of legend, and James McCann's recent performance cements his place in that narrative. His determination to see through the game, despite severe physical adversity, exemplifies the spirit of a true athlete. As fans and teammates look forward to his return, McCann's story will undoubtedly be remembered as a testament to the unyielding human spirit in the face of formidable challenges.