VIDEO: Tim Anderson's Full Comments on the Art of the Bat Flip Absolutely Rule
By Brendan Balsamo
Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson gained notoriety around the MLB not only for his great performances in 2019, but for his even more stellar bat flips. This week, NBC Sports Chicago welcomed Anderson onto a segment called "The Art of the Bat Flip," and when host Chuck Garfien asked Anderson about the bat flip he showd off against Kansas City Royals pitcher Brad Keller in 2019, he had the best possible response.
"I hurt [the pitcher's] feelings, but so what? This is not about him. This about me and my squad."
— White Sox Talk (@NBCSWhiteSox) March 5, 2020
The art of the bat flip, presented by the one and only @TimAnderson7. Full ? is right here: https://t.co/6pMoleGqot pic.twitter.com/87V4A1ZkW9
Ah. Truly a master of his craft.
When Anderson said that he hurt Keller's feelings with that bat flip, you realized that the man truly has no care for what pitchers think when he goes for the big flourish. It's just something he does so he can celebrate with his teammates at a big moment in the game, and it's hard to argue with the sheer electricity of it.
Chicago @whitesox SS Tim Anderson is already set for the Field of Dreams game in Iowa ???
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 3, 2020
(via @TimAnderson7) pic.twitter.com/eTcrpFyxsy
Anderson is a compelling ambassador for changing the game to make it more appealing to the younger generation. Baseball is losing viewership in many ways because of its aging traditions and inability to connect with a new and younger audience, and Anderson changing the game with his bat flips and celebrations is bringing needed energy and style to the sport.