Rich Hill Will Not Be Shown Up

The Cubs crushed the Roy Oswalt and the Astros today, but that's not really that important or surprising. Bigger news would be that we're suddenly in the heat of a division race, trailing the struggling Brewers by only 3.5 games, but again, that is not the story of the game. No, what really matters today is that the Cubs have another pitcher who moonlights as a comedian/impressionist.

During today's FOX intro for the Cubs lineup, Rich Hill went with a solid imitation of the character Kip Dynamite from the movie Napoleon Dynamite. At first, when I had no idea what was going on, I thought maybe he had been stung by a bee on his tongue. It was that good, and definitely gave Ryan Dempster and his Harry Caray impression a run for his money. I can't find any video of the intro right now, but if I do it'll be up here faster than you can say quesadilla.

(I didn't like that movie, by the way. Supposedly it gets funnier the more you watch it, but by the time I did see it I had already heard all the jokes. And why would I watch it again if it sucked the first time?)

EDIT: Here's another video of Dempster's Harry Caray impression, still can't find the one he did for FOX though. If you find a link to the FOX videos for either Hill or Dempster, I'll send you a dollar. For real. Do it.




EDIT x2: Brilliant reader skr found the video and gave it to me for free! How thoughtful.



Via Texas Gal's baseball blog Center Field

Channeling Harry Caray

Even while he's on the disabled list, Ryan Dempster shows he's still got talent.

When the Cubs first came up to bat in today's game, Dempster had the task of introducing the Cubs batting order for FOX. He did so in a near-perfect imitation of Will Ferrell's Harry Caray skit from Saturday Night Live. I'm not a big fan of the original skit because it shows Harry as a delusional old man who loves Budweiser, even if that may not be too far from the truth.

Apparently this is not the first time Dempster has done this impression, as I found this video from Mesa in 2005 where he does a short rendition of it. I'll try to find video of today's introduction, as it will probably be the best part of the game with the Cubs down 9-2 in the 3rd at the moment.

Rod Beck, You Will be Missed

Former Cubs closer Rod Beck died Saturday at the young age of 38. I'm sure most Cubs fans remember his phenomenal season in 1998, when he compiled 51 saves and only 4 losses. Ryan Dempster could learn a thing or 12 from him. First step Ryan, grow a phenomenal mustache.

In all seriousness though, we extend our sincerest condolences to Rod's family. The big guy will be missed.