Garth Brooks, the country music artist, once influenced a professional baseball player to alter his batting stance. Craig Counsell, who is now the manager of the Chicago Cubs, had a successful career as a baseball player in the major leagues from 1995 to 2007.
Counsell was famous for his unique approach to batting, as he would hold his bat high up in the air, leaving people curious about the reason behind this unconventional stance. Surprisingly, Counsell never offered an explanation for it, keeping the mystery alive.
After being appointed as the Chicago Cubs' manager, Counsell participated in the 2024 Cubs Convention, during which someone inquired about the reason behind his habit of holding the bat at a high position in the air.
He attributes the problem to Garth Brooks.
Counsell explains that during his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers at spring training, he struggled as a hitter and couldn't manage to get any hits.
During a spring training game, I enthusiastically smacked a powerful hit towards the left field. I was overjoyed, thinking it was my first base hit. With my head down, I sprinted towards first base while the crowd erupted in excitement. However, when I raised my head, I was astonished to see Garth Brooks making a remarkable diving catch in left field, preventing me from breaking my 0-4 streak.
The people attending the press conference were highly amused by this story.
The following day, I was set free. I engaged in a personal conversation, questioning myself, "Why am I unable to achieve any successes?" This inner dialogue motivated me to raise my hands high up in the air. Surprisingly, this action proved to be helpful!
Garth Brooks is the one I hold responsible for my terrible batting stance.
Brooks, who is renowned as one of the most prominent figures in music history, also had a passion for sports during his childhood. He actively participated in baseball and track and field events. Despite having three opportunities to join the New York Mets, he unfortunately did not secure a spot on the team.
Evan Paul is a radio personality who hosts a popular show called Taste of Country Nights. This syndicated radio show is broadcasted on over 120 country radio stations across the country, airing every evening from 7PM to midnight. Evan Paul curates and plays the latest and greatest country music, while also conducting interviews with the biggest stars in the industry. Some of the notable artists he has interviewed include Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Dan + Shay, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Chris Stapleton, Lady A, Morgan Wallen, and many more.
Take a sneak peek into the beautiful Malibu beach house owned by Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood. The pictures in the gallery are credited to Sterling Whitaker.
Photos: Take a look inside the beautiful Palm Beach townhouse owned by Sean Hannity. The photo gallery is credited to Sterling Whitaker.
The list of the 30 most melancholic country songs of all time, ranked in order of their emotional impact. Credit for the accompanying gallery
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