Batting practice may look like a time for warming up, doing some fielding drills and chatting up random cute girls in the stands -- but Jonathan Papelbon uses the BP time to educate Hideki Okajima on the finer points of gambling.
During the Red Sox recent trip to Detroit, eagle-eyed commenter joyosity spotted Papelbon drawing something in the warning track dirt while gesturing and excitedly talking to Okajima and his translater. On closer inspection, she discovered Papelbon's artwork was really a giant replica of a craps table -- and Okajima was learning the art of being a high roller.
I can see a series of "Gambling With The Sox" videos in the future. Mike Timlin can lecture on how to win at blackjack while double-fisting Bud Lights, Josh Beckett can teach folks how bringing a loaded deer rifle to the poker table is an excellent way to win at Texas Hold 'Em, and Manny Ramirez can tell everyone how fun it is to play slots because of all of the pretty pictures and flashing lights. Wheeee!
And, of course, joyosity was quick enough to take a little bit of video of Vegas Master Papelbon and his two Gambling Proteges:
Hat tip to joyosity for the photos and video!
on May 12, 2008 2:39 PM
HA! That's hilarious. Paps is always ready to give his fellow ball players an education on something.
I could have used his help in Vegas a few weeks ago. Craps is so not my game. :)