Ah the hubris of comparing oneself to one of the greatest movie characters of all time, from “Major League,” one of the greatest movies of all time. However, that’s exactly what Chicago Cubs pitcher Randy Wells did.
Here’s the quote in the Chicago Tribune
“Last year I got caught up in a lot of stuff,” Wells said Wednesday at a Cubs Caravan luncheon at Harry Caray‘s restaurant. “I maybe got too big for my britches.”
Wells likened his season to that of fictional pitcher Ricky “Wild Thing” Vaughn in the sequel of “Major League.” After a successful season in the original film, Wells said Vaughn’s character “turned into a businessman/pretty boy” in “Major League 2.”
Wells went 8-14 with a 4.26 earned-run average, after a strong rookie season in which he won 12 games with a 3.05 ERA. After opening the 2010 season by starting the third game in Atlanta, he’ll now be competing with five or six pitchers for two vacancies in the rotation
Very true. Vaughn did sell out and go mainstream after being such a “rebel bad boy” in his rookie season. But at least in his sophomore season, Vaughn got laid without having to be punched in the face afterward for doing so; unlike his rookie year. Actually, in his second season he got two girls instead of one.
Any time a MLB player makes this type of comparison, it’s news. period. Even though some blogs might not be amused by it. Something called Hardball Talk, whatever that is, had this to say:
He should never be forgiven, however, for watching and referencing “Major League 2.” Indeed, I hope whoever is in charge of the Cubs’ kangaroo court this spring fines him severely for that.
ML2 is significantly worse than the original, I’ll give you that. But it’s not a bad movie, not at all. Any film with the Chicago White Sox as the villain is alright in my book. It’s more original than having the Yankees as the bad guys; like the first movie did.
Let’s hope for the sake of Cubs fans, Wells doesn’t do a ML3 in his third season though. Because then he’ll be “Back to the Minors” of course. I never did see that movie, mostly because 1.) Al Bundy’s neighbor is not leading man material; he’s a great bit player though 2.) I’ve heard it’s worse than Leonard Part 6, Dude Where’s My Car? and Howard the Duck combined.
Paul M. Banks is CEO of The Sports Bank.net , a Midwest webzine. He’s also a regular contributor to the Tribune’s Chicago Now network, Walter Football.com, Yardbarker Network, and Fox Sports.com
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