The 2019 Washington Nationals have become synonymous with the song “Baby Shark” and it is all because of Gerardo Parra.
Parra, started the season off with the San Fransisco Giants, but was cut in May. Washington then decided to take a chance and on May 9, they signed the 33-year-old to a one year deal. This move would instrumental in Washington winning the World Series. The Veteran showed a glimpse of what he would end up bringing to the team on May 11 when he hit the go-ahead grand slam against the Dodgers.
Fast forward a month later, and Parra had rejuvenated the Nationals’ dugout with energy. He brought energy to a club that was on the verge of collapse and jump-started the team. Parra made it a rule that whenever a player hit a homer, they would dance in the dugout to celebrate. Then Parra changed his walk-up song to “Baby Shark”, and quickly after became a fan favorite. The song became a battle cry and brought joy to a fan base who were previously filled with emptiness.
Today it was announced that outfielder and Gerardo Parra has left the MLB and is signing with the Yomiuri Giants of Japan. He agreed to a one year deal worth $2 million with bonuses up to $500,000 and a vesting option for $3 million. Parra signed for more than he would have gotten from the Nationals or probably any other MLB team. But now he gets the opportunity to have more playing time. In Washington he became the fourth outfielder, mostly coming off the bench. He finished the season hitting .234, with nine homers and 48 RBIs in 274 at-bats. Next year, Parra will receive more playing time and will bring the same energy to his new team that he brought to the Nats.
While it is sad to see him go, it is time. So Thank You for everything Gerardo Parra. And one last time.
One more time #BabyShark #Nats pic.twitter.com/gjXiNpKERw
— Byron Kerr (@ByronKerr) November 20, 2019
Feature Image From WTOP.com.
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