In accordance with ancient Arizona Fall League tradition, members of the Salt River Rafters put an extra scare into the opposition by taking batting practice in costume on Monday.
The ghastly Halloween ritual worked most fiendishly for the Cardinals’ Jordan Walker — MLB’s No. 6 prospect — who shocked the Scottsdale Scorpions with a homer, a double and a stolen base in the Rafters’ 5-3 victory. He began the afternoon by stepping into the cage in a sloth onesie and a pair of Crocs.
“I might have to wear it every day, for sure,” said Walker, whose fifth dinger claimed a share of the AFL lead. “It was all good vibes.”
Pedro Pages, Walker’s organization-mate in the St. Louis system, demanded that onlookers respect his authority during BP. From somewhere inside an Eric Cartman inflatable, the catcher took some hacks and managed to make contact.
“Couldn’t see!’ Pages said. “I told the pitching coach, ‘You’ve got to throw it down the middle, because that’s the only way I’m hitting it.’ … All luck, honestly.”
The Rockies’ Zac Veen (MLB’s No. 23 prospect), who’s already inspired some decent laughs this month, was down for more monkeying around. He’s been a climber in MLB Pipeline’s rankings this year, and — dressed as a furry primate — he looked ready to take some big swings.
Parker Meadows, Detroit’s No. 16 prospect, used the opportunity to represent his organization. Sort of. He was suited up as the caddy of Tiger Woods.
Witch prospect had the best costume? Walker cast his vote for Pages’ Cartman.
“Pedro’s was my favorite costume. It was good vibes,” he said. “We’re out here to get work in; we’re also out here to have fun. It’s a pretty good time out here.”