With bat dogs, wacky mascots and colorful alternate identities, many Minor Leagues ballparks resemble the circus. But Jacksonville¡¯s VyStar Ballpark supplied the on-field act to go with the atmosphere on Saturday night when in the sixth inning, Jumbo Shrimp infielder Jack Winkler showcased a skill typically reserved for between-inning entertainment -- juggling.
Jacksonville was playing host to Gwinnett and leading 2-0 when Carlos Rodr¨ªguez came to the plate with a runner on. He skied a ball that sent Winkler, the third baseman, running into foul territory. After traversing the bullpen mound, Winkler made a basket catch, only to have the ball bounce out of his glove and onto his shoulder. With a nifty bit of sleight of hand, he spun as the ball rolled down his back, snagging it with his bare hand before it could touch the ground.
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While Winkler took center stage for the Jumbo Shrimp, it¡¯s just the latest stop in his traveling act. The Marlins purchased his contract from the Athletics in the Triple-A phase of the Rule 5 Draft this offseason. This is his first time playing at the Triple-A level, and his performance has been worthy of center ring. Through 14 games, he is batting .298 with two home runs -- and one sensational catch -- to boot.
It¡¯s unlikely that Winkler will trade the ballpark for the big top but the acrobatic grab was certainly worth the price of admission.