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How Garth Brooks’ Diving Catch Changed Craig Counsell’s Batting Stance: A Tale of Unlikely Inspiration

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Garth Brooks, the country singer, once had an impact on an MLB player's batting stance. Craig Counsell, who is now the manager of the Chicago Cubs, had a successful career as a professional baseball player for over a decade, starting in 1995 and ending in 2007.

Counsell was famous for his unique batting stance where he would hold his bat high up in the air. The reason behind this peculiar stance remained a mystery, as he never provided any explanation for it.

After Counsell was appointed as the manager of the Chicago Cubs, he participated in the 2024 Cubs Convention, where an individual finally inquired about the reason behind his previous habit of holding the bat at a high position in the air.

He holds Garth Brooks responsible for it.

Counsell clarifies that during his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers at spring training, he wasn't skilled at hitting and struggled to get any hits.

During spring training, I hit a strong hit towards the left field. Excitement rushed through me as I thought it would be my first successful hit. Without wasting a moment, I focused on running towards first base while keeping my head down. The crowd erupted in wild cheers, adding to my exhilaration. However, when I glanced up, I was stunned to see that Garth Brooks had made an incredible diving catch in left field, preventing me from breaking my 0-4 streak.

The individuals attending the press conference were highly amused by this story.

The following day, I was let go. I had a conversation with myself, questioning why I was unable to achieve any successes. This led me to raise my hands high up in the air, and surprisingly, it made a difference!

I hold Garth Brooks responsible for a terrible way of standing when batting in baseball.

Brooks, who is recognized as an iconic figure in the music industry, had a passion for sports during his childhood. He actively participated in baseball and track and field. Despite having three opportunities to join the New York Mets, he unfortunately did not secure a spot on the team.

Evan Paul is the person in charge of Taste of Country Nights, a radio program that is broadcasted on over 120 country radio stations across the country. The show airs every evening from 7PM until midnight. Evan Paul showcases the finest new country music during the show and also conducts interviews with some of the biggest stars in the industry, including Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Dan + Shay, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Chris Stapleton, Lady A, Morgan Wallen, and many more.

Take a look inside the beach house of Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood located in Malibu. The photo gallery is credited to Sterling Whitaker.

Photos: Take a Look Inside the Beautiful Palm Beach Townhouse Owned by Sean Hannity

Photo Credit: Sterling Whitaker

The following list ranks the 30 saddest country songs of all time. Credit for the accompanying gallery goes to Carena Liptak.

Additional content from Taste of Country can be found here. Find out more information about

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