Spencer Strider, a pitcher for the Atlanta Braves organization, made headlines when he decided to change his number from 73 to 99. This decision sparked curiosity among fans and the media as to why he made the switch.
As it turns out, Strider changed his number to pay homage to one of his favorite fictional baseball characters, Rick Vaughn. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind Strider’s decision and shed some light on the character of Rick Vaughn from the 1989 film Major League.
We will also discuss the reaction to Strider’s number change and its significance in the world of sports.
Who is Spencer Strider?
Spencer Strider is a professional baseball player who was born on January 11, 1999, in Knoxville, Tennessee. He attended high school at Christian Academy of Knoxville, where he was a standout pitcher on the baseball team.
Strider went on to play college baseball at Clemson University, where he was a two-time All-ACC selection.
In 2020, Strider was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the fourth round of the MLB draft. He made his professional debut with the Danville Braves of the Rookie-level Appalachian League that same year, where he recorded a 1.50 ERA over six innings pitched.
Strider continued to impress in his second professional season, earning a promotion to the Rome Braves of the Low-A East League.
Before changing his number to 99, Strider wore No. 73 throughout his college and professional career. He wore this number during his time at Clemson and during his first season with the Braves organization.
Who is Rick Vaughn?
Rick Vaughn is a character from the 1989 comedy film Major League. He is a wild and unpredictable relief pitcher for the Cleveland Indians, who is known for his fastball and erratic control.
Vaughn is initially introduced as a prison inmate who is recruited to play for the Indians as part of a scheme by the team’s owner to deliberately field a losing team in order to relocate the franchise.
Throughout the film, Vaughn’s personality is portrayed as rebellious, brash, and confident. He is often seen wearing a pair of sunglasses, which earned him the nickname “Wild Thing” from his fans.
Despite his flaws, Vaughn possesses a deep passion for baseball and a desire to succeed, which is shown when he trains with a veteran catcher and his former rival, Jake Taylor.
By the end of the film, Vaughn becomes a key player in the Indians’ run to the playoffs and earns the respect of his teammates and fans. His iconic entrance to the song “Wild Thing” by The Troggs has become a memorable moment in film history.
Why Did Spencer Strider Change His Number?
- Spencer Strider is a big fan of the movie Major League and admires the character Rick Vaughn.
- Strider sees similarities between himself and Vaughn in terms of their intensity and passion for the game.
- Strider also admires Vaughn’s attitude and the way he overcomes adversity.
- In an interview with MLB.com, Strider explained that he decided to change his number to No. 99 in honor of Rick Vaughn.
- Strider wanted to pay tribute to the character who had inspired him and show his appreciation for the film.
- Strider believed that changing his number would bring him good luck and help him perform better on the field.
- By changing his number, Strider has shown his love for the film Major League, his respect for the game of baseball, and the players who have come before him.
- The gesture has caught the attention of fans and the media, highlighting Strider’s passion and dedication to the sport.
Reaction to the Number Change
Spencer Strider’s decision to change his number from 73 to 99 in honor of Rick Vaughn has generated significant buzz among fans and the media. Many fans have praised Strider’s dedication to the film and the game of baseball, while others have expressed surprise and amusement at the number change.
The media has also taken notice of Strider’s decision, with several outlets covering the story and speculating on its significance. Some have even compared the move to other instances of athletes paying tribute to fictional characters, such as when NFL quarterback Cam Newton wore cleats featuring the likeness of Superman.
As for Strider’s teammates and coaches, they have been supportive of his decision to change his number. In an interview with MLB.com, Strider’s coach at Clemson, Monte Lee, praised his former player’s work ethic and dedication to the game. Strider’s teammates with the Danville Braves and Rome Braves have also supported him, with some even jokingly referring to him as “Wild Thing” in reference to Rick Vaughn.
Overall, the reaction to Spencer Strider’s number change has been positive and has helped to further endear him to fans and fellow players alike.
Spencer Strider’s Number Change
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Who is Spencer Strider? | A pitcher for the Atlanta Braves organization who played college baseball at Clemson University |
| Previous number | 73 |
| New number | 99 |
| Who is Rick Vaughn? | A character from the 1989 film Major League, portrayed by Charlie Sheen |
| Why did Strider change his number? | To pay homage to Rick Vaughn, whom Strider admires and sees similarities with |
| Reaction to the number change | Mostly positive, with fans, media, and teammates supporting Strider’s decision |
| Other examples of athletes paying tribute to fictional characters | Cam Newton wearing Superman cleats, Kobe Bryant’s “Black Mamba” nickname |
| Other ways players show appreciation for pop culture | Incorporating references into pre-game rituals or celebrations |
| Strider’s other interests/hobbies | Listening to music, playing guitar, interested in coaching/sports management |
Note that this table is not exhaustive and could be expanded with additional information or categories as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What impact does a player’s number have on their performance?
While the number a player wears does not have a direct impact on their performance, it can be a source of motivation and inspiration for the player. Changing one’s number to pay tribute to a favorite player or fictional character can help increase a player’s passion and commitment to the game, which can lead to improved performance.
Are there any other examples of athletes paying tribute to fictional characters?
Yes, there have been several instances of athletes paying tribute to their favorite fictional characters. NFL quarterback Cam Newton famously wore cleats featuring the likeness of Superman during a game, while NBA player Kobe Bryant was known for his nickname “Black Mamba,” which was inspired by the character played by Uma Thurman in the film Kill Bill.
What other ways do players show their appreciation for pop culture?
Some players may incorporate pop culture references into their pre-game rituals or celebrations. For example, former NFL player Chad Johnson (previously known as Chad Ochocinco) was known for performing unique touchdown celebrations, many of which were inspired by popular movies or TV shows.
Does Spencer Strider have any other interests or hobbies outside of baseball?
While Strider is primarily focused on his baseball career, he has mentioned in interviews that he enjoys listening to music and playing guitar in his free time. He has also expressed an interest in pursuing a career in coaching or sports management after his playing days are over.
To Recap
Spencer Strider’s decision to change his number from 73 to 99 in honor of Rick Vaughn from the movie Major League has demonstrated his passion and dedication to the game of baseball.
By paying tribute to one of his favorite fictional characters, Strider has shown his respect for the sport’s history and the players who have come before him.
While some may have been surprised by Strider’s decision, it has generated positive reactions from fans and the media alike. It has also earned him the support of his teammates and coaches, who appreciate his hard work and dedication to the game.
Overall, Spencer Strider’s number change serves as a reminder of the power of film and its ability to inspire and motivate athletes at all levels. It is a small gesture that demonstrates Strider’s love for both the game of baseball and the characters that make it so memorable.
