When Gerardo Parra was identified as up from Triple-A on Sunday, just one of the key inquiries Nationals followers experienced was, “Will ‘Baby Shark’ return to Nats Park?”
Considerably to fans’ delight, Parra has saved Pinkfong’s hit as his walk-up song. Hundreds of happy admirers sang and clapped with shark motions when Parra headed to the plate as a pinch-hitter for pitcher Kyle Finnegan, placing the stage for Parra to strike a double in his 1st at-bat at Nationals Park in 602 times.
“[I was] pleased, delighted to see all the followers stand up and play ‘Baby Shark.’ It felt like a return to 2019 again,” Parra claimed following the match. “I’m happy for that.”
Even next baseman Josh Harrison, who wasn’t on the 2019 workforce, joined the fun from the dugout on Sunday, smiling and generating “Baby Shark” hand motions.
Parra’s strike was followed by Kyle Schwarber’s third house run of the night time, putting the Nationals up 5-2 and securing a unforgettable victory above the initial-spot New York Mets.
Here’s how “Baby Shark” has brought so considerably joy to Washington.
Might 9, 2019
Gerardo Parra signed a one-12 months deal with the Washington Nationals. The subsequent day, he strike a grand slam from the Dodgers.
June 19, 2019
Wanting to get out of a hitting slump, Parra modified his walk-up tune to Pinkfong’s hit, “Baby Shark.”
“I wished to set on a little something different,” Parra mentioned postgame. “My [then-two-year-old daughter Aaliyah Victoria] loves that track. Just before the video game, I tried using merengue, reggaeton, hip-hop, then I stated, ‘You know what, I want to place in Toddler Shark.’ I’m pleased for that.”
Parra went 2-for-4 with one particular run and two RBI in that recreation in opposition to the Philadelphia Phillies. It was his 1st multi-strike video game since June 1 and his fourth with the Nationals, and helped safe the team’s 6-2 victory.
And thus, the legend of Parra Shark commenced.
The workforce and the supporters swiftly embraced “Baby Shark,” and it became the new unofficial staff anthem, with players using “Baby Shark” hand motions to rejoice receiving on base and lovers dancing together every single time Parra stepped up to the plate.
Prior to modifying his song, the Nationals ended up 33-38. Afterwards, the workforce went 60-31 to complete the period and clinched a playoff berth.
Parra’s component in the team’s success went further than just his stroll-up track and his efficiency on the discipline. His cheerful presence, crimson-tinted sun shades, hugs and dancing brought the staff collectively and designed chemistry in the clubhouse.
Davey Martinez advised reporters in October 2019 about a discussion he experienced had with Parra before in the time when the outfielder was having difficulties at the plate.
“I reported, ‘I really don’t care if you might be 2-for-100, your work is to provide the power each one day. That is who you are.’ I reported, ‘You enjoy that new music loud. You pump up the men.’ I explained, ‘You’re the male that brings that electrical power each individual day,’ and he just seemed at me, and he goes, ‘You’re ideal,’” Martinez recalled.
October 14, 2019
Parra received a package deal of singing “Baby Shark” puppets from the maker, WowWee, prior to Sport 3 of the Championship Series in opposition to the St. Louis Cardinals. He hung a single from the dugout fence for superior luck and saved 1 there for the duration of postseason engage in. The plush shark proved to be an powerful excellent luck charm, as the Nats went on to sweep the Cardinals in the National League Championship Sequence then win their initial Environment Sequence title in 7 game titles against the Houston Astros.
Parra carried the toy shark with him through the Nats’ parade and celebrations in 2019. Two decades later on, lovers hope the fantastic luck even now is effective.
