Jazz Chisholm Jr, the New York Yankees mid-skid addition, had a blazing start to his Yankees career. Having debuted in Yankee uniform during the road series against Boston Red Sox and the Phillies, Jazz not only accommodated himself at third base but also tonked four home runs in four games.
After an underwhelming start with the Miami Marlins, Jazz Chisholm Jr is showing signs of a breakthrough with the change of scenery. That being said, Chisholm made his official debut in pinstripes for the first time on Friday and his debut roll was interesting as the slugger paid tribute to his sporting idol.
Jazz Chisholm Mimics Kobe Bryant To Address His Maiden Yankee Roll Call
Jazz Chisholm Jr turned into an overnight sensation for the New York Yankees fans following his dual multi-homer games against the Phillies earlier this week. He went deep twice on Tuesday and Wednesday to become the first Yankee in franchise history to score four home runs in the first three games. Having said that, on Friday, it was finally time for the home fans to shower Jazz with some love and welcome him to the ball club. Interestingly, During his first roll call, a tradition where Yankee fans chant the names of players in the field, Chisholm acknowledged the crowd by striking a basketball dunk pose. This gesture was a clear tribute to late NBA legend Kobe Bryant.
Notably, Jazz Chisholm Jr used to idolise Kobe Bryant until the latter’s unfortunate accident in 2020, where he lost his life in a helicopter crash. However, the memories of Kobe are still alive in millions of fans’ hearts, including Jazz. Hence, he used the unique roll call moment to pay his respects to his sporting idol. Meanwhile, Jazz Chisholm Jr, after playing in the shadows for low-ranked teams, finally got an opportunity to play under the city lights of New York. While many newcomers would often feel intimidated, Chisholm Jr instead embraced the challenge. “I like to [play] under the lights, I like to play for winning teams. I like to win,” Jazz said. Not only that, the slugger thanked the fans for unconditional love. He also acknowledged the privilege of having the support of big players like Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, who always pushed him to strive for excellence.
Yankees Radio Host-Marlins Ex-Executive Clash Over Chisholm’s Criticism
Meanwhile, Miami Marlins ex-team president David Samson criticised Jazz Chisholm Jr for being an average player. He predicted his regression at the Yankees despite a strong start and ridiculed his antics. However, the criticism didn’t sit well with WFAN host Greg Giannott as he launched a verbal attack on Samson.
“David Samson sounds like a annoying defence attorney. Shut up, you little twerp,” Giannotti said. However, David Samson also didn’t hold back and fired back with a heated tweet. “Twerp? Is that the best you got? Disappointing,” Samson wrote in his tweet. Notably, Samson wasn’t a part of the Marlins when Jazz Chisholm Jr joined the team. Still, he deemed the slugger an overrated player.
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